Learjet 85 makes first flight from Wichita

Bombardier Learjet 85's first take-off on maiden flight from Wichita

Bombardier Learjet 85 makes a successful maiden flight from Wichita, Kansas.

Bombardier Learjet 85’s first take-off on maiden flight from Wichita.

The Bombardier Learjet 85 has successfully completed its first flight, marking the start of the Learjet 85 flight test programme.

The aircraft (FTV1) departed from Wichita-Mid Continent International Airport and flew for approximately two hours and 15 minutes. The Learjet 85 reached an altitude of 30,000 ft (9,144 m) and an air speed of 250 knots (463 kmh / 287 mph).

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Éric Martel, president of Bombardier Business Aircraft, said: “The first flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft was a very proud and thrilling moment for all Bombardier employees.”

“Incredible hard work and dedication from our people went into this aircraft development program. This includes our sites in Wichita, Querétaro and Montréal, as well as our facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We are all very excited to see this new aircraft, the fastest and most spacious Learjet aircraft, take to the skies, and we look forward to a very successful flight test programme,” added Martel.

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Ralph Acs, vice president and general manager, Learjet 85 programme said: “Today marks a significant accomplishment for the Learjet 85 team. The aircraft performed very well. I would like to congratulate all the employees who have played a role in achieving FTV1’s maiden flight.”

The Learjet 85 comes with a Collins Pro-Line Fusion avionics suite, Pratt & Whitney PW307B turbofans and roughly 3,000 nautical miles of range.

It is expected to enter into service in the third quarter of 2014 and will retail for $20.75 million.