Bombardier Aerospace today
announced that the Learjet 85 aircraft successfully completed its first flight,
achieving a major milestone in a business aircraft development program that
will redefine the midsize segment. This first flight marks the start of the
Learjet 85 aircraft’s flight test program leading up to the first customer
delivery.

The Learjet 85 flight test vehicle one (FTV1) was flown by Captain Ed Grabman,
Chief Flight Test Pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center; assisted by his
co-pilot, Jim Dwyer; and Flight Test Engineer Nick Weyers. The flight departed
from Wichita-Mid Continent International Airport at 8:19 am CST.

During its maiden flight which lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, the
Learjet 85 aircraft reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 metres) and an air
speed of 250 knots (463 km/h; 287 mph). All flight controls were exercised with
the systems and aircraft performing as expected.

“The first flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft was a very proud and
thrilling moment for all Bombardier employees,” said Eric Martel,
President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Incredible hard work and
dedication from our people went into this aircraft development program. This
includes our sites in Wichita, Queretaro and Montreal, 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 program.”

Bombardier employees along with suppliers were on hand at the Bombardier
Wichita facility to celebrate this milestone flight and greet the Learjet 85
aircraft and test flight crew upon landing.

“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,” added Ralph
Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet 85 program.

The new Learjet 85 aircraft – Redefining the midsize segment

With a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft will be the
largest, fastest and most capable Learjet aircraft ever. True to its legendary
heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary
performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners
expect. The jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines,
each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust at sea level up to 86 degrees F
(30 degrees C) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx emitting
combustor offers reduced environmental impact. The aircraft targets a
high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of approximately
3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)(i).

The Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology, with superior
design elements for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The
latest in technological advancements and superior design aesthetics from the
Bombardier Vision flight deck offer pilots the most sophisticated cockpit in
its class.

The aircraft’s Cabin Management System will feature a high-capacity Ethernet
network, a digital amplifier to feed the high-fidelity speaker system and an
interface to support the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and
temperature control. The system’s open architecture also allows for easy
integration of third-party equipment and new applications, such as
high-definition features.

Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier has carried forward the
brand’s proud legacy by launching eight high-performance and fuel-efficient
Learjet aircraft.

Bombardier press release