Bombardier released the info yesterday: the next Learjet model (code-name Learjet 85) will be fully built with composite. In my very personal vocabulary, it will be a plastic plane !

Thanks to the use of composite, the plane will be lighter, and generate less drag, both factors leading to increased range. This is a perfect example of modern design benefits.

However, composite can’t be used as metal. The technology is different and requires different skills, and this is why Bombardier established a strong partnership with a leading composite aviation company. Can you guess which one ?

Those of you who think of Cirrus or Diamond are dreamers, and I would have loved the idea of Bombardier co-operating with one of the new actors of the market, but no. The partner will be Grob Aerospace, a company delivering composite aircrafts since 1971.

Grob will be in charge of developing the aircraft’s primary and secondary structure, and will take part in systems integration.

It makes no doubt that as any new design, the Learjet 85 will be fitted with a glass-cockpit, and I can’t wait until knowing which one. The good old Honeywell Primus, or something more recent, like a G1000 ? I never got the chance to fly a G1000 with the external keyboard, but this is not far from a full FMS.

If you don’t agree, we can start an argument to know why the Cessna Citation Mustang is equipped with a dual G1000…

A few complementary links:
Bombardier anouncement on Learjet 85
Grob anouncement on Learjet 85
Learjet 85 website