Learjet 31
The Learjet 31 is an American built twin-engined, high speed business jet. Manufactured by Learjet, a subsidiary of Bombardier Aerospace, as the successor to the Learjet 29, it has a capacity of eight passengers and two crew.
Design and development
The first flight of the LJ31 took place on 11 May 1987. The Learjet 31A variant was introduced in October 1990. This version featured increased cruising speed, a digital avionics system with EFIS supplied by AlliedSignal and an instrument panel layout change. The nose gear wheel is steered by a Steer by Wire system. The windshield could be heated electrically.
The Learjet 31ER with increased range was produced.
The first 31A serial number 31A-035 entered service 15 August 1991. The 200th 31A was delivered in October 2000. The last 31A delivered, serial number 31A-242 was delivered on 1 October 2003.
By 2018, late 1990s to early 2000s Learjet 31As begin at $600,000.
Variants
Learjet 31
The Learjet Model 31 is, arguably, the ultimate realization of the original Learjet series dating back to the Model 23 of 1963. Essentially combining the fuselage and engines of the model 35/36 with the “Longhorn” wing of the 28, 29 and 55 models, results in performance which is equaled by few aircraft. Normal cruise altitudes range from 41,000 to 47,000 feet and the aircraft's maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet is a distinction shared by only a handful of civil aircraft. Improvements over earlier models, such as “Delta-Fins” and a “Ski-Locker” increased the utility and improved the performance of the model 31. The addition of Delta-Fins at the bottom of the empennage simplified the certification process of the aircraft by eliminating the need for a “stick pusher” stall avoidance device. Increased directional stability, as a result of the Delta-Fins, was also a welcome benefit. However, a small cabin with little baggage space and no galley, and relatively short range because the Learjet 35/36's tip tanks were eliminated in favor of the winglet-equipped Longhorn airfoil, led to only 38 Learjet 31s being built.
Learjet 31A/ER
The extended range version of the Learjet 31A, has a range of 1911 nm. Overall the numerous enhancements have led to more than 200 Learjet 31s in service with private operators and governments worldwide.
Operators