LEARJET LONGHORN 54/55/56

1978’€“94

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Learjet Longhorn series comprises five models (28, 29, 54, 55, 56), differentiated by their engines: General Electric turbojets for the 28/29 and Garrett AiResearch fanjets for the 54/55/56.
  • A revolutionary wing design, featuring near-vertical winglets replacing traditional tiptanks, is central to the Longhorn series' innovations.
  • This advanced wing improves aerodynamics, leading to greater fuel efficiency, enhanced flight performance at various altitudes, and significantly improved short-field capabilities.
  • The Learjet 28/29 models uniquely boast the ability to climb directly from takeoff to 51,000 feet, a feature unmatched by other business jets.
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Learjet Longhorn
STANDARD DATA: (54) Seats 12. Gross wt. 10,216. Fuel capacity 825. Engines two 3,650-lb. s.t. Garrett AiResearch fanjets.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 550. Stall mph 100. Initial climb rate 5,380. Ceiling 51,000. Range 2,300. Balanced field length 3,520.

STANDARD DATA: (55) Seats 12. Gross wt. 18,500. Empty wt. 10,216. Fuel capacity 985. Engines two 3,650-lb. s.t. Garrett AiResearch fanjets.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 550. Stall mph 100. Initial climb rate 5,020. Ceiling 51,000. Range 2,825. Balanced field length 3,900.

STANDARD DATA: (56) Seats 12. Gross wt. 20,000. Empty wt. 10,257. Fuel capacity 1,194. Engines two 3,650-lb. s.t. Garrett AiResearch fanjets.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 550. Stall mph 100. Initial climb rate 4,700. Ceiling 51,000. Range 3,380. Balanced field length 4,160.

STANDARD DATA: (28) Seats 12. Gross wt. 15,000. Empty wt. 7,895. Fuel capacity 697. Engines two 2,950-lb. s.t. General Electric turbojets.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 550. Stall mph 91. Initial climb rate 6,350. Ceiling 51,000. Range 1,525. Balanced field length 2,520.

STANDARD DATA: (29) Seats 10. Gross wt. 15,000. Empty wt. 7,824. Fuel capacity 786. Engines two 2,950-lb. s.t. General Electric turbojets.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 550. Stall mph 91. Initial climb rate 6,110. Ceiling 51,000. Range 1,780. Balanced field length 2,700.

Learjet’s Longhorn series combines a revolutionary wing design, two of the most advanced engines introduced to the market, and 51,000-foot performance. The line of five aircraft has been designated the Learjet 28 and Learjet 29, both powered by General Electric turbojets, and the Learjet 54/55/56, and those three are powered by twin Garrett AiResearch fanjets. All the models are designed with a larger wing incorporating near-vertical winglets that have replaced the traditional Learjet tiptanks. The wing’s increased aspect ratio and super-critical winglets provide substantial aerodynamic improvements that in turn produce greater fuel efficiency and improved flight performance at high and low altitudes. The wing also has been responsible for significantly improved short-field performance. The balanced field length for the 28/29 series is only 2,520 feet and 3,520 feet for the 54/55/56 series. In addition, the 28/29 is able to climb from takeoff directly to 51,000 feet, something no other business jet can do.

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