The Learjet 35 is the most popular thus far. First released in 1973 it was the fastest medium-haul jet of its time. As of 2020, the Learjet 35's were the most sold Learjets compared to any other Learjet. Over 730 Learjet 35s were made, with about 400 still in service. The Learjet 35 was primarily used for Private aviation and for Military Transport, but it also made its mark in the film industry. It was equipped with a camera to film aerial sequences for the movie 'The Final Countdown'. The Learjet 35 also appeared in Fast and Furious 6, and Prison Break.

The development of the Learjet 35

The Learjet 35 was developed after adding additional features for the Learjet 25. The Learjet 25 was in service for 16 years and was modified numerous times, introducing the Learjet 25B, Learjet 25C and Learjet 25D. In the 1970s, the Learjet was one of the most successful business jets. With ongoing improvements, Learjet 25D has upgraded engines, going from the CJ610-6 to the General Electric CJ610-8A, and a higher cruising altitude.

As Learjet was working on improving their Learjet 25 variants, they decided to rename their newest Learjet 25 model to the Learjet 35 as after testing, the new model produced more power and less noise. At the time, this jet had the latest turbofan engines, TFE731, mounted on the left side instead of the usual General Electric CJ610 engines. Due to the new engines being put in place, the aircraft benefited by having more power and being quieter, so the model name changed from Learjet 25B-GF (Garret Fan) to Learjet 35, which is also shorter, making it much easier to remember.

The Learjet 25 model with the TFE731 engine on the left side first flew in May 1971; the official Learjet 35 flew 2 years later in August 1973. The improvements to the Learjet 35 eventually led to the Learjet 36 and Learjet 31. Both Learjet 35 and Learjet 36 stayed in production until 1994. In 1990, Bombardier, a military aviation company, brought Learjet, making Learjet its subsidiary.

The Learjet 35's operational history

In 1973, Learjet 35 was the fastest business jet on the market, meaning that it was an attractive jet for potential customers, allowing them to save time and money. Due to its speed and range, many leaders preferred the Learjet 35 as their primary jet, including leaders from Brazil, Chile, Finland, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.

In 1976, Arnold Palmer, a professional golfer, used the Learjet 35 to create a round-the-world record. He used the jet to travel 22, 894 miles (36, 844 km). This trip took him 57 hours, 25 minutes and 42 seconds.

20 years later, in 1996, Bill Daniels, cable television founder, used the Learjet 36 to break Arnold Palmer's record. Daniels' round-the-world flight took him 49 hours 21 minutes and 8 seconds.

During the Cold War, (12th March 1947 - 3rd December 1989) the Finnish Air Force used the Learjet 35 and the Learjet 36 for airborne warning and control systems (AWACS). During the Falklands War, the Learjet 35s were used for Arjentina's Escuadrón Fénix for diversion and renascence flights.

The private aviation variants of the Learjet 35

Learjet 35

The model Learjet 35 was powered by 2 TFE731-2-2A engines. It was also 13 inches longer than the Learjet 25. The Learjet 35 became FAA-certified in July 1974. The Federal Aviation Authority will certify an aircraft once it meets all its requirements for safety by evaluating the maintenance and operational suitability before allowing it to enter public service.

Performance

Learjet 35A

The model 35A was equipped with two TFE731-2-2B engines and had a range of 2, 789 miles (4488 km). It also had a fuel capacity of 931 gallons (3524 liters). Only produced two years later it started to replace the Learjet 35 in 1976. In 1993, with it ended production it is known that 677 Learjet 35As were built.

Performance

The military variants of the Learjet 35

Learjet 35 was not only used for private aviation but also for Militaryaviation.

C-21A

The United States Air Force used the Learjet 35A which was available at the time for medical evacuations. The aircraft has 42 ft^3 of cargo space available and can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The C-21A fleet began in April 1984 and was completed in October 1985. In total, there are 37 of this Learjet 35 aircraft variant; 37 in the US military, and 19 in the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base in the US military.

The C-21A fleet has had an upgrade, for $38 million (£30 million) primarily due to having to meet the requirements for the Federal Aviation Authority. The upgrades lead to an improvement in safety, such as an advanced technical air navigation system and colour weather radar which improves pilots' situational awareness.

U-36A

The Japanese used the training version of the Learjet 36A for utility transport. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force built 6 of the U-36A variants for utility transport. They equipped the U-36A with:

• A radar: uses radio waves to determine radial distance, velocity and direction
• Avionics: electronic instruments
• Firing devices
• Ejector pylon: used to release external stores
• Communication systems: examples include high-frequency and satellite communications
• Target towing system: being equipped with the resources required to tow a form of target such as a drone
• Jammer system: blocking wireless communications

The interior and exterior of the Learjet 35

Interior

The Learjet 35 can accommodate up to eight passengers. According to Air Charter Service, the most popular configuration is having a club four or five at the rear, a club two at the front and a seat by the door. There is plenty of space to swivel the seats and recline, along with five windows along each side of the cabin, allowing everyone to have that all-so-popular window seat. Additionally, there are forty cubic feet of storage at the back of the jet, allowing for each passenger to bring along one standard suitcase each (approx. 28" x 17" x 10" or 71 x 43 x 26 cm).

"A Learjet that is in 'good' condition can cost around $8 million (£6.41 million)"

Exterior

According to Abla & Boroughs in their paper titled 'ANALYSIS OF THE LEARJET 35/36 WING AND CORRELATION WITH EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS' the wings on the Learjet 35 8-spar wet wings, meaning that there are 8 spars integrated into the structure. The Learjet 35 also had fuel tanks on either side of the wing tips, allowing it to have more fuel.

Other interesting specifications of the Learjet 35

Performance

Weights

The Learjet 35 became so popular for its excellent range. Its Honeywell engines provided 3, 500 pounds of thrust and allowed it to land on short runways. It burnt little fuel compared to its competitors and had good handling qualities, making it a better flying experience for its pilots.