Learjet 35

Learjet 35/36
Learjet 35A
Role	Business jet
Manufacturer	Learjet
First flight	22 August 1973
Status	Operational
Produced	1973-1994
Number built	738
Developed from	Learjet 25

The Learjet Model 35 and Model 36 are a series of American multi-role business jets and military transport aircraft manufactured by Learjet. When used by the United States Air Force they carry the designation C-21A.

The aircraft are powered by two Garrett TFE731-2 turbofan engines. Its cabin can be arranged for 6-8 passengers. The longer-range Model 36 has a shortened passenger area to provide more space in the aft fuselage for fuel tanks.

The engines are mounted in nacelles on the sides of the aft fuselage. The wings are equipped with single-slotted flaps. The wingtip fuel tanks distinguish the design from other aircraft having similar functions.

Development

The concept which became the LJ35 began as the Learjet 25BGF (with GF referring to "Garrett Fan"), a Learjet 25 with a then-new TFE731 turbofan engine mounted on the left side in place of the 25's General Electric CJ610 turbojet engine. This testbed aircraft first flew in May, 1971.^[1] As a result of the increased power and reduced noise of the new engine, Learjet further improved the design, and instead of being simply a variant of the 25, it became its own model, the 35.

Operational history

In 1976 American professional golfer Arnold Palmer used a Learjet 36 to establish a new round-the-world class record of 22,894 miles (36990 km) completed in 57 hours 25 minutes 42 seconds.^[2]

Learjet 35s made the bulk of Escuadrón Fénix during the 1982 Falklands War mainly on diversion flights.

Production on the 35/36 series ceased in 1994.^[3]

As of January, 2007, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board database^[4] lists 19 fatal accidents for the 35/35A, and two for the 36/36A.

Variants

Learjet 35

The original Model 35 was powered by two TFE731-2-2A engines and was 13 inches longer than its predecessor, the Model 25. First flight of the prototype Model 35 was on 22 August 1973, and the aircraft was FAA certified in July, 1974. It could carry up to eight passengers. There were 64 base-model 35s built.^[3]

Learjet 35A

The Model 35A is an upgraded Model 35 with TFE731-2-2B engines and a range of 2,789 miles, with a fuel capacity of 931 US gallons (3,524 L) with refueling accomplished at ground level through each wingtip tank. It was introduced in 1976, replacing the 35. Over 600 35As were built, with a production line that ended with serial number 677, in 1993.^[3]

On February 12, 1996, a Learjet 35A, N10BD,^[5] owned by Cable Television Founder Bill Daniels and piloted by Mark E. Calkins, Charles Conrad, Jr., Paul Thayer, and D. Miller completed an around-the-world flight in a record 49 hrs, 21 min, and 8 sec. The record remains standing as of 2015.^[6] This aircraft is now on display in Terminal C of Denver International Airport.^[7]

Military variants

C-21A

The C-21A is an "off the shelf" military variant of the Learjet 35A, with room for eight passengers and 42 ft³ (1.26 m³) of cargo. In addition to its normal role, the aircraft is capable of transporting litters during medical evacuations. Delivery of the C-21A fleet began in April 1984 and was completed in October 1985. Dyncorp International provides full contractor logistics support at seven worldwide locations.

There are 38 Air Force active duty aircraft, and 18 Air National Guard aircraft in the C-21A fleet. On 1 April 1997, all continental U.S.-based C-21As were realigned under Air Mobility Command, with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as the lead command. C-21As stationed outside the continental United States are assigned to the theater commanders.^[8]

EC-21A

Not a U.S. military designation. Electronic warfare training version of the Learjet 35A.

PC-21A

Not a U.S. military designation. Maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare version of the Learjet 35A, equipped with a search radar, FLIR, infra-red linescanner, ESM and MAD systems, high-resolution TV, plus a hardpont under each wing, able to carry up to 454-kg (1,000-lb) in weight.

RC-21A

Not a U.S. military designation. Reconnaissance version of the Learjet 35A, equipped with a long-range oblique photography cameras, side-looking synthetic aperture radar, podded surveillance camera systems.

U-36

A Combat support variant of the Learjet 35A for the Japan Air self Defense Force (JASDF). At least six built.

Learjet 36

The Model 36 is essentially identical to the 35, except that it has a larger fuselage fuel tank, giving it 500 miles longer range, but reducing the passenger area's length by 18 inches (0.46 m). It was certified, along with the 35, in July, 1974.

Learjet 36A

Like the 35A, the Model 36A has upgraded engines and a higher maximum gross weight. It was introduced in 1976, replacing the 36.^[3]

R-21A

Not a U.S. military designation. Reconnaissance version of the Learjet 36A, equipped with a long-range oblique photography cameras, SLAR and a surveillance camera system.

U-21A

Not a U.S. military designation. Utility transport, training version of the Learjet 36A. Initially known as U-36A1. Equipped with a missile seeker simulator in addition to a radar, avionics, firing training assessment devices, an ejector pylon, a special communications system, a target towing system and a jammer system. Four were built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Modification of both the U-36A1 and U-36 was carried out by Shin Meiwa Industry co., Ltd. (SMIC) at it's Tokushima plant.

Notable accidents and incidents

• On 7 June 1982, Argentine Air Force Learjet 35A serial T-24 was shot down by Sea Dart surface-to-air missile fired by HMS Exeter during the Falklands War killing all 5 on board.

• On 13 February 1983, a Learjet 35A carrying Sri Lankan business tycoon Upali Wijewardene disappeared (exploded) over the Straits of Malacca (Malaysia). The wreckage has never been found, nor any trace of Wijewardene, his top executives, or crew.^[9][10]

• On 15 May 1984, a government-owned Learjet 35A crashed in the sea close to Ushuaia, Argentina during a snowstorm. All 12 people on board were killed.

• On 17 April 1995, a C-21 crashed into a wooded area near Alexander City, Alabama killing the two pilots and six passengers, including Clark G. Fiester, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, and Major General Glenn A Profitt II.^[11]

• The 1996 New Hampshire Learjet crash on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1996, in which a Learjet 35A crashed in New Hampshire, leading to the longest missing aircraft search in that state's history, lasting almost three years, and eventually resulted in Congressional legislation mandating improved emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) be installed in U.S.-registered business jets.

• On 29 August 1999, a U.S. registered Learjet 35A owned by Corporate Jets, Inc., was shot down near Adwa, Ethiopia, while flying from Luxor, Egypt, to Nairobi, Kenya, with the loss of three persons.^[12]

• On 25 October 1999, professional golfer Payne Stewart was killed in the crash of a Learjet 35. The plane apparently suffered a loss of cabin pressure at some point early in the flight. All on board are thought to have died of hypoxia, lack of oxygen. The plane, apparently still on autopilot, continued flying until one engine flamed out, most likely due to fuel starvation crashed near Aberdeen, South Dakota after an uncontrolled descent. The exact cause of the pressurization failure and the reason behind the crew's failure or inability to respond to it has not been definitively determined.^[13]

• On 2 May 2000, F1 racing driver David Coulthard survived a Learjet 35 crash. His chartered aircraft was traveling from Farnborough Airfield to Côte d'Azur International Airport when it developed engine trouble, and crashed while making an emergency landing at Saint-Exupéry International Airport near Lyon, France. While Coulthard received only minor injuries, the front of the aircraft disintegrated upon impact, killing both pilots.^[14][15]

• On 9 March 2006 Argentine Air Force Learjet 35A serial T-21 struck terrain and broke up shortly after takeoff from El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia killing all 6 on board. The Learjet was sent to Bolivia to deliver humanitarian aid.^[16]

• On 4 November 2007, a Learjet 35A crashed in São Paulo, Brazil, after a failed takeoff attempt. It destroyed a house in a residential area near the Campo de Marte Airport, killing the pilot, co-pilot and 6 people of the same family who were in the house.^[17]

• On 24 June 2014, a Learjet 35A of the Gesellschaft Für Flugzieldarstellung (GFD) was involved in a mid-air collision with a Eurofighter Typhoon of the German Air Force and crashed at Olsberg, Germany.

• On 9 November 2014, a private Learjet 36 crashed in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, Bahamas. The jet struck a shipping crane at the Grand Bahama Ship Yard, exploding on impact and crashing into the ground near a junkyard area. The plane was en route from the Lynden Pindling International Airport with nine people on board heading to Grand Bahama International Airport. All nine persons perished, including Myles Munroe, a Bahamian pastor.^[18]

Operators

Civilian operators

The Learjet 35 is operated by private, corporate and air taxi operators.

Military operators

 Argentina

• Argentine Air Force

 Bolivia

• Bolivian Air Force

 Brazil

• Brazilian Air Force

 Chile

• Chilean Air Force

 Finland

• Finnish Air Force

 Japan

• Japan Maritime Self Defense Force

 Mexico

• Mexican Air Force

 Namibia

• Namibian Air Force

 Saudi Arabia

• Royal Saudi Air Force

  Switzerland

• Swiss Air Force

 Peru

• Peruvian Air Force

 United Arab Emirates

• United Arab Emirates Navy

 United States

• United States Air Force

 Thailand

• Royal Thai Air Force

Specifications (Learjet 36A)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1980–81^[19]

General characteristics

• Crew: two (pilot and co-pilot)
• Capacity: 6 passengers
• Length: 48 ft 8 in (14.83 m)
• Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (12.04 m)
• Height: 12 ft 3 in (3.73 m)
• Wing area: 253.3 sq ft (23.53 m²)
• Aspect ratio: 5.74:1
• Empty weight: 9,154 lb (4,152 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 18,000 lb (8,164 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × Garrett TFE731-2-2B turbofan, 3,500 lb_f (16kN) each
• *Fuel capacity: 1,110 US gallons (4,200 l; 920 imp gal)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 471 knots (542 mph, 872 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
• Cruise speed: 418 knots (481 mph, 774 km/h) at 45,000 ft (14,000 m) (econ. cruise)
• Stall speed: 96 knots (111 mph, 178 km/h) (wheels and flaps down)
• Range: 2,874 nmi (3,290 mi, 5,295 km) (4 passengers)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,700 m)
• Rate of climb: 4,525 ft/min (6.7 m/s)
  
• Take-off run to 30 ft (9 m): 4,784 ft (1,458 m)
• Landing run from 50 ft (15 m): 2,884 ft (879 m)

See also

Related lists

• List of active military aircraft of the United States

References

• Taylor, John W. R. (1980). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1980–81. London: Jane's Publishing Company. ISBN 0 7106-0705-9. 

External links

Media related to Learjet 35 at Wikimedia Commons

Learjet aircraft Civil 23 24 25 28 29 31 35 36 40 45 54 55 56 60 70/75 85 Military C-21

United States military transport aircraft designations, Army/Air Force and Tri-Service systems Army/Air Force sequence (1925-1962) C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7 C-8 C-9 C-10 C-11 C-12 C-131 C-14 C-15 C-16 C-17 C-18 C-19 C-20 C-21 C-22 C-23 C-24 C-25 C-26 C-27 C-28 C-29 C-30 C-31 C-32 C-33 C-34 C-35 C-36 C-37 C-38 C-39 C-40 C-41/A C-42 C-43 C-44 C-45 C-46 C-47/T C-48 C-49 C-50 C-51 C-52 C-53 C-54 C-55 C-56 C-57 C-58 C-59 C-60 C-61 C-62 C-63 C-64 C-65 C-66 C-67 C-68 C-69 C-70/A/B/C/D C-71 C-72 C-73 C-74 C-75 C-76 C-77/B-D C-78 C-79 C-80 C-81 C-82 C-83 C-84 C-85 C-86 C-87 C-88 C-89 C-90 C-91 C-92 C-93 C-94 C-95 C-96 C-97/KC-97 C-98 C-99 C-100 C-101 C-102 C-103 C-104 C-105 C-106 C-107 C-108 C-109 C-110 C-111 C-112 C-113 C-114 C-115 C-116 C-117 C-118 C-119 C-120 C-121/F C-122 C-123/A C-124 C-125 C-126 C-127 (I) C-127 (II) C-128 C-129 C-130/J C-131 C-132 C-133 C-134 C-135/KC-135 C-136 C-137 C-1381 C-1391 C-140 C-141 C-142 Tri-service sequence (1962-present) C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 C-5 C-6 C-7/B C-8 C-9 C-10 C-11 C-12 C-131 C-14 C-15 C-161 C-17 C-18 C-19 C-20A-D/F-H C-21 C-22 C-23 C-24 C-25 C-26 C-27/J C-28 C-29 C-301 C-31 C-32 C-33 C-341 C-35 C-36 C-37 C-38 C-40 C-41 C-421 C-431 C-441 C-45 C-46 Revived original sequence (2005-present) C-143 C-144 C-145 C-146 Non-sequential designations C-767 C-880 1 Not assigned See also: AC-47  • AC-119  • AC-130  • DC-130  • EC-130  • HC-130  • KC-130  • LC-130  • MC-130  • WC-130

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