Light Jet
Bombardier Learjet 40XR
Range
1,862 NM
Cruise speed
451 kts
Seats
6
History
The Learjet 40 grew out of the Learjet 45, with a shorter fuselage and less fuel. After a first flight in 2002, it gained FAA approval in July 2003 under an amended version of the Learjet 45 type certificate, and the first aircraft went into service in January 2004.
Bombardier announced the improved 40XR in October 2004 and delivered the first examples in 2005. The upgrade targeted the original model's weak point, performance in hot-and-high conditions. New Honeywell TFE731-20BR engines improved climb rate, cruise speed and balanced field length in high temperatures, and they added more than 240 nm of range.
The 40XR also gained a higher maximum take-off weight and a quicker time to climb. The original 40 went out of production in 2009, three years before the 40XR, which was built until 2012. The fuselage gives up 24.5 inches of length to the Learjet 45, but the cabin is just as wide, and the 40XR became an economical way into the Learjet family.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Learjet 40XR |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
| Aircraft category | light jet |
| ICAO Designator | LJ40 |
| Start/End of Production | 2005 - 2012 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 1862 NM (3449 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 1911 NM (3541 km) |
| Cruise speed | 451 kts (835 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 330 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.81 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 435 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 140 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1295 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 741 m |
| Service Ceiling | 51000 ft |
| Thrust | 3500 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 x Honeywell TFE731-20BR |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus 1000 |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 16.9 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 4.3 m |
| Wing span | 14.6 m |
| Cabin height | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) |
| Cabin length | 5.4 m (17.7 ft) |
| Cabin width | 1.55 m (5.1 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 1.84 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 6 |
| Seats (max) | 8 |
| Suitcases | 5 |
| Carry-on luggage | 4 |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 9525 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 8709 kg |
FAQ
Is the Learjet 40XR a good fit for small airports?
Yes, within limits. Fairly short runways such as Lugano and London City are open to it, although larger jets face restrictions at both. Gstaad (Saanen) is off the list: only turboprops and a small number of very light jets may use it. Skiers heading for the Swiss Alps therefore tend to land at Sion, where the longer runway suits the 40XR and other light or midsize jets.
Learjet 40XR or Embraer Phenom 300: which is better value?
Both seat six in standard layout. The Phenom 300, still in production, flies roughly 2,010 nm (3,723 km) against 1,862 nm (3,449 km) for the 40XR, and it has newer technology. The Learjet, built from 2005 to 2012, tends to cost less to charter, which makes it a sensible choice for regional flights.
What did the XR upgrade change on the Learjet 40?
The 40XR is an improved version of the original 40. Its Honeywell TFE731-20BR engines have more power and give better climb performance, more capability at hot and high airports and a faster cruise, and range is slightly longer. The cabin layout is unchanged, with six seats in standard configuration, but overall performance is better for charter use.
How does the 40XR compare with the Learjet 45XR?
The 45XR is slightly bigger and seats eight in standard layout, while the 40XR seats six. On the published figures the 40XR actually has a little more range, 1,862 nm (3,449 km) against 1,830 nm (3,389 km). The two share their design heritage, and the 40XR is generally picked for regional trips where its size suits the group.
What range does the Learjet 40XR offer?
With IFR reserves it flies 1,862 nm (3,449 km), enough for non-stop sectors such as London from Geneva or Athens from Paris. That makes it a practical aircraft for regional and medium-haul trips, with a cruise speed of 451 kts (835 km/h).
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the Learjet 40XR type, not a specific aircraft. Bombardier and Learjet 40XR are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.