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Email: office@businessaviation.com
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LEARJET 55
Learjet 55: The Mid-Size Misfit
The 1981 Stretch That Confused Everyone
In 1981, Learjet tried something different: they took the Learjet 35's wing and engines, stretched the fuselage to seat 7 – 8 passengers, and called it the Learjet 55. The result was an aircraft that was neither fast enough for Learjet fans nor spacious enough for mid-size buyers.
Only 147 aircrafts were built between 1981 and 1987 — a commercial disappointment that nearly killed the Learjet mid-size dream.
Only 147 aircrafts were built between 1981 and 1987 — a commercial disappointment that nearly killed the Learjet mid-size dream.
Specifications That Disappointed
• Range: 3,150 km (1,700 nm) — less than the smaller Learjet 35
• Speed: 800 km/h (432 knots) — slower than the 35 due to drag
• Capacity: 7 – 8 passengers in the cramped cabin
• Engines: TFE731 × 2 (3,700 lbf) — same as the 35, but heavier
• Cabin: stand-up height, but narrow and awkward
The 55 was the aircraft that proved Learjet's formula — small, fast, light — didn't scale to mid-size.
• Speed: 800 km/h (432 knots) — slower than the 35 due to drag
• Capacity: 7 – 8 passengers in the cramped cabin
• Engines: TFE731 × 2 (3,700 lbf) — same as the 35, but heavier
• Cabin: stand-up height, but narrow and awkward
The 55 was the aircraft that proved Learjet's formula — small, fast, light — didn't scale to mid-size.
The Market Today
Pre-owned Learjet 55 aircraft are rare and inexpensive — $300,000 – $600,000 when they appear. Most have been retired or converted to freighters. Operating costs: $1,800 – 2,200 per hour — not justified by the capability.
The Verdict
The Learjet 55 is aviation's cautionary tale about stretching a formula too far. It took everything that made Learjet great and diluted it into mediocrity.
For the buyer seeking a Learjet 55, you're acquiring a curiosity — the mid-size jet that proved Learjet should stick to hot rods.
For the buyer seeking a Learjet 55, you're acquiring a curiosity — the mid-size jet that proved Learjet should stick to hot rods.
LEARJET 55 OVERVIEW
LEARJET 55 ROUTE PERFOMANCE