Textbook in PDF format

This book offers an unique, comprehensive retrospective on the Learjet aircraft, from the establishment by Bill Lear in the sixties, to its slow demise in 2021. It accompanies readers on a unique journey through the configuration changes, and advanced technological applications that have transformed business jets and their market in the last sixty years. Important insights are given into numerous patents and innovations that have shaped the development of new technologies and aerodynamic improvements such as the winglet. Furthermore, this book presents many special missions carried out by the Learjet family, such as VIP, business and ambulance flights, research and military projects, and the use of Learjet in aerobatics, as well as aerial photography and cinematography. With a great number of original photographs and drawings, interesting events, stories and anecdotes, this book provides today’s aeronautical and systems engineers and test pilots with an invaluable source of information and inspiration. Yet, it also offers a compelling reading to students, professionals and scientists in the aerospace field as well as to curious readers with a general interest in aeronautics.
Introduction
Beginnings
Swiss American Aviation Corporation (1962–1963)
Lear Jet Corporation (1963–1966)
Lear Jet Industries Incorporated (1966–1969)
Gates Learjet Corporation (1969–1987)
Learjet Corporation (1988–1990)
Bombardier Learjet (1990–2022)
Special Mission Learjets
Learjet Family Overview (1963–2022)
Learjet Aerobatics and Demonstrations
Aerial Photography and Cinematography
International Government Liason Learjets
Business Jet Market Development
Learjet Events
Stories that Should Be Told by Learjet Family Members
Piaggio-Douglas PD.808 A Striking Resemblance
Conclusions