Bombardier Learjet 31A
Bombardier Aerospace · USA · first flew 1987 · airliner
The Learjet 31A is a light business jet that mated the slender Learjet 35/36 fuselage with the efficient winglet-equipped Learjet 55 wing for sharp performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Slim Learjet fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Delta-fin winglet tips
- Slim Learjet fuselage
- Ventral delta fins
Look for the classic pencil-thin Learjet fuselage, tip-tank-free winglets, and the pair of large delta ventral fins beneath the tail. The T-tail and low swept wing complete the profile.
Specifications
- The Bombardier Learjet 31A has a length of 14.83 m (49 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.36 m (44 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 857 km/h (533 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1987 and improved into the 31A by 1991, the design borrowed the Longhorn wing complete with delta-shaped ventral fins that improved high-speed and high-altitude stability. It became known for spirited climb and cruise for its size.
Variants
The main variants were the original Learjet 31 and the updated 31A with digital avionics and a higher cruise speed, later joined by the 31A/ER with additional range.
Where you'll see it
The type is popular with European charter and air-ambulance operators, with UK-based examples used for fast point-to-point business travel. Its speed made it a favourite for time-critical missions.
Related aircraft
- Bombardier Learjet 60
- Bombardier Learjet 45
- Bombardier Learjet 40
- Bombardier Learjet 70/75
- Airbus A320
- BAe 146-300
- Dash 8 Q300
- Fairchild Metro 23
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