Learjet 35 / 36
Gates Learjet · USA · first flew 1973 · transport aircraft
The Learjet 35 and 36 were the first turbofan-powered Learjets, combining the slim, swept-wing Learjet fuselage with Garrett TFE731 engines for significantly improved range and fuel efficiency over the earlier turbojet models.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, tail-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Classic Learjet silhouette: extremely slender fuselage with a sharply-swept wing and prominent delta-shaped ventral fins beneath the tail |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Classic Learjet silhouette: extremely slender fuselage with a sharply-swept wing and prominent delta-shaped ventral fins beneath the tail
- Honeywell (Garrett) TFE731-2 engines replacing the earlier CJ610 turbojets give slimmer, shorter nacelles than the Learjet 25
- Characteristic 'tiplet' winglets — small downturned caps at the wing tips — distinguish the 35/36 from the bare wing of the earlier Learjet 25/28
The Learjet family shares a uniquely narrow, round-section fuselage; the 35/36 is identified within the family by TFE731 turbofan nacelles (versus the CJ610 jets on the 24/25) and the small tiplet winglets. Against the Learjet 31 the 35 has a longer fuselage.
Specifications
- The Learjet 35 / 36 has a length of 14.83 m (49 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.04 m (40 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 883 km/h (549 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 flight crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in January 1973, the Learjet 35 (eight-seat) and 36 (six-seat long range) entered service in 1974 and became the most numerous Learjet variants, with over 700 built before production ended in 1994. The US military operated the 35A as the C-21A, and many militaries worldwide used them as liaison and medevac aircraft.
Variants
The 35A and 36A were the primary production variants with minor system upgrades; the US Air Force C-21A is the most well-known military operator.
Where you'll see it
Historically one of the most common bizjets at UK airfields throughout the 1980s and 1990s; now largely retired from European charter operations but still seen with smaller operators and in medevac roles.
Related aircraft
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