https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learjet_23
The Learjet 23 is an American built six-to-eight-seat (two crew and four to six
passengers) twinjet, high-speed business jet manufactured by Learjet. Introduced
in 1964, it was Learjet's first model and created a completely new market for
fast and efficient business aircraft. 104 units were manufactured before
production ceased just two years later in 1966.
William (Bill) Powell Lear, Sr. recognized the FFA P-16's potential and
established Swiss American Aviation Corporation (SAAC) to produce a passenger
version as the SAAC-23 Execujet. The company moved to Wichita, Kansas and was
renamed as the Lear Jet Corporation, production was started on the first Model
23 Learjet on February 7, 1962. The first flight of the Learjet 23 took place on
7 October 1963 with test pilots Hank Beaird and Bob Hagen. Although the
prototype crashed in June 1964 the type Learjet 23 was awarded a type
certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration on 31 July 1964. On October
13, 1964, the first production aircraft was delivered.
With this jet a completely new market for fast and efficient business aircraft
was opened. The Model 23 was the basis for a whole set of similar aircraft which
remain in production.
Production of the Learjet 23 stopped in 1966 after a total of 104 had been
built. In 1998 there were still 39 Model 23s in use. A total of 27 have been
lost or damaged beyond repair through accidents during the aircraft's lengthy
career, the most recent in 2008.
Role
Business jet
Manufacturer
Learjet
Designer
William Powell Lear, based on a design by Dr.eng. Hans-Luzius Studer
First flight
7 October 1963
Introduction
October 13, 1964
Status
Active
Primary users
Private
Military
Produced
1962-1966
Number built
104
Specifications
General characteristics
Crew: Two pilots
Capacity: 6 passengers
Length: 43 ft 3 in (13.18 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 7 in (10.84 m)
Height: 12 ft 7 in (3.84 m)
Wing area: 231.2 sq ft (21.48 m2)
Empty weight: 6,150 lb (2,790 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 12,499 lb (5,669 kg)
thrust each
Performance
Maximum speed: 561 mph (903 km/h; 487 kn) at 24,000 ft (7,300 m)
Maximum speed: Mach 0.82
Cruise speed: 518 mph (834 km/h; 450 kn) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m)
Stall speed: 104 mph (167 km/h; 90 kn) wheels and flaps down
Range: 1,830 mi (1,590 nmi; 2,945 km) max fuel at 485 mph (781 km/h; 421 kn) and
40,000 ft (12,000 m)
Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (14,000 m)
Rate of climb: 6,900 ft/min (35 m/s)
from https://www.wired.com/2013/10/lear-jet-50th/
Jet 23, which even outperformed most commercial and military aircraft.
fighter jet that ruled the skies during the Korean War. Lacy flew the F-86 in
the California Air National Guard and says the Lear Jet 23 could beat it to
40,000 feet.
the country. The list price was $495,000. Frank Sinatra bought one. Danny Kaye
was another customer, and soon became a partner in the Lear Jet dealership. Big
businesses like Boise Cascade and the then ubiquitous Rexall Drugs bought Lear
Jets as well. Anyone who wanted to travel fast and travel in style bought one.
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