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05 Feb 2008  - 

Strategic development partnership between Grob Aerospace and Bombardier

© Grob Aerospace

Corporate aviation leader Bombardier Aerospace announced on January 22, 2008 it has selected Grob Aerospace to develop the all-composite structure of its new Learjet 85 aircraft, the next generation in Learjet excellence. 

Grob Aerospace will develop the primary and secondary structures of the all-composite structure and co-operate on the systems integration. Learjet’s team of designers will work closely with a team of engineers at Grob Aerospace where the first three prototype aircraft will be built.

“Learjet is an iconic brand - the first name in corporate aviation -- and all of us at Grob Aerospace are extremely proud to be playing a key role in the development of this new all-composite Learjet aircraft,” said Niall Olver, Grob Aerospace CEO.

Grob Aerospace will be making a sizeable investment to prepare for the Learjet 85 aircraft in terms of tooling, machinery and most importantly an increased workforce. “We will be looking to meaningfully expand our engineering workforce this year,” said Olver.

About the Learjet 85
The clean-sheet Learjet 85 aircraft targets a high-cruise speed of Mach 0.82 and transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km). Designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, this jet will offer eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort.
Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier has carried forward the brand’s proud legacy by launching eight high-performance and fuel-efficient aircraft.

About Grob Aerospace
For the last 35 years Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturer. The company is headquartered in Switzerland and maintains a purpose built manufacturing and assembly facility at the company airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours over five continents.

The picture
from the left to the right: Niall Olver, chief executive officer, Grob Aerospace and Mike Kanaley, vice-president and general manager, Learjet.

Source : Grob Aerospace