Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
Learjet 55 (Longhorn): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Learjet (later Bombardier)
Learjet 55 (Longhorn): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Learjet 55 "Longhorn," produced from 1981 to 1990, is the historic first Learjet with a stand-up cabin (5'7" headroom) and the first Learjet to use NASA-developed winglets that gave it the distinctive nickname. Created to bridge the gap between the smaller Learjet 25/35 family and true midsize business jets, the 55 represented Bombardier Learjet's entry into the midsize segment. Powered by twin Garrett (Honeywell) TFE731-3A-2B turbofan engines producing 3,700 lbf each, the 55 delivers 1,823 nautical miles of range at long-range cruise (seats full), 447 ktas (Mach 0.81) maximum cruise, and a 51,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. A total of 147 Learjet 55-family aircraft were built (including the base 55, 55B, and 55C variants). Pre-owned market today: $550,000 to $1.05 million.
For operators wanting the first stand-up Learjet at attainable acquisition cost, the 55 remains a historically significant choice.
Learjet 55 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Legacy Production (first Learjet stand-up cabin) |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1990 |
| First Announced | 1977 Paris Air Show (as Learjet 50 series) |
| Construction Started | April 1978 |
| First Flight | April 19, 1979 |
| Production Start | March 1981 |
| First Customer Deliveries | April 1981 |
| Total Learjet 55 Family Built | 147 (includes 55, 55B, 55C, 55C/ER, 55C/LR) |
| Total Learjet 55 Base Variant | 126 |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 7 to 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 10 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, seats full, LRC) | 1,823 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 447 ktas (515 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 385 to 419 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 51,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell (Garrett) TFE731-3A-2B turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,700 lbf (7,400 lbf total) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 21,000 lbs |
| Payload With Maximum Fuel | 1,788 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 16 ft 8 in (16.58 ft) |
| Cabin Width | 5.92 ft (71 in / 5'11") |
| Cabin Height | 5.67 ft (68 in / 5'7" - first stand-up Learjet) |
| Cabin Volume | 403 to 475 cubic ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 60 cu ft (40 internal + 20 external) |
| Balanced Field Length | 4,875 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,564 ft |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $550,000 to $1,050,000 |
| Active Fleet Worldwide | 101 |
History as the First Stand-Up Learjet
The Learjet 50 series was first announced at the 1977 Paris Air Show, with construction of the Learjet 55 beginning in April 1978. The design was based on the wing of the earlier Longhorn 28/29 series (NASA-developed winglets had originated on these earlier variants), married to a larger 10-seat fuselage.
Platform timeline:
- 1977: Learjet 50 series announced at Paris Air Show
- April 1978: Learjet 55 construction begins
- April 19, 1979: First flight
- March 1981: Production start
- April 1981: First customer deliveries
- 1986: Learjet 55B introduced with digital flight deck and improvements
- 1987: Learjet 55B design evolved to Learjet 55C with Delta Fins
- 1988: Learjet 55C FAA certification
- 1990: Production ends (147 total 55-family aircraft built)
- 1993: Replaced by Learjet 60 (much larger)
Originally, the platform was conceived to spawn three variants (54, 55, and 56), but only the Learjet 55 was actually produced.
Why "Longhorn"?
The Learjet 55's distinctive nickname comes from its NASA-developed winglets that resembled longhorn cattle horns. These winglets were a significant aerodynamic advancement, reducing drag and improving cruise efficiency. The winglets were initially developed for the earlier Learjet 28/29 (Longhorn) series, and the 55 inherited them.
Cabin Interior
The Learjet 55 was the first stand-up cabin Learjet, with 5'7" of headroom (68 inches) representing a major upgrade over the earlier 24/25/35 family's cramped 52" headroom:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 16 ft 8 in |
| Cabin Width | 5.92 ft (71 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 5.67 ft (68 inches - FIRST stand-up Learjet) |
| Cabin Volume | 403 to 475 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 7 to 8 Passengers: Comfortable club seating
- Up to 10 Maximum: High-density layouts
- Enclosed Lavatory: Standard
- Galley: Standard
- 60 cu ft Baggage: 40 internal + 20 external
Cabin Features
- Standing-height cabin: First Learjet with this capability
- Enclosed aft lavatory: Privacy door
- Galley for refreshments: Standard
- Plush refurbished interiors common: Most surviving aircraft refurbished
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 447 ktas (515 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 385 to 419 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, seats full) | 1,823 nm |
| Range (Long-Range Cruise) | 2,000+ nm |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 4,875 ft |
| Landing Distance | 3,564 ft |
Engines
Two Honeywell (Garrett) TFE731-3A-2B turbofan engines, each producing 3,700 lbf of thrust (7,400 lbf total). The TFE731-3A-2B is part of the proven TFE731 family that powered most Learjets from the 35A onward.
Avionics
Original Learjet 55s were delivered with analog instrumentation typical of early 1980s business jets. Standard equipment includes dual Collins VHF20A communications, dual Collins TDR90 transponders, and King 90A GPS (on later aircraft). Most surviving aircraft have been retrofit with modern Garmin GPS, ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV navigation.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~210 gph) | $1,470 to $1,890 |
| Engine Reserve | $400 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $550 |
| Misc Variable | $300 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,720 to $3,140/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.5 million all-in.
Charter rates: $3,000 to $3,800 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1988 to 1990 Learjet 55B/C (final production) | $800,000 to $1,050,000 |
| 1985 to 1987 Learjet 55 | $700,000 to $900,000 |
| 1981 to 1984 Learjet 55 (early production) | $550,000 to $750,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Learjet 35A: Stand-up cabin, more space
- Lower-Cost Midsize Operation: Sub-$1M acquisition
- Charter Operators: Stand-up cabin appeal at attainable price
- Specialty Cargo Conversions: Some aircraft repurposed
Less suited if:
- You need modern integrated touchscreen avionics
- You require single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You need short-field operations (4,875 ft balanced field)
- You want roomy double-club cabin (consider Citation Excel, Hawker 800XP)
Pros and Cons
What the Learjet 55 Does Well
- First stand-up cabin Learjet (5'7" headroom)
- 51,000 ft service ceiling
- 447 ktas (Mach 0.81) cruise speed
- NASA-developed winglets (distinctive design)
- 1,823 nm range with seats full
- Roomier cabin than 35A/36 family
- Lowest-cost Learjet stand-up cabin acquisition
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Production ended 1990 (35+ year old airframes)
- 4,875 ft balanced field length
- Avionics typically retrofitted
- Two-pilot operation required
- Cabin shorter than competing midsize jets
- Total fleet 147 aircraft (smaller than Lear 35A)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Learjet 55 called the "Longhorn"?
The Learjet 55's NASA-developed winglets resembled longhorn cattle horns, giving the aircraft its distinctive nickname. The winglets were a major aerodynamic advancement, reducing drag and improving cruise efficiency.
How is the Learjet 55 different from the Learjet 35A?
The 55 introduced the first stand-up cabin in a Learjet (5'7" headroom vs 35A's 4'4"), a larger 10-seat fuselage, NASA-developed winglets, and TFE731-3A-2B engines (3,700 lbf vs 35A's 3,500 lbf). It represented Bombardier Learjet's entry into the midsize segment.
How many Learjet 55s were built?
A total of 147 Learjet 55-family aircraft were built across all variants (55, 55B, 55C, 55C/ER, 55C/LR) during the 1981 to 1990 production run.
Is the Learjet 55 single-pilot certified?
No. The Learjet 55 requires two pilots.
How far can a Learjet 55 fly?
The Learjet 55 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,823 nautical miles with seats full at long-range cruise speed.
What is the difference between Learjet 55, 55B, and 55C?
The 55 (1981) is the base variant. The 55B (1986) added digital flight deck, modified wings for improved takeoff performance, and increased range. The 55C (1988) added Delta Fins for stability, improved runway performance, and various refinements.
What replaced the Learjet 55?
The Learjet 60 (1993) replaced the Learjet 55C with PW305A engines, longer fuselage (43-inch stretch), and substantially improved range.
The Bottom Line
The Learjet 55 "Longhorn" is a historically significant midsize business jet representing Bombardier Learjet's first foray into the midsize segment with the first Learjet stand-up cabin. At current pre-owned pricing of $550,000 to $1.05 million, the 55 delivers genuine vintage Learjet heritage with the practical advantage of standing-height cabin at one of the lowest acquisition costs in the midsize class. The tradeoffs are real: 35+ year old airframes, dated avionics (typically retrofitted), and 4,875 ft balanced field length. For operators wanting the lowest-cost stand-up cabin Learjet, the 55 remains an option.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Learjet 55 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs and avionics retrofits.
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Learjet 55 (Longhorn) Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Learjet 55 (Longhorn) operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Learjet 55 (Longhorn) for the mission.
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Fractional jet programs are available for Learjet 55 (Longhorn)-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Learjet 55 (Longhorn) fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Learjet 55 (Longhorn) for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Learjet 55C: Refined Successor With Delta Fins
- Learjet 60: Major Successor Platform
- Learjet 35A: Smaller Predecessor (No Stand-Up Cabin)
Production of the Learjet 55 ended in 1990. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Bombardier discontinued the Learjet brand in 2022. Specifications accurate as of 2026.