Gates Learjet 24F Specs and Description

Background/History

The original LearJet 23 was certified with a maximum takeoff wight of 12,500lbs. in order to qualify for single-pilot operation. When development of the improved model 24 was undertaken, the decision was made to forgo single-pilot operation in favor of higher operating weights. Thus the LearJet 24, which accomplished its first flight in February 1966, was certificated under the FAR Part 25 transport category with a maximum takeoff weight of 13,500lbs. It was powered by the same General Electric CJ610-4 turbojets that had been used on the model 23. In 1970, the Lear Jet Corporation was renamed Gates Learjet Corporation, following acquistion of the aircraft manufacturer by the rubber industry giant. Subsequent designations of the aircraft models were of the one word “Learjet” format. The Learjet 24B indtroduce upgraded CJ610-6 engines. Learjet 24D,-E and -F models utilized the CJ610-8A engine, had a greater fuel capacity for increased range and had square cabin windows in place of the oval windows of earlier models. A total of 258 Learjet 24’s were produced, of which 12 were the 24F, before the line was terminated in favor of the turbofan-powered Learjet 25 series in 1979.

Power

The Learjet 24F is powered by a pair of General Electric CJ610-8A turbojet engines rated at 2,950lbs. of thrust each. Inspection interval on the engines is 5,000 hours.

Avionics

A typical Lear 24 could be equipped with dual Collins VHF20A comms, dual VIR30A navs, DME, Collins ADF206, FC110/PN 101 autopilot and Sperry Primus 35 weather radar.

Design Features

The Learjet 24F is a short to medium-range, twin-engine turbojet-powered, light business jet configured as a cantilever low-wing monoplane with a T-tail. It has straight wings with only a slight leading-edge taper, a low aspect-ratio and rather large tip tanks. The twin turbojet engines are pylon-mounted on either side of the aft fuselage. A two-section airstair door is located forward of the wing on the port side of the fuselage. The retractable tricycle landing gear has a fairly narrow track of 8.3ft. and has dual wheels on each main unit with a single-wheel nose gear. The 24F has a revised leading edge contour and stick shaker coupled to a computerized angel-of-attack system for better low-speed characteristics and reduced runway requirements. Ice protection is provided by engine bleed air, for both wings and windshield with methyl alcohol as a backup for the windshield. Tail surface leading edges and pitot-static ports are electrically heated.

Accomodations

The rather tight cabin of the Learjet 24 series reflects a design philosophy predicated on short flight lengths and a small fuselage cross-section optimized for speed. Seating for five passengers consists of a bench seat across the aft cabin, two forward-facing seats ahead of that, and a single side-facing seat backed against the starboard sidewall. The refreshment center is diminuitive and baggage space is limited to a rear compartment behind the fold-down bench seat, accessible only from inside the cabin. Internal cabin dimensions are 4.3ft.in height, 4.9ft. in width and 9.0ft. in length.