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William Powell "Bill" Lear wasn't an aeronautical engineer when he started the Learjet project around age 60. He was an inventor and entrepreneur, with a long list of innovations to his credit: practical home radio, the aerial radio direction finder, 8-track stereo, a variety of car radios, and the first jet autopilot, which won Lear the Collier Trophy in 1950.
In the early 1960s, Lear saw the potential for a small executive transport, despite lackluster sales by competitors such as the Lockheed Jetstar. His Learjet 23 was inspired by the proposed Swiss FFA P-16 fighter jet. Lear founded the Swiss American Aviation Corporation (SAAC) to design and produce his new jet. He later chose to relocate the project to Wichita, Kansas to take advantage of the skilled aviation workforce there. Production of the Learjet 23 began in Wichita in February 1962, and the first flight took place on October 7, 1963. The elegant Learjet 23 revolutionized the business transport world and created a new market for fast and efficient small jet transports. Later variants would improve on the design. The Learjet brand, which was acquired by the Canadian firm Bombardier Aerospace in 1990, continues well into the 21st century. Over 3,000 Learjets have been delivered.
The Museum's Learjet 23 was manufactured in 1965 and had multiple owners over its career. It was donated to the Museum by Aviation Equipment Resources in 2000. The aircraft serves as a "gate guard" at the Restoration Center and Reserve Collection at Paine Field in Everett, Washington.
William Powell "Bill" Lear wasn't an aeronautical engineer when he started the Learjet project around age 60. He was an inventor and entrepreneur, with a long list of innovations to his credit: practical home radio, the aerial radio direction finder, 8-track stereo, a variety of car radios, and the first jet autopilot, which won Lear the Collier Trophy in 1950.
In the early 1960s, Lear saw the potential for a small executive transport, despite lackluster sales by competitors such as the Lockheed Jetstar. His Learjet 23 was inspired by the proposed Swiss FFA P-16 fighter jet. Lear founded the Swiss American Aviation Corporation (SAAC) to design and produce his new jet. He later chose to relocate the project to Wichita, Kansas to take advantage of the skilled aviation workforce there. Production of the Learjet 23 began in Wichita in February 1962, and the first flight took place on October 7, 1963. The elegant Learjet 23 revolutionized the business transport world and created a new market for fast and efficient small jet transports. Later variants would improve on the design. The Learjet brand, which was acquired by the Canadian firm Bombardier Aerospace in 1990, continues well into the 21st century. Over 3,000 Learjets have been delivered.
The Museum's Learjet 23 was manufactured in 1965 and had multiple owners over its career. It was donated to the Museum by Aviation Equipment Resources in 2000. The aircraft serves as a "gate guard" at the Restoration Center and Reserve Collection at Paine Field in Everett, Washington.
