The Learjet 60 was designed to be a private jets that climbs quickly to high cruise levels, has fast cruise speeds, operates economically, and is reliable.

The cabin is the biggest yet in the Learjet line to carry 7 or 8 passengers, offering the most space where it counts – namely elbow room for seated passengers. Fold-out work tables and radio phone come standard, and a fax machine, microwave, and coffee maker are optional.

The strongest feature of the Learjet 60 is its cruise performance, where it can climb to its cruise level of 43,000 feet in less than 14 minutes with its maximum takeoff weight of 23,500 pounds. Once at cruise level, it can reach speeds of up to 453 knots (about .76 Mach) with a transcontinental range of 2,590 miles (2250 nautical miles) while carrying 6 or 7 passengers. Average fuel consumption is 213 pounds per hour, as low as the fuel burn of smaller light weight private jets.

The primary contributing factor to its speed is its aerodynamic design, resulting from the use of the NASA/Boeing Tranair computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software during its design, creating a 4% reduction in overall drag by improving on points causing excessive drag.

Pratt & Whitney of Canada supplies the 2 PW305A turbofans engines for the Learjet 60, that are flat-rated to 4,600 pounds of thrust each to reduce takeoff noise, with the capacity to provide 5,225 pounds of thrust. The choice to reduce noise levels resulted in a 70.8 EPNdB output on takeoff and an 87.7 EPNdB noise level on landing. All engine functions are controlled electronically by a FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system, automatically regulating engine performance in flight to reduce pilot workload.

The Learjet 60 handles exceptionally well due to its very heavy wing loading, resulting in very smooth flights, even while flying through turbulence. The new speed-proportionate nosewheel steering system makes the jet easier to handle on the ground, and stronger wheel brakes assist in landings and ground control.

The Learjet 60 uses the Integrated Pro Line 4 avionics system, centrally controlled by an IAPS (Integrated Avionics Processing System), linking to all of the other flight systems and controls. Display is consolidated into 4 large-format electronic screens for a sleek, modern control panel layout. The IAPS contains a flight guidance system and FMS for short-range navigation. Automatic AlliedSignal digital cabin pressurization system regulates the cabin pressure throughout the flight without need for pilot input, by simply inputting elevation at destination and the system controls the rest.

The combination of the Learjet 60’s climb and cruise performance and its operating cost make it a highly desirable private airplane. Overall costs rival the best-selling jets of its size and when compared to other jets in its class, it consistently comes out on top in cruise speed and range, making it hard to find a longer-range, faster private jet anywhere.