The Learjet 85, the first clean-sheet Learjet design in 10 years, is a mid-size business jet with double-club seating, plush interior appointments, and cabin dimensions that fill the niche between the Learjet 60XR and Bombardier’s Challenger 300.

Learjet spokesmen describe it as the biggest and fastest Learjet ever. Max cruise speed will be Mach 0.82, with maximum range 3,000 nm. The 61-foot wingspan and 19-foot height will make the airplane 42 percent larger than the Learjet 60XR. Estimated max takeoff weight of 33,750 pounds is 10,000 pounds heavier than the 60XR. The cockpit features Rockwell Collins’ ProLine Fusion avionics, with power coming from two Pratt & Whitney PW307B turbofans of 6,100 lbst each.

Deliveries are expected to begin in 2012 or 2013.