Learjet 35

The Learjet Model 35 and Model 36 are a series of American multi-role business jets and military transport aircraft manufactured by Learjet. When used by the United States Air Force they carry the designation C-21A.

The aircraft are powered by two Garrett TFE731-2 turbofan engines. Its cabin can be arranged for 6-8 passengers. The longer-range Model 36 has a shortened passenger area to provide more space in the aft fuselage for fuel tanks.

The engines are mounted in nacelles on the sides of the aft fuselage. The wings are equipped with single-slotted flaps. The wingtip fuel tanks distinguish the design from other aircraft having similar functions.

Variants

• Learjet 35: The original Model 35 was powered by two TFE731-2-2A engines and was 13 inches longer than its predecessor, the Model 25. First flight of the prototype Model 35 was on August 22^nd 1973, and the aircraft was FAA certified in July 1974. It could carry up to eight passengers. There were 64 base-model 35s built.
• Learjet 35A: The Model 35A is an upgraded Model 35 with TFE731-2-2B engines and a range of 2,789 miles, with a fuel capacity of 931 US gallons (3,524 L) with refueling accomplished at ground level through each wingtip tank. It was introduced in 1976, replacing the 35. Over 600 35As were built, with a production line that ended with serial number 677, in 1993. On February 12^th, 1996, a Learjet 35A, N10BD, owned by Cable Television Founder Bill Daniels and piloted by Mark E. Calkins, Charles Conrad, Jr., Paul Thayer, and D. Miller completed an around-the-world flight in a record 49 hours, 21 minutes, and 8 seconds. The record remains standing as of 2015. This aircraft is now on display in Terminal C of Denver International Airport.
• Learjet 36: The Model 36 is essentially identical to the 35, except that it has a larger fuselage fuel tank, giving it 500 miles longer range, but reducing the passenger area's length by 18 inches (0.46 m). It was certified, along with the 35, in July 1974.
• Learjet 36A: Like the 35A, the Model 36A has upgraded engines and a higher maximum gross weight. It was introduced in 1976, replacing the 36.
• C-21A: The C-21A is a United States military designation for an "off the shelf" variant of the Learjet 35A for the United States Air Force, with room for eight passengers and 42 ft³ (1.26 m³) of cargo. In addition to its normal role, the aircraft is capable of transporting litters during medical evacuations. Delivery of the C-21A fleet began in April 1984 and was completed in October 1985. There are 38 Air Force active duty aircraft, and 18 Air National Guard aircraft in the C-21A fleet. On April 1^st 1997, all continental U.S.-based C-21As were realigned under Air Mobility Command, with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as the lead command. C-21As stationed outside the continental United States are assigned to the theater commanders.
• U-36: A Japanese military designation for a Combat support variant of the Learjet 35A for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). At least six built.
• U-36A: A Japanese military designation Not U.S. military designation. Utility transport, training version of the Learjet 35A. Equipped with a missile seeker simulator in addition to a radar, avionics, firing training assessment devices, an ejector pylon, a special communications system, a target towing system and a jammer system. Four were built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Users

• Argentina
  • Argentine Air Force
• Bolivia
  • Bolivian Air Force
• Brazil
  • Brazilian Air Force
• Chile
  • Chilean Air Force
• Finland
  • Finnish Air Force
• Japan
  • Japan Air Self-Defense Force
  • Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
• Mexico
  • Mexican Air Force
• Namibia
  • Namibian Air Force
• Peru
  • Peruvian Air Force
• Saudi Arabia
  • Royal Saudi Air Force
• Switzerland
  • Swiss Air Force
• Thailand
  • Royal Thai Air Force
• United Arab Emirates
  • United Arab Emirates Navy
• United States
  • United States Air Force
  • United States Navy