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Learjet 25 Born Again as SpiritLear
For as little as $2.2 million, Guthrie, Okla.-based Spirit Wing Aviation (Booth 11743, static display) can transform a classic Learjet 25 into a Stage III and D-RVSM compliant, fuel-efficient light jet capable of flying seven passengers more than 1,600 nmi with NBAA IFR reserves, according to Calvin Burgess, the firm's president.
The key to this transformation is the removal of the old 2,950-pounds-thrust GE CJ610-6 or -8A turbojets and replacement with 2,400-pounds-thrust Williams International FJ44-2C turbofans—plus pressurization, hydraulic, electrical and fuel system updates, along with RVSM-compliant avionics. The 1,306-pound-capacity fuselage fuel tank is removed to meet current rotor burst certification requirements, but four-passenger range nonetheless improves from under 1,200 nmi to more than 1,700 nmi because of the fuel-efficiency of the engines. Block speed for the SpiritLear, however, drops to 400 knots from 440 knots for the original aircraft.
With almost 19 percent less thrust and only 359 pounds less weight than original aircraft, the SpiritLear has longer takeoff field lengths than a stock Learjet 25. Standard day TOFL is 5,245 feet, and it's 8,181 feet at B/CA's 5,000-foot-elevation, ISA+20°C airport. That's slightly longer than the sea-level runway needed by a Learjet 35, but 20 percent less when departing the hot-and-high airport because of the FJ44-2 superior density altitude performance. The SpiritLear, though, has 200 miles less range than the Learjet 35.
The SpiritLear can fly typical 300 nmi, 600 nmi and 1,000 nmi four-passenger B/CA missions five or six minutes behind a Learjet 31 or 35, but faster than most Citations in its class or other direct light jet competitors. Its fuel-efficiency compares favorably with others in class, but it needs more runway because of its lower thrust-to-weight ratio. The aircraft can climb directly to FL 410—however, its cruise speeds, especially at heavy weights, are lower than those of Model 30 series aircraft. Fuel economy, though, is about the same as that of the CJ2, and 10 to 15 percent better than Learjet 30-series aircraft.
Spirit Wing Aviation claims that the "inspection and preparation" process for the SpiritLear modification makes airframe age a "non-issue" for operators. Resale value of Learjet 25 aircraft with the SpiritLear kit has yet to be determined, but stock hull values range from less than $500,000 for a 1968 model to almost $1 million for a 1984 vintage aircraft. Model 35 aircraft, in contrast, retail for about $900,000 for an early 1974 model to $3 million for a late 1992 in primo condition. Learjet 31 aircraft retail for $2 million to $5 million, depending upon year.
However, some major mod centers are convinced of the value of the program. Recently, West Star Aviation, Banyan Air Service, and General Dynamics Flight and Aerospace in Niagara Falls signed on as authorized conversion centers. Now it's up to potential customers to decide if the SpiritLear is a better alternative to other similarly priced, but unmodified, light jets or if it's a $100 saddle on a $10 horse.
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