Belfast Facility to Manufacture Learjet 85 Aircraft Wing Structures

Winter 2011

The aircraft that will usher in new levels of performance and efficiency around the world is a true international effort. In addition to manufacturing facilities in Canada, the USA and Mexico, Bombardier's Belfast facility has now been selected for the development and production of advanced composite wing skin panels and spar components for the new Learjet 85 business jet. This new work package will enable the Belfast facility to build on its abilities in the composite field and produce the primary wing structures using its Resin Transfer Infusion (RTI) process that is currently being developed for the CSeries aircraft's advanced composite wings.

Building on success

Developing an aircraft with an extensive use of composite technology requires expertise from a variety of key players in the industry. A centre of excellence for advanced composite technology, the Belfast facility will leverage the success it has had to date using RTI technology with the Bombardier CSeries aircraft demonstrator wing. Here, this leading technology process will be developed, adapted and applied to the Learjet 85 business jet to advance the future of business aviation. The facility will provide access to the latest available processes while leveraging its in-house capabilities in order to develop an aircraft that offers optimal performance, reliability and comfort.

Moving aviation ahead

By expanding this technology to the new Learjet 85 aircraft program, Bombardier will gain a significant opportunity to develop key skills and core competencies in the design and manufacture of advanced composite wings. And so, create performance advances in new aircraft models that, like the Learjet 85, will redefine business aircraft.

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