February 24, 2014 — Seattle, Wash. — The Raisbeck Aft Fuselage Locker for the Learjet 60 series Business Jet has completed all of the FAA-required Certification tests, without compromise or complication. The test aircraft, 60-197, is now in refurbishment at West Star Aviation where it will receive a full paint job and interior update prior to redelivery back to its owner.
At just under 30 cubic feet, the 60-AFL concept and general shape closely resembles the earlier Aft Fuselage Lockers designed and certified for the Lear 30-series in the late 1990s, except the internal volume is almost 3 times as large. The added baggage and cargo capacity adds a critical dimension to the airplane operators’ flight planning flexibility and overall usefulness.
Erik Christofferson, Vice President – Engineering for Raisbeck Engineering, and Program Manager for the LearJet 60-AFL had high complements for the entire development and certification team, and his flight-test group in particular. “It is gratifying to see the culmination of this multi-year program come to such a satisfactory conclusion. All program goals have been met or exceeded. Now we’re moving on to the production phase and customer deliveries.”
Raisbeck Engineering began the development effort in 2009, with full cooperation from Bombardier LearJet in Wichita Kansas, who lent technical support and documentation crucial to the program’s ultimate success. Initial flight testing with the locker shape was conducted in late 2009, to prove flight characteristics and drag reduction. Raisbeck then gave full program go-ahead in 2010.
Following completion of kit production, initial installations will be conducted by West Star Aviation of Grand Junction Colorado, a long-standing Authorized Raisbeck Dealer/Installation Center. First customers are expected to arrive there in late May or early June of this year. Coordinating those efforts will be T. J. Jaeger, head of LearJet/Gulfstream Programs at West Star. Production rate is scheduled to begin at one installation per month, accelerating as supply and demand dictate.
Raisbeck Engineering continues in the tradition of its founder, dedicated to the improvement in performance and productivity of business and commercial aircraft through the infusion of advanced technology into in-service and new production aircraft. For more information about Raisbeck Engineering and our products, please visit www.raisbeck.com. Stay connected with Raisbeck online through our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts.
