NIAR Will Take Over Research Started By Grob Aerospace

Following weeks of layoff announcements for aviation workers in Wichita, KS, Friday brought some much-needed good news for a change. Wichita State's National Institute for Aviation Research will conduct structural testing and certification for the new Learjet 85 midsize business jet.

Under terms of the multi-year, $10-$20 million contract, NIAR will be involved in the FAA certification of the aircraft from the testing of coupon samples to the structural certification of full-scale components.

"Learjet has long been a supporter of technology advancements within NIAR", said Ralph Acs, Vice President, Learjet 85. "This new partnership will strengthen this relationship and supports the plan to make the Learjet 85 a technologically advanced aircraft."

The agreement represents the largest single NIAR industry contract in Wichita State history, according to President Don Beggs... and is also a welcome bit of "insourcing," so to speak.

When the Learjet 85 was first announced in January 2008 -- it was known as the Learjet NXT prior to that -- Bombardier named Grob Aerospace as the builder of the first three prototypes for its first all-composite aircraft. That agreement only last nine months, however... as later in the year, Grob filed for insolvency, and Bombardier withdrew from the deal.

Bombardier said at the time it planned to keep the project in Wichita, where the Montreal-based planemaker has a major manufacturing presence. The Kansas aerospace community, hit hard by recent layoffs, was no doubt relieved to see that statement come to fruition.

"I'm delighted Bombardier Learjet has selected NIAR as a key partner in the development of its new business jet," said Beggs. "It's a tribute to the outstanding scientists, engineers and technicians at NIAR, who are among the best in the world."

In spite of the Grob difficulties, Bombardier has not significantly altered its plans to start Learjet 85 deliveries to launch customer FlexJet in late 2012... which means NIAR will have its work cut out for it to catch up to the now-accelerated timeframe.

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.niar.twsu.edu