VERDICT: Introduced in 1964, the first Learjet model became an instant icon, creating a new market for small-but-fast business jets. The jet was derived from the single-engine Swiss FFAP-16 fighter jet. The brand soon attracted a host of executive and celebrity owners, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Sammy Davis Jr. Production of the 23 ended in 1966, after 101 aircraft had been delivered.IMPACT: First large business jet with an exquisite cabin and extended range.
VERDICT: This twin turbofan business jet was capable of flying transcontinental flights with its 3,580-nautical-mile range with a maximum cruise speed of 420 knots. The big-cabin was priced at $21 million in 1980. It was initially built at a new facility in Savannah, Georgia, which is now Gulfstream’s main headquarters. It was produced from 1966 to 1980, with the Gulfstream IIBs from 1981 to 1987. Over 240 of the 256 Gulfstream IIs that were built are still in service.
VERDICT: The Falcon 50 was the first aircraft from the French airframer with transatlantic range. With its new supercritical wing structure, it could fly 3,400 nautical miles, which also gave it the ability to cross from the east coast to the west coast of the U.S. It took its first flight in 1977. The efficient wing structure was eventually applied to the Falcon 900 and Falcon 2000 models.
VERDICT: The Citation X, produced from 1995 to 2012, marked the launch of the new 750 series. The clean-sheet design, with a standard configuration of eight passengers and two crew seats, became one of the US aircraft manufacturer’s best sellers. Designed to shed the image of Citation being a slow jet, the first Citation X was delivered to devoted Cessna owner Arnold Palmer in July 1996.
VERDICT: Popular among celebrities and international businessmen, the long-range GV can fly from Los Angeles to Shanghai.