Aerial Cinematography: Learjet

Learjet 25B

The Learjet is the de facto filming platform for air-to-air fixed-wing photography. Originally manufactured for executive aviation, this high performance aircraft can be distinquished by its sleek T-tail, swept wings and outward tip tanks. Designed around the wings of the Swiss P.16 fighter-bomber, the Lear offers reliable agility for the most demanding of shooting scenarios. Most often the Learjet will be mounted with either the Astrovision or Vectorvision filming systems. Typical missions include air-to-air photography of military fighter aircraft or commercial aviation jet airliners. Certain companies who routinely perform this kind of work have gone so far as to create a nose-mounted camera system to provide high speed forward-looking POV shots.

Mount Compatibility

One of the earliest special application missions for the Lear was aerial surveillance photography. For motion picture air-to-air filming the systems of choice are Astrovision and Vectorvision. Both systems were designed by the same individual, but are used by different companies. Preference is purely that of the aerial cinematographer based on particular need. Both Astrovision and Vectorvision have been used to great success.

Learjet 25B Specifications

For general reference only. The following specifications are for the LEARJET 25B. They do not consider the altered weight-and-balance characteristics or resulting restrictions on inflight performance with installed camera mounting systems.
Length:	47 ft 7 in (14.50 m)
Wingspan:	43 ft 10 in (10.84 m)
Height:	12 ft 3 in (3.73 m)
Empty weight:	7,640 lbs (3,465 kg)
Maximum takeoff weight:	15,000 lbs (6,804 kg)
Maximum speed:	465 kts/mach 0.82 (860 kmh)
Range:	1,437 nm (2,663 km)
Powerplant:	2 CJ610-8As
Thrust:	2,950 lbs (13.1 kN)

Important Considerations

Any high performance aircraft such as the Learjet is required by the FAA to have a pilot and copilot.
The Astrovision and Vectorvision systems take up most of the available cabin space. Only essential crew personnel, aside from pilot and copilot, are allowed onboard during filming missions. This is usually the aerial cinematographer, director and film system technician.
Both film systems mentioned above are only avialable from a few select vendors, usually the companies providing the Learjet, most notably Wolfe Air or Clay Lacy Aviation. System preference is purely that of the aerial cinematographer.
The version of Learjet available will depend upon the company providing the aircraft. Usually a specific ship in the fleet, such as the Lear 25B or 35, has been dedicated to this sort of work when not performing executive air charter duties.