IAI to Gulfstream pt1

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was originally founded in 1953 as Bedek Aviation. Primarily founded to support the Israeli military which it still does to this day. Their first venture into business jets was in 1968 when IAI acquired the license from North American Rockwell to build the 1121 Jet Commander (who had built 150). Rockwell who built the Jet Commander merged with North American who built the Sabreliner which is why the Commander line was put up for sale. Known as the Commodore Jet when production started in Tel Aviv and then became the 1123 Westwind. This incorporated a stretched fuselage and wing tip tanks. Upgraded engines begat the 1124 Westwind (which first flew in July 75) and winglets on the tip tanks created the 1124A (79 NBAA debut), known as the Westwind 2. Many of these remain in service. Israel converted 3 (I believe) to maritime patrol aircraft and were known as Sea Scan. Germany had a fleet (of 6) used for target towing for the military. A total of 292 of all variants were built in Israel. The Gulfstream connection will become apparent in subsequent parts of this story.

IAI 1124 Westwind and 1124A Westwind 2

Any corrections or comments most welcome on this subject.