IAI to Gulfstream pt3

The final part of this story (for now) brings us up to date. The 1126 Galaxy used the Astra SPX wing but had a wider fuselage enabling 3 abreast seating and new engines. It first flew on December 25th 1997. In 2001 (along with the Astra that was in production at the same time) it was rebranded the G200 to reflect the merger with Gulfstream. The last G4s became G300s and G400s (G4SP) to complete the range. A total of 250 G200s were built with the last one being rolled out at Tel Aviv in December 2011.
The G200 evolved in to the G250 and first flew on December 11th 2009. Improvements over the earlier G200 included new engines, an updated glass cockpit and a larger wing plus a T-tail. With China becoming an ever more important customer for Gulfstream, it was found that the number 250 in Mandarin was "inappropriate" so the model was rebranded as the G280. Deliveries of these to Dallas for outfitting continue as can be seen in the updates on this blog.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have now been producing biz jets for 50 years and are just about at the 1000 mark (the 180th G280 will do that). Long may they continue.

G200 above at GVA and G280 below at PBI

IAI to Gulfstream pt2

Following on from the 1124 Westwind, IAI produced their first indigenous design, the 1125 Astra. First flown on March 19th 1984. It evolved in to the Astra SP and then the Astra SPX, identifiable by winglets. Following Gulfstream's acquisition of Galaxy Aerospace, who held the type certificate for the Astra as well as the later 1126 Galaxy, in 2001 the Astra was rebranded as the Gulfstream G100. In US military use it was known as the C-38A Courier although the Air Force only operated 2 out of Andrews. A total of 152 Astras were built. Cons 5 through 10 were not built and 158 was the last.
The Astra evolved in to the G150. Slightly longer and wider than the earlier model plus a shorter nose which is the easiest way to tell them apart. First flown on 3rd May 2005 with a total of 126 built. Production ended in 2017 with Gulfstream deciding to concentrate on mid-size and large cabin aircraft.

Early Astra landing and G150 taxying

Again, any corrections or comments welcome.

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.