The Gulfstream G100, formerly known as the IAI Astra SPX, is an Israel Aerospace Industries-manufactured twin-engine business jet, that was produced for Gulfstream Aerospace. Deliveries began in 1986. The United States Navy employs the aircraft as the C-38A Courier. A later derivative known as the G150 was launched in 2002. Gulfstream announced the final sale of the G150 in September 2016 and the last delivery by mid-2017.[1]
| IAI 1125 Astra/Gulfstream G100/G150 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Business jet |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream Aerospace |
| First flight | 1984 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Produced | 1985–2017[1] |
| Number built | 265 : 145 Astra/G100[2] + 120 G150[1] |
| Developed from | IAI Westwind |
| Variants | Gulfstream G200 |
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed the Astra from its Model 1124 Westwind business jet. Work on an improved Westwind began in the late 1970s,[3] with the first prototype flight on 19 March 1984.[4] The first production Astra flew on 20 March 1985, with FAA certification granted on 29 August 1985 and customer deliveries starting in 1986.[4]
The original 1125 Astra was replaced by the Astra SP, announced in 1989; 37 were built. The third variant, the Astra SPX, flew for the first time in August 1994. This variant was renamed G100 from September 2002 following Gulfstream's acquisition of Galaxy Aerospace, which held the Astra type certificate, in May 2001.
In September 2002, Gulfstream announced the improved G150, based on the G100. This last variant features a wider (12 in) and longer fuselage (16 in aft of rear pressure bulkhead) updated avionics and an increase in maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) to 26,100 pounds (11,839 kg) compared to the G100's MTOW of 24,650 pounds (11,181 kg). It was certified by the FAA in late 2005.[5] It has been certified for the steeper-than-normal approach path required to land at London City Airport.[6] Production of the G100 was discontinued following certification of the G150.[citation needed] IAI continued to manufacture G150s in Israel and the completed airframes were then flown to the U.S. for interior outfitting. In September 2016, Gulfstream announced that, owing to slow sales, production would be stopped, with delivery of the final aircraft due in mid-2017.[7]
The Astra was further developed in the 1990s; the wing was modified and mated to a completely new fuselage. This development became the IAI Galaxy (later the Gulfstream G200).[8]
By 2018, Gulfstream G150s from 2006–2008 were in the range of $3.8 to $4.8 million.[9]
The G100 was ordered for the United States Air Force in 1997 as the C-38A Courier. The C-38A was operated by the 201st Airlift SquadronatAndrews Air Force Base in Maryland until 2015. The C-38A replaced the earlier Learjet C-21. The C-38A differs from the standard Gulfstream G100, being fitted with various military avionics systems.[10]
The C-38A was also ordered for the United States Navy, replacing North American T-2 BuckeyesatNaval Air Station Patuxent River beginning in September 2015. Two aircraft remain in service as of 2023, both former 201st Airlift Squadron C-38's. The C-38 is tasked with acting as a chase plane, radar test target, and pilot proficiency aircraft for the test and evaluation squadron VX-20.[11]
In 2012, an IAI Astra operated by the Eritrean Air Force as the Eritrean presidential aircraft was stolen by two pilots, both serving Eritrean Air Force officers. They flew the Astra to Saudi Arabia and requested political asylum after landing at Jizan Regional Airport.[12]
Eritrea
India
Taiwan
United StatesData from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004[22]
General characteristics
Performance
Avionics
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
