About the ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES GULFSTREAM G150
The Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) Gulfstream G150 is a significant model in the realm of mid-size business jets. The G150's development traces back to the necessity for a more advanced version of its predecessor, the Gulfstream G100, which itself evolved from the Astra SPX after Gulfstream Aerospace acquired Galaxy Aerospace in 2001. By July 2002, the Gulfstream G150 was publicly announced as a redesigned and improved replacement for the G100 with the aim of enhancing performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort in the competitive business jet market.
The first prototype of the G150 took to the skies on May 3, 2005, and after a rigorous test program, it received certification from both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) by November 2005. Deliveries commenced in 2006. The G150 was production manufactured in Israel by IAI and later completed in the United States by Gulfstream's facilities in Georgia. The G150 served as a niche product for business aviation, ideal for companies and individuals seeking a balance between performance, comfort, and operating costs.
Key Features and Capabilities
The aircraft distinguishes itself with several advantages: it boasts an enlarged and redesigned cabin from the G100, providing more comfort and space, allowing for several cabin configurations to suit different needs. It was also equipped with upgraded avionics, a longer range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 kilometers), and improved fuel efficiency. The G150 could cruise at speeds up to 470 knots and had a service ceiling of 45,000 feet, making it highly competitive for domestic and transcontinental flights.
The production of the G150 concluded in 2017 after over 120 units were delivered. By then, it had established itself as a reliable, efficient, and comfortable mid-size business jet, valued for its operational flexibility and performance. Its legacy continues to influence subsequent designs and remains a noteworthy mark in the evolution of business jets.