The Gulfstream Aerospace G280 has received type certificates in the United States and Israel. It started out as the Astra Galaxy made by Galaxy Aerospace, a subsidiary of Israel Aircraft Industries. It then became the Gulfstream G200 after Gulfstream acquired Galaxy Aerospace 11 years ago, and was modified with new engines, a glass cockpit, and a bigger cabin to become the G250 in 2008. The number designation was changed after it was discovered that the number 250 in Mandarin can mean imbecile or foolish and might limit sales in Asian markets.
The G280 is a joint effort between Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries.
“Gulfstream is excited to bring this aircraft to its customers, especially since we’re able to provide a plane that does more than we originally announced,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “The G280 has a range of 3,600 nautical miles (6,667 km) at Mach 0.80. This increase of 200 nm (370 km) over our original projections results in increased fuel efficiency and lower operating costs for our customers. It’s the only mid-sized aircraft that can reliably fly nonstop between London and New York.”
Gulfstream is expected to announce the first delivery of a G280 around the time of the National Business Aircraft Association convention in Orlando starting Oct. 30.
Alton K. Marsh
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