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 Air Force employs the craft as the C-38 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.
Design and development
developed the Astra from its Model 1124 Westwind business jet. Work on an improved Westwind began in the late 1970s, with the first prototype flight on 19 March 1984. The first production Astra flew on 20 March 1985, with FAA certification granted on 29 August 1985 and customer deliveries starting in 1986. 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 and longer fuselage updated avionics and an increase in maximum takeoff weight to compared to the G100's MTOW of. It was certified by the FAA in late 2005. It has been certified for the steeper-than-normal approach path required to land at London City Airport. Production of the G100 was discontinued following certification of the G150. 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. 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. By 2018, Gulfstream G150s from 2006–2008 were in the range of $3.8 to $4.8 million.
;IAI 1125 Astra: Original version, powered by two Garrett TFE731-3A-200G turbofans. A total of 32 built. ;IAI 1125 Astra SP: Version with modified aerodynamics, improved avionics and revised interior. A total of 36 built from 1990. ;IAI 1125 Astra SPX: More powerful engines and fitted with winglets. Increased weights and range. ;: Improved version of G100 with wider and longer cabin, a revised nose and uprated engines. Nearly 120 were in service in 2016.
Specifications (G-100)
Operators
;Eritrea
Eritrean Air Force one 1125 Astra aircraft operated as presidential transport