Israel Aircraft Industries' first production Galaxy business jet performed its maiden transatlantic flight on 3 October, flying non-stop from Paris to White Plains, New York, in 9h 9min. The aircraft is en route to the National Business Aviation Association convention which starts in Las Vegas on 19 October.
The Pratt & Whitney PW306A-powered aircraft carried full fuel and ballast, simulating the weight of the completed interior and four passengers and flew 6,200km (3,340nm). The Israeli company says the flight proved the Galaxy's capability to achieve its planned range of 6,700km.The flight was made at a long range cruise setting of Mach 0.75.
The aircraft is on target for certification by the end of the year, with deliveries starting in the second quarter of 1999.
Source: Flight International
