ARIE EGOZI / TEL AVIV
Gulfstream and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) are designing a new business jet, the G150, to fill the gap between the mid-size Gulfstream G100 and super-mid size G200. It is believed the design features the wings and tail of the G100, with a larger, rounder fuselage and new engines.
The G100 and G200, formerly the Astra SPX and Galaxy, were acquired by Gulfstream parent General Dynamics last year after the sale by IAI and the Hyatt group of Galaxy Aerospace, the exclusive US sales marketing and support entity for the business jets. IAI continues to manufacture the aircraft.
Following the sale, Gulfstream and IAI hinted at co-operation in the development of new business jets (Flight International, 15-21 May 2001). The G150 could be the first fruits of this, says IAI.
Moti Boness, IAI's civil aircraft division general manager, says new business jet designs are being evaluated, but "no decision has been made". Gulfstream says only that any announcements will be made at next month's National Business Aviation Association Convention.
Source: Flight International
