Gulfstream G200
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Fate | Acquired by Gulfstream Aerospace in 2001 |
| Successor | Gulfstream Aerospace |
| Headquarters | Israel |
| Parent | Israel Aerospace Industries (before acquisition) |
The Gulfstream G200, initially known as the IAI Galaxy, is a twin-turbofan business jet engineered by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and manufactured by IAI on behalf of Gulfstream Aerospace between 1999 and 2011.
Design and development
The aircraft was originally called the "Astra Galaxy" before being renamed Gulfstream G200 following Gulfstream Aerospace’s acquisition of Galaxy Aerospace in 2001. Its design originated in the late 1980s through a risk-sharing collaboration between IAI's subsidiary Galaxy Aerospace Inc. and the Soviet Yakovlev OKB. Yakovlev was tasked with designing the forward fuselage and empennage but encountered production delays, resulting in the termination of the partnership in 1995. Afterward, fuselage and empennage manufacturing responsibilities were transferred to EADS Sogerma, while IAI retained final assembly and acted as the prime contractor.
The G200 is equipped with a broader fuselage combined with a reinforced Astra SPX wing featuring integrated winglets and revised high-lift devices. It is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306 turbofan engines, each producing 5,700 lbf (25.3 kN) of thrust. The aircraft incorporates Pro Line 4 avionics alongside a completely redesigned cabin interior. Although the use of the Astra SPX wing restricted overall dimensions, it enabled seating arrangements of three abreast for 8 to 10 occupants. Key enhancements included Krueger flaps on the wing leading edges to enhance takeoff and landing performance, compensating for increased wing loading. The airplane utilizes rubber de-icing boots on both wing and horizontal stabilizer leading edges and is characterized by its distinctive forward-leaning stance when on the ground.
The Galaxy took to the skies for its maiden flight on December 25, 1997. It received certification from both U.S. and Israeli aviation authorities by December 1998, with deliveries commencing in 1999. Following Gulfstream’s acquisition of Galaxy Aerospace in June 2001, the aircraft was rebranded as the G200.
In 2005, Gulfstream began work on a successor initially designated "G250," which was introduced in 2008 and subsequently renamed the Gulfstream G280. Production of the G200 ceased on December 19, 2011, after a total of 250 units had been completed.
As of 2018, used Gulfstream G200 jets manufactured between 1999 and 2007 were valued within a range of $2.395 million to $6.25 million.