Gulfstream G280
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1958 |
| Headquarters | Savannah, Georgia , United States |
| Products | Business jets |
The Gulfstream G280 is a twin-engine business jet developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on behalf of Gulfstream Aerospace. Its delivery to customers commenced in 2012.
Development
In 2005, Gulfstream and IAI initiated the design process for a replacement model to succeed the Gulfstream G200. Initially introduced as the G250 in 2008, this aircraft incorporated a modern glass cockpit, enhanced engines, an enlarged wing, and heated leading edges.
The G250 completed its first flight on December 11, 2009, in Tel Aviv. To avoid unfavorable interpretations of "250" in Mandarin-speaking regions, the aircraft was rebranded as the G280 in July 2011.
During 2011 flight testing, the G280 achieved a range of at Mach 0.80 carrying four passengers with NBAA IFR reserves, enabling nonstop routes such as London to New York or Singapore to Dubai. Its balanced field length improved from the G200’s , enhancing operational performance.
Israel granted provisional certification for the aircraft in December 2011. After resolving electronic security issues identified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in mid-2012, the G280 received full certification from both Israeli and US authorities on September 4, 2012.
By 2021, the list price for a fully equipped G280 was approximately $24.5 million.
On September 30, 2025, Gulfstream announced the G300, a modernized iteration of the G280.
Design
Gulfstream led the aerodynamic design of the wing, empennage, and cabin layout, while IAI executed detailed engineering following Gulfstream’s specifications. This model is classified as a Gulfstream-designed aircraft under a new type certificate.
Notable enhancements include an extended cabin length—achieved by eliminating the rear fuselage fuel tank to provide an additional 17 inches of interior space—a new Honeywell HTF7250G engine, a redesigned T-tail featuring larger stabilizers, wing anti-icing supplied through engine bleed air, four extra cabin windows, and direct cabin access to the baggage compartment. The G280 competes with aircraft such as the Bombardier Challenger 300 and Cessna Citation X+. Production involves IAI manufacturing the fuselage, empennage, and landing gear; Spirit AeroSystems (now part of Triumph Group) fabricates the wing; final assembly takes place in Israel before the aircraft is flown to Dallas, Texas for interior outfitting and painting.
The wing employs a new design based on the Gulfstream G550 airfoil, increasing wing area to 495 square feet from the G200’s 369 square feet. This configuration permits a direct climb to 43,000 feet with a design cruise speed of Mach 0.80—an improvement over the G200’s Mach 0.75. At an altitude of 41,000 feet and Mach 0.82 (467 knots), each engine burns roughly 900 pounds of fuel per hour.
Military Operators
- Philippine Air Force – Acquired one unit in 2020 valued at approximately 2 billion pesos.