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Successful aircrafts have one thing in common: evolution. In 1985, Israel Aircraft Industries introduced the midsize transcontinental Astra, a clean-sheet improvement over the Westwind. With a moderately swept low-wing design, the Astra was a faster model. Five years later, IAI announced the redesigned Astra SP. Its aerodynamic wing and new airframe design were credited with increasing the IFR range and allowing zero flap takeoffs. The redesigned once more Astra SPX was introduced in 1994 with new engines and winglets. Gulfstream eventually acquired the SPX and renamed it G100 in 2001.
When aircraft manufacturers were concerned with building anything that could fly adequately, Israel Aircraft Industries made strategic improvements in power and design that set the bar in the midsize category. The Astra SPX remains overall a great midsize business jet, offering range and speed in addition to ample passenger accommodations for its class. This is evidenced by Gulfstream’s acquisition and use of the design in its successful G100.
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