Gulfstream G100

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
(Redirected from Gulfstream C-38A Courier)
Jump to: navigation, search
Gulfstream G100
Israel Aircraft Industries 1125 Astra SPX D-CRIS in DUS.jpg
An Astra SPX (later called the Gulfstream G100) in Düsseldorf, Germany
Role Business jet
Manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace
Status Active service
Primary user United States Air Force
Produced 2002-2005[1]
Developed from IAI Astra

The Gulfstream G100, formerly known as the Astra SPX, is an Israel Aircraft Industries-manufactured twin-engine business jet, now produced for Gulfstream Aerospace. The United States Air Force designation for the G100 is C-38 Courier.

Design and development

Astra evolved from the Rockwell Jet Commander, for which IAI had purchased the manufacturing license in 1968, and the IAI Westwind. The Astra wing was modified and, with a completely new fuselage, became the Galaxy (later the Gulfstream G200) business jet during the 1990s.[2]

Work on an improved Westwind began in the early 1980s, with the prototype making its first flight on 19 March 1984. The first production Astra flew in March 1985, FAA certification came in August 1985 and customer deliveries started in 1986.

The original 1125 Astra was replaced by the Astra SP, announced in 1989; 37 were built. The third variant, Astra SPX, flew in August 1994. This variant was renamed G100 from September 2002 following Gulfstream's acquisition of Galaxy Aerospace, which held the Astra certifications, in May 2001. IAI builds G100s in Israel and then flies the completed airframes to the United States for interior outfitting.

External video
video icon G150

In September 2002 Gulfstream announced the improved G150, based on the G100. This new variant was due in 2005. It has been FAA certified for steep approach.[3]

The C-38 Courier is currently in use by the United States Air Force with the 201st Airlift Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. The C-38 replaced the earlier C-21 Learjet. The C-38 differs from the standard Gulfstream G100, featuring military-grade GPS, Tactical Air Navigation, UHF and VHF secure command radio, and Identification friend or foe system.[citation needed]

The C-38 will additionally serve with the United States Navy, replacing North American T-2 Buckeye aircraft at Naval Air Station Patuxent River beginning in September 2015. The C-38 will act as a chase aircraft, radar test target, and pilot proficiency aircraft for the test and evaluation squadron VX-20.[4]

Specifications (Astra SPX)

Data from AOPA

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 6-9 passengers
  • Length: 16.94 m (55 ft 7 in)
  • Wingspan: 16.05 m (52 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 5.54 m (18 ft 2 in)
  • Max takeoff weight: Lua error in Module:Convert at line 272: attempt to index local 'cat' (a nil value).
  • Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell TFE-731-40R Turbine, 18.9 kN (4,250 lbf) thrust each

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 861 km/h; 535 mph (465 kn)
  • Range: 4,661 km; 2,897 mi (2,517 nmi)

Avionics
Collins Pro Line 4

Operators

 United States

United States Air Force

Air National Guard
201st Airlift Squadron

United States Navy

See also

Related development

References

External links