Super Light Jets
Astra SP
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.
Astra SPX
Successful aircraft 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.
Cessna Citation Excel
The Citation Excel is technically a mid-sized jet, yet it still fits in the super light jet class – its cabin length is 18.7 feet and it can fly up to 1,961 miles (1,704 nautical miles) – but it can take off in 3,590 feet and climb to cruise altitude in just 18 minutes, performance statistics reminiscent of light private jets. At any rate, the Excel boasts excellent handling capabilities, reliable systems and consistent delivery of smooth, quick flights.
Cessna Citation XLS
The Citation XLS is technically a mid-sized jet – its cabin length is 18.7 feet and it can fly up to 1,961 miles (1,704 nautical miles); however, it can also take off in 3,500 feet and climb to cruise altitude in just 18 minutes, performance statistics reminiscent of light private jets. At any rate, the XLS boasts excellent handling capabilities, reliable systems, and consistent delivery of smooth, quick flights.
Cessna Citation XLS+
The mid-sized Citation XLS derived from the Citation Excel, but could go faster and further. The Citation XLS+ is an improved version of the already successful Citation XLS, featuring better performance capabilities by way of upgraded engines. The XLS+ received FAA certification in 2008.
Gulfstream G-100
The Gulfstream 100 was designed fly long distances at high speeds. It can easily complete nonstop trips from Seattle to New York or from Singapore to Tokyo and has a maximum cruise speed of .84 Mach. It lives up to the standards of reliability and high performance in private jets that Galaxy Aerospace Corp and its owner, Israel Aircraft Industries, have come to be known for.
Bombardier Learjet 35A
The Learjet 35 is known, above all, for its range. It can fly 2,056 miles nonstop. The Learjet 35 offers more than range: it has good handling characteristics, a low fuel burn, and fast cruise speeds as well.
Bombardier Learjet 36A
The Learjet 36 is the new and improved version of the Lear 35. The 35’s boasting rights were a result of its range; the Lear 36 only expanded on that asset. It can fly 1,530 miles (1,330 nautical miles) nonstop. That means direct flights from San Francisco to Honolulu. Good handling characteristics, low fuel burn, and fast cruise speeds are part of the Lear 36’s assets as well.
Bombardier Learjet 40
The Learjet is quite a contender in the competitive private jet market. Its cruise speed, cabin space, and technological advancements are greater than other light private jets. It has excellent range/payload flexibility and climbs quickly to elevations far above most air traffic and bad weather. Despite the high speeds of the Learjet 40, its fuel consumption remains relatively economical due to an aerodynamic design (cutting down on drag) and two fuel-efficient Honeywell TFE731-20AR-1B engines.
Bombardier Learjet 40XR
The Learjet is quite a contender in the competitive private jet market. Its cruise speed, cabin space, and technological advancements are greater than other light private jets. Released in 2006, the Learjet 40XR is a version of the 40 and the larger 45, with improvements in hot-and-high performance, climb rates and estimated time en-route.
Bombardier Learjet 45
New models of private jets come out every year, but it’s only ever so often that a jet is released that is truly innovative. The Learjet 45 is one of the rare jets to seamlessly integrate new technology with a tested and successful older design. Its speed and economy are to be expected – being a Learjet – but its remaining features combine to create a high-quality private jet.
Bombardier Learjet 45XR
New models of private jets come out every year, but it’s only ever so often that a jet is released that is truly innovative. The medium-range Learjet 45, replacing the 35, is one of the rare jets to seamlessly integrate new technology with a tested and successful older design. Its speed and economy are to be expected – being a Learjet – but its remaining features combine to create a high-quality private jet and the 45XR even more so.
Israel Aircraft Industries Westwind II
Israel Aircraft Industries bought the 1121 Jet Commander design in 1968, producing it under the name Commodore Jet. The 10-passenger Westwind I was produced in 1972 with a stretched fuselage. In 1980, IAI announced a second go-around, the Westwind II, with redesigned wings and the addition of winglets. The Westwind II used advanced technology of the time, while maintaining the price/performance ratio of its predecessor.
