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Gulfstream G200

Gulfstream Aerospace (IAI Galaxy) · Midsize Business Jet · USA · Modern (1992–2009)

Gulfstream G200 — Midsize Business Jet
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The Gulfstream G200 (originally IAI Galaxy) is an Israeli-American mid-size business jet — IAI's most-successful civilian aircraft + the basis for the later Gulfstream G280. IAI designed the Galaxy in 1993-1997 as an enlarged successor to the IAI Astra; first flight 25 December 1997. After Gulfstream Aerospace acquired the design rights in 2001, the aircraft was rebranded as the Gulfstream G200; production continued at IAI Tel Aviv. About 249 Galaxy / G200s were built between 1999 and 2011; final delivery 2011. The aircraft serves corporate + air-charter + government operators worldwide.

The G200 used 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306A turbofans (6,040 lbf each). Maximum cruise speed Mach 0.85 (854 km/h), range 6,300 km (transcontinental USA), service ceiling 13,716 m, MTOW 16,080 kg. Cabin: 8-10 passengers in standard layout, 4.3 m × 2.2 m × 1.9 m. The aircraft introduced full transcontinental range to the mid-size business jet class + competed against the Bombardier Challenger 300 + Cessna Citation Sovereign.

Galaxy / G200 service spanned ~12 years of production with steady demand from corporate Fortune-500 fleets + Middle East government flights + high-end air-charter operators. The aircraft was succeeded by the Gulfstream G280 (2012) — a refined development with new wings + improved range. About 200 G200s remain in active service in 2026; the aircraft is the most-produced Israeli-designed civilian jet. IAI Tel Aviv continues to produce the G280 under contract to Gulfstream as of 2026.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Gulfstream G200 is an Israeli-American business jet that started life as the IAI Galaxy. IAI designed the Galaxy in the 1990s as a bigger and faster version of the older IAI Astra. The plane first flew in December 1997.

In 2001, the American company Gulfstream Aerospace bought the design from IAI. The plane was renamed the Gulfstream G200, but it kept being built at the IAI factory in Tel Aviv. About 249 Galaxies and G200s were built between 1999 and 2011.

The G200 has two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW306A turbofan engines. Each one makes 6,040 pounds of thrust. The plane can fly at 545 mph and cover 3,900 miles in one trip.

The G200 is about as long as a city bus. It carries up to 10 passengers in a comfortable cabin. The plane was IAI's most successful civilian aircraft. The newer Gulfstream G280, which is still in production, is based on the same design.

Fun Facts

  • The Gulfstream G200 started life as the IAI Galaxy.
  • About 249 Galaxies and G200s were built between 1999 and 2011.
  • Gulfstream Aerospace bought the design from IAI in 2001.
  • The plane was IAI's most successful civilian aircraft.
  • It carries up to 10 passengers in a comfortable cabin.
  • The newer Gulfstream G280 is based on the same design.

Kids’ Questions

Why did Gulfstream buy the Galaxy from IAI?

Gulfstream wanted to sell business jets in the mid-size market, where it did not have a competitive plane. Buying the Galaxy was faster than designing a new jet from scratch. IAI kept building the planes in Tel Aviv, but Gulfstream marketed and supported them around the world under its name.

Where are the engines on the G200?

The G200's two engines are mounted on the back of the body, near the tail — not under the wings like most airliners. This is a common design for business jets. Putting the engines in the back keeps the cabin quiet for passengers and gives the wings a clean, smooth shape.

Variants

IAI Galaxy (1999-2001)
Original IAI brand. ~30 built.
Gulfstream G200 (2001-2011)
Rebranded under Gulfstream. ~220 built.

Notable Operators

Corporate + charter (1999-present)
Fortune-500 corporate flight departments + NetJets + private owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did IAI end up co-producing with Gulfstream?

IAI built the Galaxy 1999-2001 as a wholly-Israeli design + initial production. After 30 deliveries IAI signed a marketing + production agreement with Gulfstream Aerospace (then a unit of General Dynamics) — Gulfstream's name + dealer network gave the design instant credibility in the US corporate-jet market. Gulfstream rebranded the aircraft as the G200 in 2001 but IAI Tel Aviv continued to build the airframes + ship green to Gulfstream Dallas for completion + delivery. The arrangement continues for the successor G280 in 2026 — IAI builds + Gulfstream sells + supports.

Sources

See Also