Summary

  • Gulfstream G100 used by multiple militaries, including Eritrean Air Force.
  • Indian Air Force has two G100s in fleet, while Taiwan uses one for target towing.
  • US Navy operates former C-38A Astra SPX as chase aircraft and targets.

The Gulfstream G100 is a mid-sized business jet, formerly known as the Astra SPX, manufactured by the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) for Gulfstream Aerospace. The IAI began deliveries of the twin-engine business jet in 1986. The aircraft is operated by a handful of global military forces and companies, notably the United States Navy (USN). The USN operates the jet as the C-38A Courier. This article explores the four surprising users of the jet.

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 6–9 passengers
  • Length: 16.94 m (55 ft 7 in)
  • Wingspan: 16.64 m (54 ft 7 in) (over winglets)
  • Height: 5.54 m (18 ft 2 in)
  • Empty weight: 6,214 kg (13,700 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 11,181 kg (24,650 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 4,910 L (1,300 US gal; 1,080 imp gal) usable
  • Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell TFE731-40-R-200G turbofans, 18.9 kN (4,250 lbf) thrust each
  • Maximum speed: Mach 0.875
  • Cruise speed: 896 km/h (557 mph, 484 kn)
  • Range: 5,462 km (3,394 mi, 2,949 nmi) (max fuel, four passengers)
  • Service ceiling: 14,000 m (45,000 ft)

1

Eritrean Air Force

One 1125 Astra operated as a presidential transport

  • Aircraft Flown
  • Attack: MB-339, Su-25
  • Fighter: MiG-21, MiG-29, Su-27
  • Trainer: M-290
  • Transport: Y-12, Gulfstream G100

The Eritrean Air Force (ERAF) is the aerial service branch of the Eritrean Defence Forces. Established shortly after the Eritrean War of Independence in 1994, most of the original force was built on the abandoned Ethiopian Air Force, including some MiG-21s. While the old MiG-21s are no longer in service, the ERAF operates 11 MiG-29s (Eight in active service and three in storage) and two Sukhoi Su-27 fighters.

A Gulfstream G100 parked on an airport apron.

The ERA operates a single 1125 Astra variant of the Gulfstream G100 for presidential transport. Apart from that, the agency has a single US-built Super King Air utility aircraft and four Chinese-based Harbin Y-12 used as transport aircraft.

Related

The Gulfstream G100: A Tiny Private Jet Originally Made In Israel

The aircraft can climb to its cruising altitude in less than 15 minutes.

2

Indian Air Force (IAF)

Two Gulfstream G100s in operation

  • Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Registration N73325), delivered on December 12, 2002
  • Indian Air Force (Registration L3467) delivered on April 7. 2003

The Indian Air Force (IAF), an aerial warfare branch of the Indian Armed Forces, is primarily responsible for protecting the country’s airspace and conducting aerial warfare during armed conflicts. Originally established in 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire, the IAF was formally founded in 1950, three years after the country’s independence.

Indian Air Force Boeing 737-200 In Bratislava

The IAF is one of the largest air forces in the world, with over 170,000 active personnel, 140,000 reserve personnel, and nearly 2.000 active aircraft under its wing. The IAF has two Gulfstream G100 aircraft in its fleet. While the exact use or mission of the business jet is unknown, Planelogger.com shows that one aircraft (N73325) has left the IAF fleet while the other (L3467) remains active.

Related

Which Aircraft Does The Indian Air Force Fly?

India has the world’s fourth largest Air Force.

Besides these, the IAF operates a wide range of transport aircraft, including strategic airlift aircraft for large transports and Dornier 228 for light transport operations. The IAF also operates specialized Boeing 737s and Embraer ECJ-135s for VIP transports. Moreover, two specially modified Boeing 777s are used for Presidential and Prime Minister transport.

3

Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) of Taiwan

One Astra SPX aircraft used as a target tug

  • Acquired in 2000
  • Launched charter services in 2011
  • First flight between Taichung City and Kinmen Island
  • Passenger capacity: Six
  • Operational Range: 2,700 NM (5,000 km)
  • Speed: Mach 0.87
  • Service Ceiling: 45,000 ft.

The AIDC is a Taiwanese Aerospace company based in Taichung. The AIDC was established in March 1969 as the aerospace development center for the country’s air force. In 2011, the company launched business charter services from Taichung City to Kinmen Island. The seven-seater aircraft can fly up to 2,700 NM (5,000 km) with speeds approaching Mach 0.87.

A Gulfstream G100 on an airport apron.

Photo: MS_Digital | Shutterstock

According to the AIDC,

“In addition to business charter service, AIDC uses the Gulfstream jet to provide flight services including airborne tow target for training of the armed forces, aerial land surveys, atmospheric measurements, typhoon surveillance, etc. AIDC is planning to operate charter flights between the airports in Taiwan as well as major Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City and Manila.”

Related

Gulfstream Vs Bombardier: Which Private Jet Has The Longest Range?

The Gulfstream G700 leads by a very small margin.

4

United States Navy (USN)

Two former US Air Force (USAF) C-38A Astra SPX

  • Largest navy by tonnage
  • Most powerful navy
  • Aircraft carriers in service: 11
  • Aircraft carriers to join service: 10
  • Navy personnel: Over 450 000 (active and reserve)

The US Navy is the maritime service branch of the US Armed Forces and is the world’s largest (in terms of tonnage) and most powerful navy. Established in 1794 (230 years ago), the USN has the largest aircraft carrier fleet of 21 aircraft (including those undergoing construction and trials).

Gulfstream_G-100_(293281675)

The USN has over 350,000 active personnel and over 100,000 ready reserves. It operates 299 deployable combat vessels and over 4,000 operational aircraft. The US operates two C-38A Couriers, derivatives of the G100, as chase aircraft and airborne radar targets. According to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR),

“The C-38 Courier, the Navy’s latest Test and Evaluation Support Aircraft, is a derivative Gulfstream G100 formerly known as the Astra SPX. This twin-engine jet is used as a test and evaluation chase aircraft for P-8A, E-2D, MQ-4C, E-6B and C-130 testing and as an airborne radar target.”

Related

How The US Navy Became The World’s 2nd Most Powerful Air Force

The US Navy is arguably the second-most powerful in the world – although it is built for a particular mission set.

What are your thoughts on the operators of the Gulfstream G100 and their uses? Share your views in the comments section.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *