IAI Westwind

Uncommon card · No. 175743

The IAI Westwind is a business jet that was initially designed and produced by Aero Commander as the 1121 Jet Commander. Developed as a jet-powered derivative of the successful preceding Aero Commander 500, the prototype made its maiden flight on 27 January 1963. Powered by a pair of GE CJ610 turbojets, the initial production model of the aircraft received type certification on 4 November 1964 and the first deliveries took place two months later. As a consequence of North American Rockwell's purchase of Aero Commander, the programme was promptly sold onto Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) in 1968. In addition to continuing to produce the Westwind, IAI committed to the further development of the type. It was stretched slightly to create the 1123 Westwind, and subsequently re-engined with Garrett TFE731 turbofans to produce the 1124 Westwind. 442 aircraft were completed before production was terminated in 1987 in favour of the IAI Astra, a derivative of the Westwind. The largest model of the...

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