IAI Westwind

The IAI Westwind is a business jet that began as the Aero Commander 1121 Jet Commander, a jet-powered derivative of the Aero Commander 500. The prototype made its maiden flight on 27 January 1963 with a pair of GE CJ610 turbojets, and the initial production model received type certification on 4 November 1964. After North American Rockwell bought Aero Commander, the programme was sold to Israel Aircraft Industries in 1968. IAI stretched it slightly into the 1123 Westwind and re-engined it with Garrett TFE731 turbofans to produce the 1124 Westwind. The ovoid fuselage gave a large cabin for up to ten passengers, the mid-mounted wing lessened the effect of turbulence and the low door suited aeromedical operators. 442 aircraft were completed before production ended in 1987 in favour of the IAI Astra, and the Seascan maritime patrol variant served the Israeli Air Force for decades.