iscover
The Astra, and before it the Westwind, have sold quite well, but most orders have come from companies in the USA. Through its Australian distributor Associated Airlines, IAI is now heavily pushing the Astra (pictured) and the larger, forthcoming Astra Galaxy, in this region. (IAI)
Airtest – IAI Astra SP
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IAI 1125 Astra SP
I never thought I would fly a high tailed, rear engined jet whose thin, swept wing demonstrated perfect stalling behaviour. Yet the aerodynamics of the IAI Astra SP’s Sigma II aerofoil are so good they give this seven passenger executive jet both a competitive Mach .80 cruise and such excellent low speed handling it not only needs no stick pusher, but completely dispenses with aerodynamic stall strips, stick shakers, horns, lights, bells, whistles or any artificial aid or warning other than the automatic slats.
The type’s family began way back in 1948 with renowned designer Ted Smith’s Aero Commander. Ten years later Willard Rockwell’s Rockwell Wheel and Axle Co acquired Smith’s firm, widening its growing range to include a turbine powered version, the Jet Commander, which first flew in January 1963. Subsequently an inexorably expanding Rockwell Corp absorbed, among other aviation interests, North American Aviation, makers of the Sabreliner executive jet selected for the armed forces.
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