WESTWIND

The IAI Westwind is a business jet that was initially developed by Aero Commander as the 1121 Jet Commander. The mid-winged aircraft is powered by twin GE CJ610 turbojets, has an MTOW range between 16,800-23,500 lbs, and can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers. The Westwind received its type certification on November 4, 1964, and was put into series production with deliveries to customers beginning in early 1965. The program was later purchased by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) in 1968, who further stretched the 1123 Westwind and re-engined it with Garrett TFE731 turbofans into the 1124 Westwind. IAI produced a total of 442 Westwind jets until 1987. The onset of the Jet Commander created a problem for North American Rockwell, who had a similar executive jet design and could not keep both in production due to antitrust laws. Therefore, the company sold off its rights to the Jet Commander, which were later acquired by IAI.