Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
IAI Astra SP: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)
IAI Astra SP: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The IAI Astra SP (Model 1125 Astra SP), produced from 1990 to 1995, is the second-generation evolution of Israel Aircraft Industries' clean-sheet Astra business jet platform. Following the original Astra (1985), the SP introduced aerodynamic wing improvements, a new airframe design, increased IFR range, and zero-flap takeoff capability. Powered by twin Honeywell TFE731-3 turbofan engines producing 3,700 lbf each, the Astra SP delivers 2,330 nautical miles of range, 460 ktas maximum cruise, and a 39,700 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. The Astra family traces its heritage to the Aero Commander Jet Commander acquired by IAI in 1968 and renamed Westwind, with the Astra being a clean-sheet 1985 modernization. The SP was succeeded by the more-refined Astra SPX in 1994-1996. Pre-owned market today: $700,000 to $1,200,000.
For operators seeking an attainable Israeli-built midsize business jet with proven engineering heritage, the Astra SP remains a strong choice.
IAI Astra SP Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1995 (succeeded by Astra SPX) |
| Designation | IAI 1125 Astra SP |
| Manufacturer | Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) |
| Service Entry | 1990 |
| Production Years | 1990 to 1995 |
| Predecessor | Original Astra (1985) |
| Successor | Astra SPX (1994-2001) |
| Pilots Required | 2 |
| Passengers (Typical) | 7 |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,330 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 39,700 ft |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell TFE731-3 turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,700 lbf (7,400 lbf total) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 24,650 lb |
| Payload with Max Fuel | 2,055 lb |
| Cabin Length | 17 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5 ft |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft (some sources) / 5'6" per other measurements |
| Cabin Volume | 304 cu ft |
| Balanced Field Length | 6,400 ft |
| Original New Price | $8,800,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $700,000 to $1,200,000 |
History as IAI's Mid-Generation Astra
The Astra SP was Israel Aircraft Industries' first major refinement of the clean-sheet 1985 Astra platform. The SP introduced multiple aerodynamic and design improvements while maintaining the proven Astra airframe foundation.
Platform timeline:
- 1968: IAI acquires Aero Commander Jet Commander program, renames Westwind
- 1985: IAI introduces original Astra (clean-sheet improvement over Westwind)
- 1990: Astra SP announced (aerodynamic wing redesign)
- 1990-1995: Astra SP production run
- 1994: Astra SPX introduced
- 1995: Astra SP production ends
- 2001: Gulfstream acquires IAI executive jet division
- 2001: Astra SPX renamed Gulfstream G100
- 2006: G100 (Astra SPX successor) production ends
Key Improvements Over Original Astra
The Astra SP introduced multiple substantial improvements:
1. Aerodynamic Wing Design
The redesigned wing delivered measurable improvements:
- Increased IFR range: Better fuel efficiency
- Zero-flap takeoff capability: New operational flexibility
- Improved high-speed handling: Modern aerodynamics
- Refined airfoil: Updated lift characteristics
2. New Airframe Design
- Refined fuselage: Improved structure
- Better systems integration: Modern engineering
- Increased payload-range capability: Performance gain
3. Updated Cabin
The Astra SP introduced cabin refinements while maintaining proven dimensions.
Why the Astra Engine Placement Matters
A distinctive Astra feature is the engine placement: high and far back on the fuselage. This design serves an important purpose: keeping engine noise away from the cabin. The result is a substantially quieter cabin than competing aircraft with engines mounted closer to the fuselage center.
Cabin Interior
The Astra SP cabin retains the proven Astra dimensions:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 17 ft |
| Cabin Width | 5 ft |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft (estimated per some sources) |
| Cabin Volume | 304 cu ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 7-Passenger: Various executive layouts
- Up to 9 Maximum: Certified seating
Cabin Features
- Engines mounted high and far back: Noise away from cabin
- Modern executive seating: Standard
- Forward galley: Available
- Aft lavatory: Standard
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,330 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 39,700 ft |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 24,650 lb |
| Payload with Max Fuel | 2,055 lb |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 6,400 ft |
Engines
Two Honeywell TFE731-3 turbofan engines, each producing 3,700 lbf of thrust (7,400 lbf total). The TFE731 family provided strong service infrastructure across multiple business jet applications of the era.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~220 gph) | $1,540 to $1,980 |
| Engine Reserve | $400 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $700 (parts supply considerations) |
| Misc Variable | $350 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,990 to $3,430/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.5 to $2.8 million all-in.
Charter rates: $4,000 to $5,000 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Astra SP (1990-1995) | $700,000 to $1,200,000 |
Original new price: $8,800,000.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Aviation Enthusiasts: Israeli-built midsize jet heritage
- Specialty Operators: Affordable midsize with proven engineering
- Owner-Operators: Manageable acquisition cost
- Step-Up From Light Jet: Larger cabin and range
Less suited if:
- You need modern integrated avionics
- You require single-pilot certification
- You want robust factory product support (legacy IAI)
- You need transcontinental U.S. range with seats full
- You require modern fuel efficiency
Pros and Cons
What the IAI Astra SP Does Well
- 2,330 nm range
- 460 ktas cruise
- Israeli-built solid engineering
- Engines mounted high/far back (quieter cabin)
- Zero-flap takeoff capability
- $700K-$1.2M attainable pre-owned pricing
- Distinctive low-wing midsize design
Tradeoffs to Understand
- 39,700 ft service ceiling (lower than newer competitors)
- 6,400 ft balanced field (longer than newer competitors)
- 304 cu ft cabin (smaller than later Astra SPX 375 cu ft)
- Avionics dated
- Production ended 1995 (parts supply via Gulfstream)
- Two-pilot operation required
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Astra SP different from the original Astra?
The Astra SP (1990) introduced an aerodynamic wing redesign, new airframe design, increased IFR range, and zero-flap takeoff capability. The aerodynamic improvements over the original 1985 Astra were credited with substantial performance gains.
How is the Astra SP different from the Astra SPX?
The Astra SPX (1994) introduced more powerful TFE731-40R engines (4,250 lbf vs SP's 3,700 lbf), winglets (distinguishing visual feature), increased range, and refined systems. The SPX is the substantially more capable variant.
How far can an Astra SP fly?
The Astra SP has a range of 2,330 nautical miles at long-range cruise.
Is the Astra SP single-pilot certified?
No. The Astra SP requires two pilots.
What replaced the IAI Astra SP?
The IAI Astra SPX (1994) replaced the SP with more powerful engines and winglets. In 2001, Gulfstream acquired the IAI executive jet division and renamed the SPX as the Gulfstream G100. The G100 was produced until 2006 when production ceased in favor of the G150.
What is the Astra's engineering lineage?
The Astra traces its heritage to the Aero Commander Jet Commander (1960s), which was acquired by IAI in 1968 and renamed Westwind. The Astra is a clean-sheet 1985 modernization of the Westwind platform with a new low-wing configuration (vs Westwind's mid-wing).
The Bottom Line
The IAI Astra SP is the historically significant second-generation Israeli midsize business jet, delivering aerodynamic wing improvements, zero-flap takeoff capability, and 2,330 nm range over the original 1985 Astra. At current pre-owned pricing of $700,000 to $1,200,000, the SP offers attainable entry into the Astra family with proven Israeli engineering heritage. The tradeoffs are real: dated avionics, 39,700 ft service ceiling, and longer field requirements vs newer competitors. But for operators seeking distinctive midsize jet heritage at attainable cost, the Astra SP delivers genuine value.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for IAI Astra SP market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to Gulfstream support resources.
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Book a IAI Astra SP on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the IAI Astra SP and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live IAI Astra SP availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a IAI Astra SP against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a IAI Astra SP for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the IAI Astra SP to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
IAI Astra SP Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports IAI Astra SP operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the IAI Astra SP for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the IAI Astra SP for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access IAI Astra SP-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the IAI Astra SP flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the IAI Astra SP retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for IAI Astra SP-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The IAI Astra SP fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a IAI Astra SP for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- IAI Astra SPX: Direct Successor (Winglets, More Powerful Engines)
- Gulfstream G100: Astra SPX Rebranded Under Gulfstream
- IAI Westwind II: Predecessor Platform Heritage
Production of the IAI Astra SP ended in 1995. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Gulfstream provides parts/support since 2001 acquisition. Specifications accurate as of 2026.