In 2005, Gulfstream and IAI began designing a follow-on aircraft to the Gulfstream G200. The new model, named G250, was launched in 2008. Planned improvements included new glass cockpit and engines, larger wing, and heated leading edges. The G250 took its maiden flight on December 11, 2009 in Tel Aviv, Israel. In July 2011, the G250 was renamed G280, as the company had "determined that G280 is a more amenable number sequence in certain cultures." In Mandarin, the number 250 can be translated as "stupid" or "idiotic". After the flight test program, the G280 demonstrated a range of 3,600 nmi at Mach 0.80 with four passengers and NBAA IFR reserves in 2011. It can fly from London to New York or Singapore to Dubai. Its balanced field length has been reduced to 4,750 feet from the G200's 4,960 feet. The G280 was provisionally certified in December 2011 by Israel. In July 2012, the US FAA released a report with conditions to ensure no security gaps in the G280's electronic systems. It received full certification from Israel and the US on September 4, 2012.
Design
The aerodynamic design of its wing and empennage, and design of the interior were performed by Gulfstream; detailed design was performed by IAI to Gulfstream's requirements. It is a Gulfstream designed aircraft under a new type certificate. The aircraft has several improvements, among them increased cabin length. It has a new HTF7250G engine, new T-tail, wing anti-ice provided by engine bleed air, cabin with four more windows and access from the cabin to the baggage compartment. It competes against the Bombardier Challenger 300 and the Cessna Citation X+. The fuselage, empennage and landing gear are manufactured by IAI, the wing by Spirit AeroSystems, and the aircraft is assembled in Israel. It is then ferried to Dallas, Texas, for interior finishing and painting. Its wing is a new design, using the Gulfstream G550 airfoil, and has a larger area of 495 ft² vs. 369 ft² of the G200. This allows the business jet to climb directly to. Design cruise for the new airfoil is Mach 0.80, vs. Mach 0.75 for the G200 wing. Flying at an altitude of and Mach 0.82, each engine burns of fuel per hour.
Operators
Philippine Air Force - one G280 configured for VIP and command and control duties ordered through US government with delivery expected in 2021.
