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IAI Westwind 2

1980 – 1987

Key Facts

  • The IAI Westwind 2 is a Medium jet manufactured by IAI between 1980 and 1987.
  • The IAI Westwind 2 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-3-1G engines, resulting in an hourly fuel burn of 192 Gallons per Hour.
  • Capable of cruising at up to 436 knots, the IAI Westwind 2 can fly non-stop for up to 2536 nautical miles.
  • The aircraft can carry up to 7 passengers.
  • The IAI Westwind 2 has an estimated hourly charter price of $3500, with a new list price of $4.5 million at the time of manufacture.

Overview & History

Israel Aircraft Industries bought the 1121 Jet Commander design in 1968, producing it under the name Commodore Jet. The ten-passenger Westwind I was produced in 1972 with a stretched fuselage.

In 1980, IAI announced a second go-around, the Westwind 2, with redesigned wings and the addition of winglets. The Westwind 2 used advanced technology of the time while maintaining the price/performance ratio of its predecessor.

The Westwind 2’s winglets are its most notable improvement. Positioned atop the tip tanks (while most aircraft substitute one for the other), the usual winglet design was proven to be more effective and improved the lift-to-drag ratio.

Another improvement the Westwind 2 has over its predecessor is what IAI refers to as its Sigma wing, a re-contoured wing that holds 1.5 more fuel; allows for a higher takeoff weight (500 additional pounds to 23,500 lbs); reaches a 2,000 feet higher initial cruise range; and increases range by five percent.

The Westwind 2 has an identifiable low-slung fuselage, reminiscent of the Aero Commander from which it is derived. Due to these modifications, the Westwind 2 enjoys greater operating weights and improved hot-and-high performance evidenced by the aforementioned numbers.

IAI Westwind 2 Performance

The Westwind 2 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-3-1G turbofan engines, the same as its predecessor. Each engine is rated 3,700 lbs of thrust and the inspection interval is 4,200 hours.

When in its optimum configuration, the IAI Westwind 2 can cruise non-stop for up to 2,536 nautical miles (2,918 miles / 4,697 km).

However, when configured for the fastest cruise speed, the Westwind 2 can maintain a cruise speed of 436 knots. The IAI Westwind 2 can cruise at up to 45,000 feet.

IAI Westwind 2 Interior

The cabin is relatively small but features a divan, common in larger, executive-class business jets. The Westwind 2 is capable of accommodating seven passengers in a four-seat club and a three-seat, side-facing divan.

Across from the divan is a galley/refreshment center. A full-width lavatory is also a cabin feature.

The cabin measures 4.9 feet high, 4.8 feet wide, and 15.9 feet long.

Cockpit

Typically, the Westwind 2’s cockpit would be equipped with the Collins FMS90 flight management system, dual Collins VHF 20A comms, dual Collins VIR 30A navs, dual DME FCS80 flight control system, the FDS85 flight director, APS80 autopilot, and the RNS300 radar navigation system.

IAI Westwind 2 Charter Cost

The cost to charter this jet starts at around $3,500 an hour.

Hourly charter rates do not include all taxes, fuel, and other fees. Charter costs will vary based on year of make/model, schedule, routing, passenger & baggage totals, and other factors.

Purchase Price

The acquisition cost for this jet typically ranges from $1.5 million.

The price of a jet depends on the production year; it can also go above the given range if the production is new.

It will cost buyers around $500k-800k per year which includes fuel, crew members, and maintenance, etc. The price of a pre-owned example can be within $500k. There are numerous sellers available on various sites.

 

 

Performance

Comfort

Weights

Range: 2,536 nm Number of Passengers: 10 Baggage Capacity: 49 Cubic Feet
Cruise Speed: 436 knots Cabin Pressure: 9 PSI Max Take-Off Weight: 23,500 lbs
Ceiling: 45,000 feet Cabin Altitude: 8,000 feet Max Landing Weight: 19,000 lbs
Take-Off Distance: 5,125 feet Production Start: 1980
Landing Distance: 2,150 feet Production End: 1987

 

Dimensions

Power

Exterior Length: 52.3 feet Engine Manufacturer: Honeywell
Exterior Height: 15 feet Engine Model: TFE731-3-1G
Wingspan: 44 feet Fuel Burn: 192 Gallons per Hour
Interior Length: 15.5 feet
Interior Width: 4 feet
Interior Height: 4 feet
Interior/Exterior Ratio: 30%