THE MAIDEN flight of Israel Aircraft Industries' (IAI) Galaxy business jet took place on 25 December. The flight from Ben-Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, lasted 2h and the aircraft reached an altitude of 10,000ft (3,000m). IAI plans to complete certification this year using two flying prototypes and two static test airframes. The second aircraft is due to begin flight tests in March. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 1999. There are four firm orders and 17 refundable deposits for the eight/19-seat Galaxy.
Source: Flight International
