Popular
1985 Westwind II
- January 24, 2023
IAI Westwind II for Sale — The Evolved Israeli Jet
The IAI Westwind II represents the culmination of Israel Aircraft Industries' remarkable business jet development program — taking the Westwind I formula and refining it with winglets, enhanced systems, and improved performance to create an aircraft that competed effectively in the light jet market well into the 1980s. While sharing its fundamental airframe architecture with the Westwind I, the Westwind II's winglets — among the first production business jet to adopt this aerodynamic improvement — deliver a range extension of approximately 200 nautical miles over the I model, expanding the aircraft's operational envelope to include routes previously requiring fuel stops. The Westwind II's Garrett TFE731-3-1G engines are the same proven units as its predecessor, meaning parts availability and maintenance infrastructure developed for the Westwind I applies equally to the II.
What Changed in the Westwind II
The Westwind II's winglets are not merely cosmetic — they reduce induced drag at cruise altitude by approximately 7%, directly translating into fuel savings and extended range on every sector. The improved avionics suite brought the Westwind II's flight deck closer to contemporaries in the light jet category, and interior refinements improved the passenger environment. The aircraft's MTOW was increased to allow greater fuel and payload flexibility. Together, these improvements make the Westwind II a meaningfully more capable aircraft than the I, and buyers choosing between the two should generally prefer the II if the additional acquisition cost is manageable.
The IAI 1124 Westwind Astra Connection
The Westwind II was IAI's final step before the more radical redesign that produced the IAI 1125 Astra — an aircraft with a swept wing and entirely redesigned fuselage that eventually evolved into the Galaxy and Gulfstream G100/G150. Buyers interested in the Westwind II should be aware of this design lineage, as some parts and type knowledge transfer between the Westwind family and early Astra variants.
Browse Westwind II Listings on Airplane Trade
Find IAI Westwind II aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Airworthy examples, charter fleet aircraft, and corporate operator upgrades available with complete maintenance documentation. Connect directly with sellers who know the Westwind II's strengths and requirements.