Design work on the Galaxy (initially called the Astra Galaxy) began in the early 1990s by Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) and was IAI’s entry into the super-mid-sized business jet market. General Dynamics acquired Galaxy Aerospace in 2001 and renamed the jet the Gulfstream 200. Its cabin can comfortably seat eight passengers and comes with a galley and aft lavatory. By using a step-down aisle the cabin has 6 feet 3 inches of headroom.
The Gulfstream 200 is powered by Pratt and Whitney PW306A engines. The Gulfstream 200 also feature an electronic flight instrument system Collins Pro Line 4 cockpit with non-stop trans-Atlantic and one-stop trans-Pacific range.
The Gulfstream 200 first flew in 1997 and received its certification in 1998.