Honda's venture into the private jet market, the HondaJet, is approaching the final phases of testing before FAA certification.
Built in the USA at Greensboro, NC, the HondaJet was conceived during the "very-light jet" outbreak in the mid-2000s, but has been several years getting through testing.
“The HondaJet program is steadily approaching the final phase of flight testing, and manufacturing has transitioned to production of customer aircraft,” said Michimasa Fujino, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. “I’m committed to bringing new value to aviation by introducing the HondaJet. At the same time, Honda Aircraft Company continues to build the infrastructure and talent to design, manufacture and service this revolutionary aircraft.
“Our team is working very hard to bring the HondaJet to market as quickly as possible. Customer and market expectations are high, and I am dedicated to certifying and delivering an aircraft that will bring our customers lasting joy. The more than 800 people working at Honda Aircraft Company will continue to challenge and achieve milestones.”
The program has flown approximately 3300 test points for stability and control, aircraft performance, landing gear, flight controls, environmental controls, steering, braking, avionics and electrical systems.
On May 16, the fifth prototype completed its first test flight from Piedmont Triad International Airport, significant in that it represented the final production form of the aircraft.
“An aircraft’s first flight is an important and emotional milestone,” Fujino points out. “This is especially true for our fifth FAA-conforming HondaJet. This aircraft is equipped with a production interior and options, and it will anchor the final leg of our flight test program. From inside and out, this HondaJet matches the final configuration of a customer aircraft.”
Honda's twin-engined private jet is distinctive in that it includes an Over-the-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) system, whereby one GE HF120 turbofan is mounted on a pylon over each wing. This it thought to improve efficiency by lowering drag and using less fuel.
The date of expected certification is still unknown, but the original program scheduled first deliveries in 2010, later delayed to mid-2013 after an engine was damaged during the ice ingestion test.
Once on the market, the HondaJet will sell for around $US4.5 million.