HondaJet
The HondaJet is an advanced, lightweight, compact very light jet (VLJ) that features pioneering wing and engine mount designs that have helped achieve far better fuel efficiency, more available cabin and luggage space, and higher cruise speed than conventional aircraft in its class.
HondaJet Innovation:
- A natural-laminar flow (NLF) wing and NLF fuselage nose were developed through extensive analyses and wind tunnel testing – these designs help achieve low drag at high speed together with a high lift coefficient.
- A patented over-the-wing engine-mount configuration was developed. This design strategy eliminated the need for a structure to mount the engines to the rear fuselage and, thus, maximizes cabin and luggage space in the fuselage. The configuration is also expected to reduce noise in the cabin. Further, by determining the optimal position for the engines, the over-the-wing mount actually reduces drag at high speed to improve fuel efficiency.
- An advanced all-composite fuselage structure, consisting of a combination of honeycomb sandwich structure and co-cured stiffened panels, was developed to reduce weight and manufacturing costs.
Milestone Achievements:
HondaJet was designed and developed from the ground up by Honda in the U.S. and Japan. Research work that led to the creation of HondaJet began in 1986. The plane was constructed by Honda R&D Americas in North Carolina and all flight tests have been conducted in the U.S..
- Major ground tests such as structural proof tests, control-system proof test, system function tests and ground vibration tests were completed by December 2003.
- HondaJet has recorded more than 240 flight hours through July 2006
- HondaJet has achieved an altitude of 43,000 feet and a speed of 412 knots
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Honda Aircraft Sales
Sales of HondaJet at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention with the announcement of the price, specifications, and a sales and service network for the production version of its advanced light jet. Scheduled to go into production in the U.S. in 2010, pricing is set at $3.65 million for HondaJet in its standard configuration.
Sales of HondaJet Off to Impressive Start After 3-day NBAA Convention
Honda Aircraft Company today announced that it received well over 100 individual customer orders with deposits for the $3.65 million HondaJet during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Orlando, Florida. The company began sales of its advanced light jet on October 17 and has experienced demand in excess of expectations over three days of sales.
Honda also took another step toward the market introduction of HondaJet with the announcement that it submitted, on October 11, its application for FAA type certification of HondaJet. The company anticipates achieving both type and production certification within 3 to 4 years.
“A passion for aviation propelled HondaJet into the air, but a strong business case is what is taking it to the customer,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “In every one of our business activities, our goal is to create new value for the customer. HondaJet meets this challenging objective.”
Key specifications and performance figures establish HondaJet as the fastest and most fuel efficient aircraft in its class, while setting a new standard for interior space and comfort. HondaJet features a class-topping cruise speed of 420 knots with an IFR range of 1180 nautical miles , and a 30-35 percent gain in fuel efficiency at cruise speed versus other jets of comparable performance. HondaJet’s cabin is about 1-foot longer than even larger ‘light jet’ offerings and features a fully-private lavatory along with a spacious 57-cubic foot aft cargo hold.
Sales and Service Network
HondaJet will be sold through five regional sales groups – HondaJet East, HondaJet Southeast, HondaJet Midwest, HondaJet Southwest and HondaJet Northwest – operating 14 offices around the country to provide HondaJet customers’ with a truly superior sales and ownership experience. The HondaJet dealer network was developed in collaboration with Piper Aircraft, Inc., as a result of a business alliance announced in July 2006. Honda Aircraft Company will also seek to establish a network of service facilities within 90-minutes flight time from any location in the U.S. to further advance its goal of creating a new level of customer service and support.
“Just as we have targeted real innovation with HondaJet design itself, we are equally committed to creating an innovative sales and service network,” said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. “We will be working with our retail partners to ensure that every HondaJet customer is the recipient of unprecedented levels of sales and service for the life of their ownership experience.”
HondaJet Innovation
HondaJet sets new standards for performance, quality and comfort with a series of new technologies and design features that signify a revolutionary departure from conventional light jet designs. It’s most unique and recognizable feature – the over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration – liberates precious fuselage space by eliminating the carry-through structures of conventional fuselage-mounted engine designs while significantly reducing aerodynamic drag at high speeds. Its natural laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage nose further reduce drag, contributing to HondaJet’s class-topping speed and fuel efficiency.
HondaJet’s all-composite fuselage uses a combination of honeycomb sandwich and stiffened panel structures cured integrally using a patented co-curing process. This unique construction results in lower fuselage weight and larger cabin while contributing to HondaJet’s unusually sleek and smooth appearance. An advanced, customized, all-glass cockpit based on the state-of-the-art Garmin avionics platform, will boast new features and capabilities unique to HondaJet. HondaJet Performance With a top speed of 420 knots, a 43,000-foot service ceiling and a 30-35 increase in fuel efficiency versus comparable light jets, HondaJet embodies Honda’s commitment to superior efficiency and performance through the application of advanced technology. In addition, HondaJet’s optimized control surfaces results in a highly refined, sporty and responsive flying characteristic. Two GE-Honda HF120 turbofan engines, each rated at 1880 pounds (at take-off thrust) deliver higher fuel efficiency and the lowest engine emissions and quietest operation in their thrust class .
HondaJet Comfort
HondaJet will be offered in two interior configurations: with seating for seven (2 pilots and 5 passengers) in standard configuration; and with seating for eight (2 pilots and six forward-facing passenger seats) in air taxi configuration. HondaJet’s cabin offers its passengers unprecedented levels of comfort with as much as six inches more leg room (per passenger) than competitive offerings. HondaJet’s 57 cubic-foot aft cargo hold is as much as 50 percent larger than other jets in its class. Additional cargo storage is provided by a nine cubic-foot nose cargo hold.
HondaJet Quality
HondaJet was developed with Honda’s legendary commitment to quality and world-class engineering. Attention to detail in every aspect of its design, testing and construction ensures an aircraft of the highest quality and design integrity. To date, HondaJet has logged more than 260 hours of in-flight testing with superior results.
Production Plans
HondaJet will be produced in the United States beginning in 2010 with a projected production volume of 70 jets per year. The company will maintain a significant degree of flexibility in its production plan and will continue to evaluate demand as it moves closer to actual production.
About Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.
Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. is a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., established in August 2006 to oversee certification, production, sales and service of HondaJet. More information about HondaJet including complete specifications is available at www.hondajet.com