Jetline marvel

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JETLINE marvel I January 2015
It was back in 1986 when Honda started thinking about small aircraft and jet engines. And now - 28
years later - Honda’s first production aircraft has taken to the skies, with the first production Honda Jet
completing its maiden voyage at EAA Air-Venture Oshkosh 2014 in America. Move over Type-R, your
time as the thing we love most about Honda may be coming to an end.
The Honda Aircraft Company HondaJet - to give it its full name - slots neatly into what’s known as the
light business jet sector of the aviation world. So when you absolutely and positively have to be
somewhere on time, and if you have pockets deep enough to justify the expense, a light business jet is
for you.You’ll be familiar with the likes of Learjet and Cessna - two of the sector’s most well-known
players. But the HondaJet is here to ruffle a few feathers. And it has one or two tricks up its sleeves.
We’ll start with the engines, but sadly we can’t bring you news of an innovative VTEC-inspired thrust
system. Instead, Honda has developed a new Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration a
first within the sector
Honda claims this has multiple benefits, including a reduction in cabin noise, decreased grounddetected
noise, a roomier cabin, more luggage capacity and a fully-serviceable private aft lavatory.
These GE Honda/HF 120 engines provide enough power to give the HondaJet a top speed of 420 knots -
the equivalent of 483mph. This is comparable to say the Cessna Citation Mustang, which has a top
speed of 480mph.This top speed is achieved, in part, due to the design of the main wing airfoil and
fuselage nose shape of the HondaJet, which also delivers an improvement in fuel efficiency.And whilst
many jets may use an aluminium structure, the HondaJet utilises a composite fuselage, combining a cocured
integral and honeycomb sandwich structure. Clever. In real terms, Honda claims this provides
extra cabin space, better performance and improved fuel efficiency.
The HondaJet is the brainchild of Michimasa Fujino, president and chief executive offer of the Honda
Aircraft Company. Not only is Fujino responsible for driving the company forward, he is also credited for
the design and build of the original HondaJet concept. Mr Fujino, we salute you. It was back in 1993 -
seven years after the initial research began - that work started on a composite body aircraft. High
altitude testing of Honda’s first generation turbofan engine began in 1995, but it wasn’t until 2003 that
the HondaJet would take to the skies for the first time. And now - in 2014 - the first production HondaJet
has completed its first flight, fittingly at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 in the USA. Michimasa Fujino
had this to say about the flight:
'EAA AirVenture Oshkosh has been the setting of several HondaJet firsts and in many ways, this event
was the true beginning of Honda’s aviation venture. We decided to debut the first production HondaJet
here as part of Honda’s commitment to inspire others through the power and realisation of our
dreams.' The 500,000 square feet Greensboro plant plays host to all research, development,
manufacturing and administration of the HondaJet light aircraft.
Prices for the HondaJet are likely to start at $4.5million (£2.7million) which - for a light business jet that
can carry five passengers and two crew - isn’t unreasonable. We’re reluctant to use the word 'cheap',
but comparatively speaking, the HondaJet is an absolute steal. Prices for the HondaJet are likely to start
at $4.5million (£2.7million) which - for a light business jet that can carry five passengers and two crew -
isn’t unreasonable. The HondaJet is an absolute steal. Deliveries are expected to take place in the first
quarter of 2015. So far, 10 aircraft sare awaiting final assembly in Greensboro, with Honda Aircraft
planning a further 50 during the first year of production. This is expected to rise to 80 in 2016, but there
are currently no plans for a HondaJet Type-R performance model
Features
Rate of Climb
Airport
Performance
Maximum
Cruise Altitude
Quiet Flight
Range
Performance
Maximum
Cruise Speed
The Honda Jet climbs at an impressive 3,990 feet per
minute.
The Honda Jet has a takeoff distance of less than 4,000 feet
and a landing distance of less than 3,000 feet.
The Honda Jet flies higher. It has a weather-topping
maximum cruise altitude of 43,000 feet
The Over-The-Wing Engine Mount design configuration
creates a natural sound baffle, significantly reducing
ground-detected noise.
NBAA IFR Range (4 occupants) = 1180 nm
Faster than any business jet in its class with a maximum
cruise speed of 420 KTAS at 30,000 feet.