Aero-TV: Different by Design -- A HondaJet Update

Honda Aircraft Stakes Out New Territory Via a Unique Jet Design

There are few things in aviation today that can truly claim the adjective of "Unique." Much of aviation is derived form concepts, designs or planforms that we've seen before... unless you find yourself considering the HondaJet.




The HondaJet is an advanced, lightweight, business jet featuring an extra large cabin, high fuel efficiency, and high cruise speed compared to existing small business jets. To achieve the high-performance goals, an over-the-wing engine-mount configuration, a natural-laminar-flow wing, and a natural-laminar-flow fuselage nose were developed through extensive analyses and wind-tunnel tests. The wing is metal, having an integral, machined skin to achieve the smooth upper surface required for natural laminar flow.

The fuselage is constructed entirely of composites; the stiffened panels and the Sandwich panels are co-cured integrally in an autoclave to reduce weight and cost. The prototype aircraft has been designed and fabricated. Major ground tests such as structural proof tests, control-system proof test, system function tests, and ground-vibration tests have been completed. The first flight was conducted on 3 December 2003, and flight testing is currently underway.

If that is not enough, one also has to be impressed with the fact that this revolutionary jet design will be powered by an all new jet powerplant currently under parallel development. GE Honda Aero Engines' HF120 engine has demonstrated more than 2,100 pounds of thrust while exceeding ambitious fuel efficiency and durability targets, as of Oshkosh 2008. Testing and rebuilds of full turbofan engines have been underway at Honda's Aircraft Engine RD Center in Japan for about a year, verifying the engine design's operability, thermal characteristics and component efficiencies.

The GE Honda HF120 engine was launched in 2006 on the HondaJet advanced light jet and Spectrum Aeronautical "Freedom" business jet, with service entry for both aircraft scheduled in ...

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[WalrusHunters]

thats so sweet i love honda the best on earth i only buy hondas i love my rancher 420 keep up the good work 5 star

[fasthonda]

Such an amazing aircraft. All that Steven Keeney described about the HondaJet is the product of over 20 years of research in making the best jet in this segment. I don't see why anyone wouldn't buy a jet that's this good, and in so many ways.

Again, Honda has outdone themselves and has produced a groundbreaking product that other manufacturers will be forced to follow.

[TheYadash]

Has it got Vtec? :-D

[Zyworski]

I have concerns about torsional effects upon the wing from the way the engines are mounted.

[thejohnnybob]

@rakounov I didn't see any props on the aircraft... Something about it being a jet...

[757LeftSeat]

I have but one request Honda: Please increase the RANGE! 1,080 nautical miles is simply not enough given the range of the Phenom 100 and the Beechcraft Hawker 200. I love everything else about the HondaJet, but before I lay down over $4 million to take one back to my home base airport, I need to be able to at least get back home non-stop.

I'd settle for 2,000nm NBAA IFR. There is plenty of conformal space to be able to increase the total fuel on-board which will give you the range needed.

[BrimHawk]

Wasn't laminar flow introduced on the P-51 Mustang in WWII?

[branblaze]

@ALCAZ14 I read the price now is 4.5mil 

[cprich22]

i still dont like hw the engines are mounted

[repsollenny]

Someone happens to have 3.9 million for me?

[ljackso]

I can hardly wait until I get my first flight n this baby! Sweet!