HondaJet light business jet reaches top speed

Posted by John McHaleGREENSBORO, N.C., 4 April 2011. The HondaJet light business jet hit its maximum speed of 489 miles per hour at 30,000 feet and a maximum Mach number of 0.72 above 30,000 feet. The aircraft is the first HondaJet business jet to conform to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.Honda will continue a rigorous series of in-flight mechanical, systems, and handling tests on the aircraft. Flight testing of the conforming HondaJet is taking place at Honda Aircraft Co.'s world headquarters facility in Greensboro, N.C.The production HondaJet flight deck features a Honda-customized Garmin G3000 next-generation all-glass avionics system incorporating a layout with three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers for overall avionics control and flight plan entries. The avionics suite features split screen multi-function display capability, satellite weather, graphical synoptics, digital audio, and optional synthetic vision."We are extremely pleased with the strong performance of the FAA-conforming HondaJet early in the flight test program," says Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Co. president and chief executive officer. "Our flight tests indicate the aircraft is handling and performing as expected, with excellent control harmony and stability. The HondaJet's unique over-the-wing engine-mount configuration and natural laminar-flow leading edge and fuselage nose designs significantly reduce drag and greatly contribute to such outstanding performance. In addition, the HondaJet's HF120 engines are exhibiting carefree handling of thrust and are supporting top-level performance and efficiency."To support its flight test program, Honda has completed its second FAA-conforming aircraft, which already has undergone numerous structural tests. Mating of the major components of the company's third conforming aircraft -- to be used for mechanical systems flight testing -- has been completed, and systems installation is now underway. A fourth conforming flight test aircraft is in the final stages of mating of major assemblies and will soon enter the systems installation phase of completion. A fifth conforming aircraft also is scheduled to support additional structural testing.While flight testing and the build of the aircraft continue, construction of the HondaJet production facility on the company's Greensboro campus nears completion. Honda soon will take occupancy of the production facility and begin the process of moving equipment and personnel into the facility and undertaking pre-production preparations and training necessary to support HondaJet production ramp-up beginning in 2012. Scheduled for first delivery in the third quarter of 2012, the $4.5 million HondaJet is Honda's first-ever commercial aircraft.