Hondajet
Hondajet
Hondajet business-jet aircraft, the wide-cabin, high-speed
Given its size and performance, the HondaJet represents an interesting airplane that can perhaps play in both the emerging very light jet (VLJ) market and the maturing light jet market. With a maximum takeoff weight of 9,200 pounds, it is 3,500 pounds heavier than the Eclipse 500 and 1,600 pounds lighter than the CJ1+; Cessna and Adam Aircraft have not yet released weights for their Mustang and A700 VLJs, respectively. While it is certainly a larger airplane than the Eclipse, the HondaJet's Garmin G1000 will be familiar to many pilots transitioning into it from smaller airplanes, just as the Avidyne system in the Eclipse will be familiar to those moving into that airplane. Fujino believes the HondaJet is a good compromise between light jets and VLJs, offering lower direct operating costs than light jets and better performance than both VLJs and light jets. However, he is not convinced the air-taxi concept touted by many as a new transportation system is going to completely develop, noting that there have been many assumptions made and very little investment in the infrastructure. In discussing where the HondaJet project may go next, Fujino talks a lot about corporate responsibility. "People expect something from Honda," he says. "The reputation of Honda is very high. "The role of Honda is to present new technology in the world to improve our future life. If people in the future desire this technology, maybe Honda has the responsibility to satisfy this need." While that may be the official corporate word from Japan, there is no doubt that Fujino and his team believe they have created a product that could be successful, and it is definitely a product he is passionate about. "I always thought that airplane design was a kind of art and HondaJet is kind of my work of art. So I did my best from concept sketch to final painting," Fujino said, noting that the initial sketch was on the back of a calendar. "I think I was lucky to realize my concept and dream."| HondaJet No price established | |
|---|---|
| Specifications | |
| Powerplants | Two Honda HF118 turbofans, 1,670 lbst each |
| Length | 41 ft |
| Height | 13 ft 3 in |
| Wingspan | 39 ft 10 in |
| Seats | 5-6 |
| Maximum gross weight | 9,200 lb |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 9,200 lb |
| Fuel capacity, std | 2,300 lb |
| Performance | |
| Takeoff distance, ground roll | 2,647 ft |
| Max cruise speed, 30,000 feet | 420 KTAS |
| Range | 1,100 nm |
| Max operating altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Landing distance, ground roll | 2,277 ft |
For more information, contact American Honda Corporate Affairs, 310/781-5542 or visit the Web site (http://world.honda.com/AircraftEngines/hondajet/index.html). All specifications are based on manufacturer's calculations. All performance figures are based on standard day, standard atmosphere, sea level, gross weight conditions unless otherwise noted. | |
Honda Jet Video
HondaJet HDTV Video