News clip on the HondaJet. I am always amazed how patient and thorough this pet-of-a-project is having witnessed the company attempt to make only one rather simple airplane for about a decade now. In about 2050 Honda will send out a press release saying, ok folks our little creation is truly and finally finished and we could certainly sell you one if we felt like it, but nobody really uses jets anymore because of all the teletransporters in existence, so you can't have one and don't need one anyway; but it was a lot of fun to work on this for 50 years!
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Honda Flies Its Conforming Jet
(FLYING e-Newsletter, 12/23) The first HondaJet configured for production flew earlier this week from the company's research and development facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. The new Model HA-420 HondaJet differs from the proof of concept version in that it uses more powerful engines - GE Honda Aero HF120s replacing the earlier HF118 versions. It also has enhanced aerodynamics that improve static stability and decrease drag, according to Honda Aircraft President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. The HondaJet is most recognizable for its unusual over-the-wing engine pylons. The design was chosen over the conventional tail-mounted engines to maximize cabin interior volume by eliminating the need for engine-mount carry-through structure in the aft section of the fuselage. Wind tunnel testing has shown that by carefully arranging the shape and angle of the over-wing pylons, Fujino has been able to match the drag numbers of a clean wing. The HondaJet that flew this week also incorporates the Garmin G3000 touchscreen avionics suite. It shares with the Piper Altaire single-engine jet the distinction of being launch customers for the system. The first flight lasted 51 minutes, reaching 12,500 feet and about 180 knots. The landing gear was not retracted on the first flight. Honda Aircraft had predicted first flight of the conforming aircraft before year end and expects deliveries of the HA-420 to begin in the third quarter of 2012.