October 18, 2006 Honda Aircraft Company today began sales of HondaJet with the standard configuration selling for US$3.65 million with first deliveries in 2010. Carrying over the company’s automotive brand values, the HondaJet will be the fastest and most fuel efficient aircraft in its class with a 420 knot cruise speed, a range of 1180 nautical miles, and a 30-35 percent better fuel efficiency at cruise speed versus other jets of comparable performance. HondaJet’s cabin is the clincher as it sets a new standard for interior space and comfort being longer than even larger ‘light jet’ offerings with space for a fully-private lavatory and a 57-cubic foot aft cargo hold.
Honda applied for FAA type certification for the HondaJet last week and anticipates both type and production certification within 3 to 4 years.
HondaJet sets new standards for performance, quality and comfort with a series of new technologies and design features that signify a revolutionary departure from conventional light jet designs. It’s most unique and recognizable feature – the over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration – liberates precious fuselage space by eliminating the carry-through structures of conventional fuselage-mounted engine designs while significantly reducing aerodynamic drag at high speeds. Its natural laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage nose further reduce drag, contributing to HondaJet’s class-topping speed and fuel efficiency.
HondaJet’s all-composite fuselage uses a combination of honeycomb sandwich and stiffened panel structures cured integrally using a patented co-curing process. This unique construction results in lower fuselage weight and larger cabin while contributing to HondaJet’s unusually sleek and smooth appearance.
An advanced, customized, all-glass cockpit based on the state-of-the-art Garmin avionics platform, will boast new features and capabilities unique to HondaJet.
With a top speed of 420 knots, a 43,000-foot service ceiling and a 30-35 increase in fuel efficiency versus comparable light jets, HondaJet embodies Honda’s commitment to superior efficiency and performance through the application of advanced technology. In addition, HondaJet’s optimized control surfaces results in a highly refined, sporty and responsive flying characteristic.
Two GE-Honda HF120 turbofan engines, each rated at 1880 pounds (at take-off thrust) deliver higher fuel efficiency and the lowest engine emissions and quietest operation in their thrust class . HondaJet Comfort
HondaJet will be offered in two interior configurations: with seating for seven (2 pilots and 5 passengers) in standard configuration; and with seating for eight (2 pilots and six forward-facing passenger seats) in air taxi configuration.
HondaJet’s cabin offers its passengers unprecedented levels of comfort with as much as six inches more leg room (per passenger) than competitive offerings. HondaJet’s 57 cubic-foot aft cargo hold is as much as 50 percent larger than other jets in its class. Additional cargo storage is provided by a nine cubic-foot nose cargo hold.
HondaJet was developed with a commitment to quality and world-class engineering. Attention to detail in every aspect of its design, testing and construction ensures an aircraft of the highest quality and design integrity. To date, HondaJet has logged more than 260 hours of in-flight testing with superior results.
HondaJet will be sold through five regional sales groups – HondaJet East, HondaJet Southeast, HondaJet Midwest, HondaJet Southwest and HondaJet Northwest – operating 14 offices around the country to provide HondaJet customers’ with a truly superior sales and ownership experience. The HondaJet dealer network was developed in collaboration with Piper Aircraft, Inc., as a result of a business alliance announced in July 2006. Honda Aircraft Company will also seek to establish a network of service facilities within 90-minutes flight time from any location in the U.S. to further advance its goal of creating a new level of customer service and support.
“Just as we have targeted real innovation with HondaJet design itself, we are equally committed to creating an innovative sales and service network,” said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. “We will be working with our retail partners to ensure that every HondaJet customer is the recipient of unprecedented levels of sales and service for the life of their ownership experience.”
HondaJet will be produced in the United States beginning in 2010 with a projected production volume of 70 jets per year. The company will maintain a significant degree of flexibility in its production plan and will continue to evaluate demand as it moves closer to actual production.
“A passion for aviation propelled HondaJet into the air, but a strong business case is what is taking it to the customer,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. “In every one of our business activities, our goal is to create new value for the customer. HondaJet meets this challenging objective.”