Honda's advanced light business jet is targeted for delivery in the third quarter of 2012. Streamlined contours define the style and function of the HondaJet. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

Greensboro, North Carolina, USA - December 21, 2010

Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., today announced that it has successfully completed the first flight of its FAA-conforming HondaJet advanced light business jet.

Flight testing now underway on the FAA-conforming HondaJet will support certification activities for the aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2012. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The event is a significant step in Honda's aerospace program leading to delivery of aircraft in 2012.

The first FAA-conforming HondaJet took to the sky on December 20, 2010, at Honda Aircraft Company's world headquarters facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The first conforming HondaJet lifted off yesterday, December 20, 2010, at 15:31 EST from Honda Aircraft Company's world headquarters facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Honda's advanced light business jet is targeted for delivery in the third quarter of 2012. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The HondaJet remained aloft for 51 minutes, during which time the aircraft's flight characteristics and performance were analyzed and systems checks were conducted.

The FAA-conforming HondaJet's flight characteristics and performance were analyzed during its 51-minute maiden flight. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

Various test data gathered during the flight were transmitted real-time to Honda's flight test telemetry operations base within the company's world headquarters facility.

The FAA-conforming HondaJet utilizes production parts assembled under strict FAA guidelines and marks a critical step in Honda's aviation program leading to delivery of production aircraft. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

"This is a very important milestone for the HondaJet program," said Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO.
"This aircraft was assembled and tested under strict FAA certification processes, and we are very pleased to have achieved this successful first flight. Our team has worked extremely hard to reach this critical step in the HondaJet program, and these results reflect Honda's focus and determination to develop a class-leading aircraft."

Michimasa Fujino, President & CEO, Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. Photo: Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

"We are very encouraged by our initial review of the flight data, which indicates the conforming HondaJet performed as expected. As we move forward, we will continue to focus all of our efforts and energy to deliver to our customers the most advanced light business jet yet created," said Fujino.

Flight testing now underway on the FAA-conforming HondaJet will support certification activities for the aircraft, scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2012. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

To support the company's certification program, Honda has completed its second FAA-conforming aircraft, which already has undergone numerous structural tests required for commencement of certification flight testing.

The first FAA-conforming HondaJet took to the sky on December 20, 2010, at Honda Aircraft Company's world headquarters facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

Honda also has completed mating of main assemblies for its third FAA-conforming aircraft, which is now in the systems installation phase of completion.

The intuitive cockpit layout reflects HondaJet’s dedication to human fit and ergonomic efficiency. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

This third conforming aircraft, to be used mainly for mechanical systems flight testing, is scheduled to be completed in early 2011.

Luxurious leather passenger seats slide and recline for individualized comfort. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

A total of five FAA-conforming aircraft, including one additional flight test aircraft and one additional structural test aircraft, are planned to support the HondaJet certification program.

Exceptional leg room is offered in the HondaJet’s class-leading interior configuration. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

While Honda enters the flight test program with its conforming HondaJet, the company also nears completion of its aircraft production facility on its Greensboro campus.

Seating and storage areas are designed to maximize space and comfort. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The 266,000 ft2 HondaJet production facility is scheduled for completion in early 2011, with the final phase of interior build-out now underway.

Fold-out tables and adjustable seats maximize comfort and convenience in the main cabin. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

Upon completion of the production facility, Honda will 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.

Unique lavatory fixtures in chrome and blue combine elegance and efficiency. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

About HondaJet


Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Ltd., has amassed orders for well over 100 HondaJet advanced light business jets.

Scheduled for first delivery in the third quarter of 2012, the $4.5 million HondaJet is Honda's first-ever commercial aircraft and lives up to the company's reputation for dynamic performance together with superior efficiency.

The HondaJet proof-of-concept aircraft has accumulated more than 500 flight test hours and attained both a top speed of 420 knots (483 mph) and a maximum altitude of 43,000 ft. in flight testing.

Streamlined contours define the style and function of the HondaJet. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The HondaJet incorporates many innovative technological advances in aviation design, including a unique over-the-wing engine-mount configuration that dramatically improves aircraft performance and fuel efficiency by significantly reducing aerodynamic drag in flight.

Streamlined contours define the style and function of the HondaJet. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

This innovative approach to airframe design also lowers ground-detected noise when overhead and allows for a more spacious cabin and greater cargo capacity.

Streamlined contours define the style and function of the HondaJet. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The HondaJet is powered by two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines.

Streamlined contours define the style and function of the HondaJet. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The production HondaJet flight deck features a Honda-customized Garmin® G3000 next-generation all-glass avionics system incorporating a class-leading layout with three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers for overall avionics control and flight plan entries.

Streamlined contours define the style and function of the HondaJet. Courtesy of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc.

The HondaJet Avionics Suite is the most advanced glass flight deck available in any light business jet and provides state-of-the-art integrated avionics functionality featuring split screen MFD capability, satellite weather, graphical synoptics, digital audio, and optional Synthetic Vision.

Learn more about HondaJet at www.hondajet.com  

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SOURCE:

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