Experimental HondaJet Makes Public World Debut at EAA AirVenture 2005 (PR from Honda)

PR Newswire ^ | July 28, 2005

[snowsislander]

The experimental HondaJet is an advanced, lightweight, compact business jet that features better fuel efficiency, more available space in the fuselage, and higher cruise speed than conventional aircraft in its class. (PRNewsFoto)

    OSHKOSH, Wis., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- With a demonstration flight that
included several flybys and a perfect landing in front of a packed crowd of
aviation enthusiasts, the experimental HondaJet made its public world debut
today at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 2005 in
Oshkosh, Wis.  AirVenture is the world's largest annual aviation gathering.
    Boasting a number of innovations including a patented over-the-wing
engine-mount configuration, a natural-laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage
nose, and an advanced all-composite fuselage structure, the experimental
HondaJet is an advanced, lightweight, compact business jet that features far
better fuel efficiency, more available space in the fuselage, and higher
cruise speed than conventional aircraft in its class.  The HondaJet is powered
by two Honda HF-118 engines, each rated at 1,670-pound thrust at takeoff
power.
    "This public world debut of the HondaJet represents the continued
advancement of Honda's long-standing dream of aviation," said Michimasa
Fujino, HondaJet project leader and vice president of Honda R&D Americas, Inc.
"We are pleased and excited to be able to share this dream and our technology
with the aviation community."
    Honda first announced the achievement of HondaJet in December 2003,
shortly after HondaJet took its first test flight from its base at Piedmont
Triad Airport in Greensboro, N.C.
    "HondaJet's construction and testing in the U.S. is also evidence of Honda
R&D's continued growth and deepening roots in America," added Fujino.
    The result of 19 years of research on small aircraft, HondaJet includes a
series of innovations.  The NLF wing and NLF fuselage nose were developed
through extensive analyses and wind-tunnel testing.  These designs help
HondaJet achieve a low drag coefficient.
    HondaJet's patented over-the-wing engine-mount configuration helps
eliminate the need for a structure to mount the engines to the rear fuselage
and, thus, maximizes the space in the fuselage.  Further, by determining the
optimal position for the engines, the over-the-wing mount actually reduces
drag at high speed to improve fuel efficiency.
    The advanced all-composite fuselage structure consists of a combination of
honeycomb sandwich structure and co-cured stiffened panels.  It was developed
to reduce weight and manufacturing costs.  This experimental aircraft is also
outfitted with a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with an integrated avionics
system, as well as an autopilot function.
    To date the HondaJet has completed more than 156 hours of flight-testing
since December 2003.  So far it has achieved an altitude of 43,000 feet and a
speed of 393 knots (at ISA+8 degC condition).

     Main Specifications

     Provisional name              HondaJet
     Seating                       6 (2crew + 4 passengers or 1 + 5)
     Engine                        Honda HF118 Turbofan Engine - x 2
     Maximum take-off thrust       757 kgf (1,670 lbf) x 2
     Length x width x height       12.5 x 12.2 x 4.1 m (41.1 x 39.9 x 13.2 ft)
     Maximum speed                 778 km/hr (420 knots)
     Operational ceiling           12,497 m (41,000 ft)
     Range                         2,037 km (1,100 nm)

    Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products
including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power
products, marine engines and personal watercraft.  Honda is the world's
preeminent engine-maker, with annual worldwide production of more than
19 million engines. On a global basis, Honda has more than 130 manufacturing
facilities in 29 nations.
    Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of
American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary.  Honda
began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile
manufacturing starting in 1982.  Honda now employs more than 26,000 Americans
in the design, manufacture and marketing of its products in America.  Honda
currently builds products in 12 manufacturing plants in North America, with
three major R&D centers in the U.S.

SOURCE Honda
Photo Notes: NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050728/LATH009
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050728/LATH106 AP Archive:
http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk,
photodesk@prnewswire.com

[aimhigh]

That vs. a previous 'Ford' where the transmission broke at 60,000 miles and that was without and hard driving at all.

You must be blessed, my transmission began showing problems in the first year.

[ajolympian2004]

...That vs. a previous 'Ford' where the transmission broke at 60,000 miles and that was without and hard driving at all....

You must be blessed, my transmission began showing problems in the first year.

I'm not proud to say that either. If Ford built vehicles to last I'd be their customer for life. I just don't have money to waste on cars/trucks that will have me into the repair shop on a monthly basis and eventually stuck out on the highway in the middle of nowhere.

[Kevin OMalley]

I wish I was at Osh Kosh. Bump for later reading.

[gridlock]

For anybody who likes airplanes that is one trip you have to make.

I really must get up there one year.

[gridlock]

For anybody who likes airplanes that is one trip you have to make.

I really must get up there one year.