Could someone explain that to me? It appears from the video that the engines could have been located in the same spot relative to the fuselage with a conventional fuselage strut mount.
A prominent feature of the HondaJet is the over-the-wing engine configuration. Because no carry-through structure is needed in the aft fuselage for the engine mounts, this allows for a full-width cabin farther aft gaining 30% extra space within the same dimensions. Honda also claims that this configuration reduces drag at higher speeds.
"It appears from the video that the engines could have been located in the same spot relative to the fuselage with a conventional fuselage strut mount."
By moving the support structure to the wing they gain a small amount of cabin space.
They are going to have a tough nut to crack in competing with the Eclipse 500 that starts delivery this year and has over 2,500 orders/$100,000k deposits on them.
The over the wing configuration removes the engines from the airstream around the wings permitting laminar flow. This makes for a much more efficient wing. Pylon mounting below the wing on such a small aircraft means the engine must be much closer to the wing surface, disturbing the flow.
I think I've read about a an aero dynamic effect that improves the short field runway performance of a wing by mounting the engines above the wings. It increases the airflow above the wing.
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