Power-On Achieved For First Flight Test Aircraft

Honda Aircraft Company released a program update for its HondaJet advanced light jet program at AirVenture Monday. Topping the list of advancements was power-on for its first conforming flight test aircraft. Also announced was the successful consolidation of fuselage and wing assemblies for the first static test aircraft, which will be subjected to static structural testing beginning in August. The recently concluded power-on tests for the first conforming aircraft included confirmation of power supply both from the on-board battery to the aircraft's Power Distribution System and from the external Ground Power Unit to the Power Distribution System.

"The success of our power-on tests is an important step in the completion of the first conforming flight test aircraft," said Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO Michimasa Fujino. "With this significant milestone achieved, we are now focused on the integration of avionics and other electrical systems in anticipation of first flight later this year."

Concurrently, consolidation has been achieved for the wing and fuselage assemblies of the first static test aircraft. The first static test aircraft incorporates over 1,800 strain gauges that will be used to evaluate the aircraft's performance during stress testing. Stress testing is being conducted at Honda Aircraft Company's R&D facility on its Greensboro campus utilizing Honda's advanced MTS FlexTest structural test system. The system incorporates 61 hydraulic actuators and a 2,600-channel data acquisition system within a structural test fixture designed exclusively for HondaJet testing. The entire aircraft can be tested simultaneously to prove static and fatigue strength under various flight and ground load conditions. Honda's test facility includes an environmental chamber to simulate hot-wet conditions, which is required testing for the validation of composite structures.

Stress testing already is well underway with the completion of testing of sub-component and control surfaces. These components have been successfully tested to ultimate load under FAA supervision at Honda's Greensboro facility.

While the assembly and testing of aircraft continue, Honda is nearing completion of the superstructure for the HondaJet production facility on its Greensboro campus and will next begin the installation of electrical and plumbing within the facility. The 250,000 square foot production facility is scheduled for total completion in early 2011, at which time pre-production preparations and training of production staff will begin. The HondaJet production facility also will house Flight Safety International Level-D, full-motion flight simulators for training of all HondaJet pilots and crew.

Following its appearance at this year's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the proof-of-concept HondaJet will travel to Lexington, Ohio, to participate in the Honda Indy 200 Mid-Ohio IRL race on August 8. Celebrating Honda's challenging spirit and its passion for speed, the HondaJet will perform a demonstration flight above the track prior to the start of the race. The annual Ohio stop on the Indy Racing League tour is conducted at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, which features a 2.25-mile, 13-turn circuit that is considered one of the most challenging race circuits in the U.S. With a top speed of 420 kts (483 mph), the HondaJet is sure to become the fastest Honda in the history of the event.

FMI: www.hondajet.com