Wed, Mar 30, 2011
Aircraft Accelerated To 435 KTAS At FL300
The first FAA-conforming HondaJet light business jet has
achieved a maximum speed of 425 KTAS (489 mph) at 30,000 ft. and a
maximum Mach number of 0.72 above 30,000 ft. This achievement,
announced Tuesday, surpasses the company's performance commitment
of 420 KTAS for the production HondaJet.
The FAA-conforming HondaJet's maximum speed of 425 KTAS was
recorded on March 11, 2011.
"Our flight tests indicate the aircraft is handling and
performing as expected, with excellent control harmony and
stability," said Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company President
& CEO. "The HondaJet's unique over-the-wing engine mount
configuration and natural laminar-flow leading edge and fuselage
nose designs significantly reduce drag and greatly contribute to
such outstanding performance. In addition, the HondaJet's HF120
engines are exhibiting carefree handling of thrust and are
supporting top-level performance and efficiency."
Honda will continue a rigorous series of in-flight mechanical,
systems and handling tests on the FAA-conforming aircraft. Flight
testing of the conforming HondaJet is taking place at Honda
Aircraft Company's world headquarters facility in Greensboro, NC.
To support its flight test program, Honda has completed its second
FAA-conforming aircraft, which already has undergone numerous
structural tests. Mating of the major components of the company's
third conforming aircraft - to be used for mechanical systems
flight testing - has been completed, and systems installation is
now well underway on this aircraft. A fourth conforming flight test
aircraft is in the final stages of mating of major assemblies and
will soon enter the systems installation phase of completion. A
fifth conforming aircraft also is scheduled to support additional
structural testing.
While flight testing and the build of FAA-conforming aircraft
continue, construction of the HondaJet production facility on the
company's Greensboro campus nears completion. Honda soon will take
occupancy of the 263,400 ft2 production facility and 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.
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