Aircraft Delivery On Track For 2012
Big news coming from Honda Aircraft Company. ANN has learned
that Honda has successfully completed the first flight of its
FAA-conforming HondaJet advanced light business jet. The event is a
significant step in Honda's aerospace program leading to delivery
of aircraft in 2012.
Photo Courtesy Honda Aircraft Company
The first conforming HondaJet lifted off, December 20, 2010, at
1531 EST from Honda Aircraft Company's world headquarters facility
at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North
Carolina. The HondaJet remained aloft for 51 minutes, during which
time the aircraft's flight characteristics and performance were
analyzed and systems checks were conducted. 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.
Photo Courtesy Honda Aircraft Company
"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."
"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.
Photo Courtesy Honda Aircraft Company
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. Honda also has completed mating of
main assemblies for its third FAA-conforming aircraft, which is now
in the systems installation phase of completion. This third
conforming aircraft, to be used mainly for mechanical systems
flight testing, is scheduled to be completed in early 2011. 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.
Photo Courtesy Honda Aircraft Company
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. The 266,000 ft2 HondaJet production facility is scheduled
for completion in early 2011, with the final phase of interior
build-out now underway. 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.
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