20 May 2014
Honda Aircraft Company announced a number of milestones in the development of the HondaJet during a press conference at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The first production aircraft is in final assembly with the first set of production GE Honda HF120 engines recently delivered to Honda Aircraft. The engines have been installed, and Honda Aircraft will soon begin conducting ground tests on the aeroplane. Its first flight is anticipated this summer.
The company also shared its progress in preparation for HondaJet entry into service.
“Honda Aircraft Company’s most important goals are achieving FAA Type Certification and delivering the first customer aircraft,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “Our total effort is focused on reaching these much anticipated milestones in the first quarter of 2015.”
Following the FAA’s issuance of Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) for the HondaJet, the program has begun testing with FAA pilot participation. Several certification tests by FAA pilots were conducted under this final phase including stall speed, stall characteristics and stall warning system, brake control system tests and Full-Scale Fatigue Testing.
The company says that production continues at a steady pace in advance of entry into service with nine aircraft on the final assembly line. Four aircraft have been attached to their wings and empennages, and production is on schedule to have 10 aircraft on the final assembly line in June. The build up supports Honda Aircraft Company’s objective to have aircraft ready for delivery immediately after type certification is achieved next year.
“Honda Aircraft Company, along with our worldwide network of dealers and suppliers, are working together to support a seamless transition to customers,” said Fujino. “Our goal is to have everything ready before the first delivery. We are committed through our network to deliver the best ownership experience from day one.”
For more information about the HondaJet, the world’s most advanced light jet, visit <a href=’http://www.HondaJet.com’ target=’_blank’>www.HondaJet.com</a>
