Sets Price At $3.65 Million
Big news from Honda at NBAA. The company says it's now accepting
orders for its unconventional HondaJet. It's set pricing at $3.65
million and plans to begin production by 2010.
President and CEO of Honda Motor Company Takeo Fukui said the
company has also applied with the FAA for a type certificate.
Fukui said, "A passion for aviation propelled HondaJet into the
air, but a strong business case is what is taking it to the
customer. In every one of our business activities, our goal is to
create new value for the customer. HondaJet meets this challenging
objective."
Honda claims 420 knots cruise and an 1120 nm IFR range with up
to 35% better fuel efficiency than other jets in the class. Other
features include a fully enclosed lavatory and a 57 cubic foot aft
cargo hold. The standard jet seats 7 -- two pilots and 5 pax. Air
taxi versions will have six forward-facing passenger seats.
Honda plans 5 regional sales groups in the US with 14 sales
offices. As was announced at AirVenture this year, Honda developed
its dealer network in collaboration with Piper Aircraft. The
ultimate goal is to have a factory service facility within a
90-minute flight of anywhere in the US.
"Just as we have targeted real innovation with HondaJet
design itself, we are equally committed to creating an innovative
sales and service network," said Michimasa Fujino, president &
CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. "We will be working with our
retail partners to ensure that every HondaJet customer is the
recipient of unprecedented levels of sales and service for the life
of their ownership experience."
The HondaJet incorporates a number of unique design features
such as its over-the-wing engine mounting. That element liberates
fuselage space ordinarily lost to carry-through structures
supporting fuselage mounted engines.
Honda chose an all-composite material fuselage structure. It
says the part honeycomb, part stiffened panel construction
technique makes the fuselage lighter without sacrificing
strength.
Honda says we can expect the now de rigueur glass cockpit fed by
a Garmin avionics suite. The company says it's asked Garmin to make
the system unique for the HondaJet -- knowing Honda, we're sure to
see some interesting features.
The two HF120 engines are the result of a joint GE-Honda
venture. Each produces 1880 lbs thrust and, according to Honda, the
most efficient, lowest emission and quietest operation in its
thrust class.
Honda aims to start US production in 2010 with a planned
volume of 70 jets per year, but that schedule is tentative based on
sales.