HondaJet Program Approaches Final Phase Of Flight Testing

The fifth FAA conforming HondaJet, equipped with a production interior matching the final customer aircraft, successfully completed its first flight on May 16, 2013 at the company’s world headquarters in Greensboro, N.C. With this achievement, the HondaJet program approaches the final phase of flight testing as the company advances toward FAA aircraft certification of the light jet.

“An aircraft’s first flight is an important and emotional milestone,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “This is especially true for our fifth FAA-conforming HondaJet. This aircraft is equipped with a production interior and options, and it will anchor the final leg of our flight test program. From inside and out, this HondaJet matches the final configuration of a customer aircraft.”

The light jet lifted off at 1500 EDT from the Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO). During the 60-minute flight, the aircraft reportedly performed very smoothly with an initial climb to 12,000 feet, reaching a top speed of 300 Knots True Air Speed (KTAS). Howard Judd, pilot-in-command, and Stefan Johansson, co-pilot, completed several checks during the flight, including low and high speed handling characteristics, avionics and system functionality including the stall protection system. Data gathered during the flight was transmitted in real time to the company’s on-site flight test telemetry operations for analysis.

This aircraft will be used for function and reliability (F&R) testing. F&R testing will simulate in-service flight operations of the aircraft. It has a production interior with standard lavatory and options including a side-facing seat, and will be used for interior and cabin systems tests. Future testing on the aircraft will also analyze the controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC).

The four active flight test aircraft include:

• First conforming aircraft – aerodynamics, performance, and stability and control testing.
• Third conforming aircraft – mechanical system testing.
• Fourth conforming aircraft – avionics and electrical testing.
• Fifth conforming aircraft – function and reliability (F&R) testing; and cabin system and interior, and options testing.

Two ground test aircraft include the second conforming aircraft, which was used for structural testing and retired from the ground test program in 2012 after successfully completing all ultimate load testing, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) bird strike test, and seat attachment test. A sixth conforming aircraft joined the structural testing program in October 2012. It is currently being used for static testing and damage tolerance testing.

“Our flight test fleet maintains a very active schedule and continues to complete milestones for FAA certification flight testing,” said Fujino.

The HondaJet is priced at $4.5 million and its design incorporates advanced technologies and concepts. The HondaJet patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, natural-laminar flow wing and fuselage nose and composite fuselage were developed from long-term research activities. HondaJet says these innovations combine to make the HondaJet the fastest, most spacious and most fuel-efficient jet in its class.

(Images provided by HondaJet)

FMI: www.hondajet.com