Fri, Jul 30, 2010
Power-On Achieved For First Flight Test Aircraft
Honda Aircraft Company released a program update for its
HondaJet advanced light jet program at AirVenture Monday. Topping
the list of advancements was power-on for its first conforming
flight test aircraft. Also announced was the successful
consolidation of fuselage and wing assemblies for the first static
test aircraft, which will be subjected to static structural testing
beginning in August. The recently concluded power-on tests for the
first conforming aircraft included confirmation of power supply
both from the on-board battery to the aircraft's Power Distribution
System and from the external Ground Power Unit to the Power
Distribution System.
"The success of our power-on tests is an important step in the
completion of the first conforming flight test aircraft," said
Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO Michimasa Fujino. "With
this significant milestone achieved, we are now focused on the
integration of avionics and other electrical systems in
anticipation of first flight later this year."
Concurrently, consolidation has been achieved for the wing and
fuselage assemblies of the first static test aircraft. The first
static test aircraft incorporates over 1,800 strain gauges that
will be used to evaluate the aircraft's performance during stress
testing. Stress testing is being conducted at Honda Aircraft
Company's R&D facility on its Greensboro campus utilizing
Honda's advanced MTS FlexTest structural test system. The system
incorporates 61 hydraulic actuators and a 2,600-channel data
acquisition system within a structural test fixture designed
exclusively for HondaJet testing. The entire aircraft can be tested
simultaneously to prove static and fatigue strength under various
flight and ground load conditions. Honda's test facility includes
an environmental chamber to simulate hot-wet conditions, which is
required testing for the validation of composite structures.
Stress testing already is well underway with the completion of
testing of sub-component and control surfaces. These components
have been successfully tested to ultimate load under FAA
supervision at Honda's Greensboro facility.
While the assembly and testing of aircraft continue, Honda is
nearing completion of the superstructure for the HondaJet
production facility on its Greensboro campus and will next begin
the installation of electrical and plumbing within the facility.
The 250,000 square foot production facility is scheduled for total
completion in early 2011, at which time pre-production preparations
and training of production staff will begin. The HondaJet
production facility also will house Flight Safety International
Level-D, full-motion flight simulators for training of all HondaJet
pilots and crew.
Following its appearance at this year's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh,
the proof-of-concept HondaJet will travel to Lexington, Ohio, to
participate in the Honda Indy 200 Mid-Ohio IRL race on August 8.
Celebrating Honda's challenging spirit and its passion for speed,
the HondaJet will perform a demonstration flight above the track
prior to the start of the race. The annual Ohio stop on the Indy
Racing League tour is conducted at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course,
which features a 2.25-mile, 13-turn circuit that is considered one
of the most challenging race circuits in the U.S. With a top speed
of 420 kts (483 mph), the HondaJet is sure to become the fastest
Honda in the history of the event.
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