20101022

Honda J(g)etting closer to reality

Thirteen years after the initial sketches were released, eight years after a slew of technical papers on its innovations were published, seven years after its first flight, four years after garnering an astounding 100 orders within three days of going on sale, the Honda Jet program is rapidly moving towards its final phase of development. Honda Aircraft Company, Inc. released an update of its Honda Jet program, the auto major's first venture into aviation, at the recent 2010 National Business Aviation Association convention.

Honda has just confirmed that Ground Function testing and Static Stress testing is in progress in the first two conforming air crafts while the assembly of the third conforming aircraft has commenced. Also released in the gathering were the final white on gray production paint scheme, cockpit controls and cabin design. Under Mr.Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company's President and CEO, who also apparently penned the initial sketches of the Honda Jet, the aircraft is undergoing all sorts of tests to meet and beat the laws of physics.

The stand-out feature of the Honda Jet is obviously the first-of-its-kind, never-before-used "Over-the-wing" engine mount configuration. Honda claims that this design has already been validated and that it dramatically improves aircraft performance and fuel efficiency by reducing the aerodynamic drag significantly. Powering the Honda Jet are two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines. The cream and beige interiors are plush, comfy, spacious and exudes a sense of class.

Honda will start delivering the $4.5 million Jets to its 100 plus customers beginning from third quarter of 2012. The stylish and sporty looking Jet is also expected to combine dynamic performance together with superior fuel efficiency, a traditional Honda trait which the company seems to have lost going by its recent launches in automobiles. So, the next time you wish to have fun in a Honda, don't just take to the roads, try taking to the skies too.

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