HondaJet Update
Honda Aircraft Company has concluded electrical-system checks of its first conforming flight test HondaJet, and its first static test aircraft is ready to endure static structural testing in August. Successful completion of power-on tests means that Honda can begin integration of the avionics and electrical systems and begin assembly of what they call “the most advanced glass flight deck available” in a light bizjet. Meanwhile, the static test aircraft has been fitted with more than 1,800 strain gauges. It will be physically tested by 61 hydraulic actuators at Honda’s Greensboro, N.C., facility, which also includes an environmental chamber. Honda says the facility can simultaneously “prove static and fatigue strength under various flight and ground load conditions.” The proof-of-concept aircraft has already flown more than 500 hours, reached 420 knots and 43,000 feet … and the grounds of AirVenture Oshkosh where it is on display, this year. If coming tests go as planned, Honda anticipates a first flight of its first conforming flight test aircraft, later this year. But there’s a chance a few of you may see the concept jet fly sooner.
Honda Aircraft Company has concluded electrical-system checks of its first conforming flight test HondaJet, and its first static test aircraft is ready to endure static structural testing in August. Successful completion of power-on tests means that Honda can begin integration of the avionics and electrical systems and begin assembly of what they call "the most advanced glass flight deck available" in a light bizjet. Meanwhile, the static test aircraft has been fitted with more than 1,800 strain gauges. It will be physically tested by 61 hydraulic actuators at Honda's Greensboro, N.C., facility, which also includes an environmental chamber. Honda says the facility can simultaneously "prove static and fatigue strength under various flight and ground load conditions." The proof-of-concept aircraft has already flown more than 500 hours, reached 420 knots and 43,000 feet ... and the grounds of AirVenture Oshkosh, where it is on display this year. If coming tests go as planned, Honda anticipates a first flight of its first conforming flight test aircraft, later this year. But there's a chance a few of you may see the concept jet fly sooner.
The proof-of-concept jet will be making an appearance at Lexington, Ohio's, Honda Indy 200 Mid-Ohio IRL race on Aug. 8. Aside from that, your best bet is watching its flight path on FlightAware.com. As for facilities, Honda expects that its 250,000-square-foot HondaJet production facility will be completed by early 2011. It will include Flight Safety International Level-D, full-motion flight simulators, and serve as a training center "for all HondaJet pilots and crew," according to the company. The production jet will be outfitted with a Honda-customized Garmin G3000 flight deck with 14-inch displays and dual touch-screen controllers. The flight deck will include "integrated avionics functionality featuring split screen MFD capability, satellite weather, graphical synoptics, digital audio and optional synthetic vision," according to Honda. The company has attracted "well over 100" orders for the $4.5 million, GE Honda HF120-powered HondaJet, and hopes to meet its first delivery date in the third quarter of 2012.
