HondaJet Reaches Major Milestone, Takes to the Skies For the First Time

Honda successfully tested the company’s first business jet, flying near the Honda Aircraft headquarters located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The aircraft flew for 84 minutes after taking off from Piedmont Triad International Airport – and has the ability to fly at speeds up to 483 mph (773 km/h), with a maximum range of 1,357 miles (2,183km) and maximum altitude of 43,000 feet.

The jet has a number of custom features, such as over-wing engine mounting and a composite fuselage, with the company hoping to shake up the current small business jet market.

Here is what Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft CEO, said in a statement:

“With this first flight, the HondaJet program has entered the next exciting phase as we prepare for delivery.  This is an important achievement in bringing the world’s most advanced light jet to market.”

Initial research started in 1993, and the turbofan engine emerged in 1998, while the company wanted to enter commercial production in 2006.  However, numerous research setbacks caused delays, but there is still ample opportunity for the company to create success.

Looking ahead, Honda wants to qualify for aircraft certification and begin entry-level service in 2015.  The company is reportedly already in the final stage of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing right now.

Thank you to USA Today for providing us with this information

Image courtesy of HondaJet