Honda Aircraft Company (HAC) has announced significant milestones for its HondaJet program at the recent annual National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in the US.

The company has completed major structural assemblies for its first aircraft, the completion of a number of important qualification tests, the successful first flight of Honda’s industry-leading Advanced Systems Integration Test Facility (ASITF) and the selection of a significantly upgraded avionics suite.

In preparation for its anticipated virgin flight, construction of the first conforming HondaJet aircraft is already well advanced with the fuselage, wing, empennage (tail assembly), landing gear and other crucial components already assembled. HAC has also commenced fabrication of conforming aircraft under strict supervision from the FAA and its engineering team continues to focus on ways to improve efficiencies in the assembly process.

According to HAC, the HondaJet has successfully completed critical testing including rejected take-off brake tests, crew and cabin-seat crash tests as well as structural parts tests. The first flight of the HondaJet ASITF took place in early October, representing a critical milestone for the HondaJet program and a significant step towards the first flight of conforming aircraft, which will occur in early 2010.

The projected date for the first customer delivery is in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“We are pleased to have achieved such positive results in the completion of major structural assemblies for conforming aircraft and we are now fully focused on final assembly of the first conforming aircraft,” said Mr. Michimasa Fujino, President & CEO of Honda Aircraft Company.

“Although we face many challenges ahead, every Honda associate is diligently working towards first flight early next year," he said.

HAC also confirmed that the production HondaJet will feature the most advanced glass flight deck available in any light business jet, providing state-of-the-art integrated avionics functionality and a significantly enhanced pilot interface.

“The HondaJet Avionics Suite, integrated into our human-centric cockpit design, represents a significant enhancement in both capability and user experience,” said Mr. Fujino.

It was also announced that the HondaJet would offer the option of an advanced integrated cabin management and in-flight entertainment system, to include audio/video on demand, an interactive 3-D high-definition moving map and extensive cabin control capabilities such as cabin/cockpit communications, climate control and interior lighting. Passengers will also have access to content from audio, video, or gaming systems brought onto the aircraft via cabin speakers and HD monitors.

According to Honda Aircraft Company, construction of the 250,000 square ft HondaJet production facility in North Carolina is also on track and expected to be complete in February 2011. This new facility will house all HondaJet production activities, as well as test flight operations and pilot training facilities. While construction of the production facility continues, Honda’s world headquarters building and R&D complex are in full operation. The R&D complex has full production capabilities, including all necessary quality control and testing resources, and maintenance support facilities.

About HondaJet

Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company, Ltd., began sales of the HondaJet in the U.S in October 2006. and has already received orders for over 100 aircraft. The $3.9 million HondaJet is Honda’s first-ever commercial aircraft and demonstrates the company’s commitment to dynamic performance and superior efficiency. The HondaJet proof-of-concept aircraft has accumulated more than 500 flight test hours and attained a top speed of 420 knots (483 mph) and a maximum altitude of 43,000 ft. in flight testing.

The HondaJet incorporates many innovative technological advances in aviation design, including a unique over-the-wing engine-mount configuration to improve aircraft performance and fuel efficiency by significantly reducing aerodynamic drag in flight. This design approach also lowers ground-detected noise when overhead and allows for an increased cabin space and cargo capacity. The HondaJet is powered by two fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines.