Honda Business Jet

Japanese car maker Honda Motor is planning to unveil its first seven-seater small business jet in 2013 and is anticipating to get at least a quarter of the market share.

The company is in its final stages of securing certification for its $4.5m HondaJet and is aiming to raise the production rate of the jets to 80 per year during the first half of 2013.

Honda started exploring the potential for a small jet business in 1986 and established a subsidiary, named Honda Aircraft Company, in 2006 to develop and produce the business jet.

It conducted the test flight of its business jet for the first time in December 2010, achieving a maximum speed of 425 KTAS (489mph) at 30,000ft, surpassing the company’s performance commitment of 420 KTAS.

The HondaJet has a unique over-the-wing engine-mount configuration, which helps in improving performance and fuel saving by reducing aerodynamic drag.

The aircraft’s airframe design reduces cabin and ground-detected noise when overhead as well as offers more cabin space and greater cargo capacity.

The jet will be powered by a pair of fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines, which have been developed under the joint venture between Honda and General Electric.

Honda is also planning to equip it with glass cockpit with an integrated avionics system, as well as an autopilot function, anti-icing equipment, and other systems.

The company plans to begin test fly two additional flight test aircraft, F3 and F4, this year.

It is considering beginning structural testing with additional structural test aircraft later this year.

Honda expects the global demand for small business jets carrying five to six passengers to grow to 200 to 300 jets a year in the future, from the current 150 to 200.

It said that the aircraft can be operated at the costs of about $1,000-$1,200 an hour.

Initially, the company will focus on the US and European markets, and later it will consider expanding to China, Brazil, India and the Middle East.

Image: The aircraft will be powered by two fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines. Photo: Hondajet