Posted on October 20th, 2010
An intensive series of system ground tests and static structural stress testing of production-conforming aircraft continues at the HondaJet research and development center in Greensboro, N.C., as Honda Aircraft’s light business jet proceeds toward a planned certification and first delivery in the third quarter of 2012. Ground testing of the first production-conforming test aircraft is under way, while static structural stress testing takes place on the second conforming, but non-flying, airframe. Honda said assembly of the third conforming aircraft (the second flight-test HondaJet) has commenced. A Honda spokesman told AIN that first flight of conforming aircraft (F1) is expected “very soon.” Systems tests have already been done for oxygen, fuel tank and vapor cycle systems, landing gear deployment, steering and brakes, flight control, power distribution, core navigation functions, primary air data and AHRS, plus integrated avionic system functional testing. Exterior treatment of aircraft F1 is also complete, with a new silver HondaJet paint scheme. The company said it has amassed orders for more than 100 of the $4.5 million HondaJets. The proof-of-concept prototype aircraft has logged more than 500 flight test hours, attaining a top speed of 420 knots and maximum altitude of 43,000 feet.
