Design
Honda decided to go with an unusual over-the-wing podded engine configuration. This feature was developed on the innovative Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke VFW-614 decades earlier. It allows for more space within the fuselage and reduces drag at high speeds. The fuselage itself is made from lightweight composite materials. The wings are made from structurally reinforced single sheets of aluminum. The use of a single sheet allows for a smoother surface than more conventional methods. Design testing on wing shape and design were done on a T-33 Shooting Star, modified by AVTEL Services, Inc., and flight tested at the Mojave Airport. Honda began developing its own small turbofan engine, the HF118, in 1999. This led to the HF120, developed with GE Aviation under the GE-Honda partnership. The HF120 was test-flown both on a Cessna Citation and a modified Boeing 727-100. The engine features a single fan, a two-stage compressor and a two-stage turbine.
Honda claims that the combination of lightweight materials, aerodynamics and efficient engines gives the HondaJet as much as 35% higher fuel efficiency than similar aircraft.
The aircraft is equipped with a touchscreen 3-display Garmin G3000 glass cockpit system (i.e. most of the cockpit readouts are presented on flat-panel displays).
Read more about this topic: Honda HA-420 Honda Jet
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