Recently we discussed Honda’s prowess at making just about anything, even electric unicycles. But one of their more recent innovations is truly a departure from what we’ve come to expect from Honda.
On May 4th in Geneva, Switzerland, Honda will display the HondaJet, the company’s first foray into the light business jet aircraft market, at the 2010 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2010).
Powering the HondaJet are a pair of GE HF120 engines, which are oddly placed in an over-the-wing engine-mount configuration. Both GE and Honda contend that these engines help the HondaJet achieve up to 30 percent better fuel efficiency than other comparable jets.
Work on designing this sleek aircraft began in 1997, with the first test flight in 2003 followed by its world debut at EAA AirVenture in 2005. With production of these aircraft underway, and a sales and service network in place, the new HondaJet is ready to take on the commercial light jet market in Europe.
The first customer deliveries should begin in the first quarter of 2011. If you would like to be one of the first to fly in one of these new jets, make sure you have enough change available to cover the $3.65 million price tag.
As with other Honda products, like those found among Honda dealerships New Haven, the HondaJet may not be the most powerful or more glamorous jet available, but it offers a level of efficiency and practicality that few can match.
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