The first FAA-conforming HondaJet achieved a maximum speed of 425 KTAS on March 11, 2011

Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., today announced that the first FAA-conforming HondaJet light business jet has achieved a maximum speed of 425 KTAS (489 mph) at 30,000 ft. and a maximum Mach number of 0.72 above 30,000 ft. This achievement surpasses the company’s performance commitment of 420 KTAS for the production HondaJet.

The FAA-conforming HondaJet’s maximum speed of 425 KTAS was recorded on March 11, 2011.

“We are extremely pleased with the strong performance of the FAA-conforming HondaJet early in the flight test program,” said Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO. “Our flight tests indicate the aircraft is handling and performing as expected, with excellent control harmony and stability. The HondaJet’s unique over-the-wing engine-mount configuration and natural laminar-flow leading edge and fuselage nose designs significantly reduce drag and greatly contribute to such outstanding performance. In addition, the HondaJet’s HF120 engines are exhibiting carefree handling of thrust and are supporting top-level performance and efficiency.”

Honda will continue a rigorous series of in-flight mechanical, systems and handling tests on the FAA-conforming aircraft. Flight testing of the conforming HondaJet is taking place at Honda Aircraft Company’s world headquarters facility in Greensboro, North Carolina.

To support its flight test program, Honda has completed its second FAA-conforming aircraft, which already has undergone numerous structural tests. Mating of the major components of the company’s third conforming aircraft – to be used for mechanical systems flight testing – has been completed, and systems installation is now well underway on this aircraft. A fourth conforming flight test aircraft is in the final stages of mating of major assemblies and will soon enter the systems installation phase of completion. A fifth conforming aircraft also is scheduled to support additional structural testing.

While flight testing and the build of FAA-conforming aircraft continue, construction of the HondaJet production facility on the company’s Greensboro campus nears completion. Honda soon will take occupancy of the 263,400 ft2 production facility and begin the process of moving equipment and personnel into the facility and undertaking pre-production preparations and training necessary to support HondaJet production ramp-up beginning in 2012.