HondaJet Elite Buyer's and Investor's Guide
When deliveries of the original HondaJet began in late 2015, it quickly attracted attention for its over-the-wing-mounted engines and generously sized cabin, which represented design departures for a light jet. In one respect, though, this aircraft was like any other new model: when it debuted, it had bugs and shortcomings.
In detail
For a relatively small jet – its maximum take-off weight is 4,800 kg – it had a relatively long take-off distance atjust under 1,200 m. Its crosswind component was pegged at 20 knots; there were several blown tires incidentson runways causing overruns. The flight range was 2,260 km with one pilot, three passengers and NBAA IFR fuel reserves, making it essentially a plane that could fly for two and a half hours.
In the pricing policy, HondaJet is mid-range: the 2016 models were listed at about USD 4.5 million, while the comparable Embraer Phenom 100 and Cessna M2 could be had for USD 4.1 million and USD 4.6 million, respectively. The price reflects the unconventional design, superb speed and exemplary cabin comfort, as well as Honda's reputation for well-designed, durable products such as motorcycles, automobiles, outboards and generators.
It came as no surprise that Honda Aircraft began working on improving the original model shortly after it entered service. After all, Honda was deeply deeply steeped in the work practices and philosophies of Kaizen, the process of continual improvement. But aerodynamic changes take time not only to develop and implement, but also to certify.
In flight
The first generation HondaJet boasts a speed of 777 km/h and, as noted earlier, a range of 2,260 km. The initial climb rate is 20.3 m/s and the maximum altitude is 13,100 m. The manufacturer claims that the updated version offers 15-20% greater fuel efficiency and faster speed than competing models.
The HondaJet's lightweight carbon-fibre composite fuselage is mated to thin natural laminar flow metal wings. The engines are set on pylons high above the wing, which reduces drag. The original design increases theaircraft speed and also provides more space in the rear of the cabin, including a cargo hold and separate closed toilet. Overall, the interior is quieter with much less vibration.
On board
The HondaJet engineers calculated that each passenger on board needed about 1.7 m3 of space, and the seats should be situated so that the feet of passengers did not overlap when in the club-four facing seats. As a result, the designers allocated enough free space between the seats. The cabin has a single-place side-facingdivan located opposite the entry door, followed by four seats, two facing two on each side of the aisle. At the end of the cabin there is a fully private lavatory with running water, which is not available in other aircraft of this class. The influence of the Honda automobile can be found in the interior of the aircraft, such as the high-tech plating that runs the length of the cabin. Clients can now choose from a wide selection of interior and interior fabrics, as well as the option to order a Bongiovi Speaker-Less Transducer System that provides surround sound even with headphones.
The key features of the HondaJet Elite include an advanced Garmin G3000 flight deck, GE Honda Aero HF120 engines (2,050 pounds of thrust each), Emteq for SkyPro HD IFE and cabin-management systems, and wireless control of lighting and monochromatic window shades at each seat via passenger personal electronic devices. With the SiriusXM satellite radio option, you can select radio station presets at your seat.
HondaJet pilots regularly report that the plane handles turbulence and has the cockpit control and cabin feel of a much larger airplane. The overall report card: good, but not perfect.
Innovation
True to its Kaizen principles, Honda wasted no time in making improvements, developing equipment such as its advanced braking system, which has been implemented for greater safety. The new Elite model, launchedthe year before last, boasts upgraded avionics, including faster processors and new Garmin Electronic Stability and Protectin features, an updated cabin, increased fuel and cargo capacity, and other technical innovations.All this together led to a 500 km additional flight range, reduced runway requirements and a quieter cabin.
The toilet seat is now equipped with a seat belt and is certified for take-off and landing, preserving passenger capacity for those who take the aircraft with the optional forward galley in place of the side-facing single passenger seat opposite the entry door.
From late 2015 to June 2019, Honda delivered 130 HondaJets, including 17 Elite models. It was the best-selling aircraft in its category in the first half of last year. Honda says its fleet currently has a 99.7 percent dispatch reliability rate.
In its sprawling campus in Greensboro, North Carolina, the company employs 1,500 people and last summer a new 83,000 square foot service parts warehouse and wing manufacturing facility was opened. The facility will increase production efficiency with a highly automated process and shorten the time between purchase and delivery, ultimately allowing the company to increase output. The Honda family has proven that its commitment to Kaizen pays off both for cars and aircraft.
2019 HondaJet Elite
Price: USD 5.25 million
Crew: 1-2 people
Passengers: 5-6 people
Range: 2,661 km (one pilot, three passengers, NBAA IFR reserves)
Maximum take-off weight: 4,853 kg
Maximum speed: 781.5 km/h
Take-off distance: 1,064 m
Source: Honda Aircraft Company
