Autoblog

HondaJet production underway

George Kennedy — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

During a press conference at the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention in Orlando, Florida, Honda announced that production has begun of its HondaJet line. Honda considers this a major milestone in the development of the business jet. The Japanese company has stated that its next milestones are FAA approval and delivery of its first model.

According to Michimasa Fujino, CEO and President of Honda Aircraft, "An assembly line for HondaJet production is in place, major aircraft components including the fuselage and wing have been produced, and we have started assembly of the first customer aircraft."

Included in the announcement is an explanation of one of Honda's production processes. The Automatic Guided Cart, Known as AGC, it is described as a "mobile robot ... designed to pick up and deliver parts to the production facility's unique assembly areas." (That is, of course, until it becomes self aware, and the reign of our machine overlords begins.)

According to Fujino, "Our commitment to deliver the best possible product that will bring new value to the aviation remains. We have taken the necessary time and effort with the HondaJet program to do it right and give our customers the finest product with the best ownership experience." Honda calls the HondaJet the "most advanced light business jet aircraft." The very first HondaJet is in final assembly now, with testing scheduled for early 2013. Check out more on the HondaJet in the press release below.

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HondaJet production underway originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grounded Again: HondaJet delayed for engine redesign

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Honda

Honda made its bones as an engine manufacturer first and foremost, so its latest problems getting the HondaJet off the ground must be frustrating. According to Bloomberg, recent testing revealed a susceptibility to ice damage, forcing a redesign of the HondaJet's HF120 engine. This development means engine certification will be pushed back until the second half of next year, and the plane will not launch during 2012, as previously planned.

This is the latest in a series of delays for Honda's highly touted foray into aviation. The HondaJet was announced in July 2006, with hopes to launch in 2010. But by 2009, Honda had bumped that target to late 2011, Bloomberg reports. Further problems resulted in the anticipated 2012 launch. Now the best-case scenario would see the plane finally go on sale in 2013. The $4.5 million, 489-mile per hour HondaJet made its first flight last December with testing continuing this year.

Bloomberg pegs Honda's research and development investment in the project at over $1 billion. Honda officials wouldn't quantify the financial impact of this most recent delay, although Honda Aircraft Co. President Michimasa Fujino did downplay the significance of the slipping schedule, saying, "The business-jet market is a little slow right now, so the impact on sales is minimal, because the market won't recover until 2013."

Grounded Again: HondaJet delayed for engine redesign originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HondaJet tops out at 489 mph, nears sale date

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

2012 HondaJet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first FAA-conforming HondaJet managed a top speed of 489 miles per hour at 30,000 feet on March 11. That mark surpasses Honda's original goal for the jet, and gets it one step closer to production. The flight tests are still in their early stages, so it will be a while yet before the light business jet is available for purchase by well-to-do consumers.

Honda says the jet managed those performance numbers thanks to an extra-slippery shape and a unique over-the-wing placement of the plane's engines. Honda Aircraft Company is conducting its flight tests of the HondaJet at its corporate headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. Feel free to read more about it in the press release after the break.

Gallery: 2012 HondaJet

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading HondaJet tops out at 489 mph, nears sale date

HondaJet tops out at 489 mph, nears sale date originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More HondaJet info, images released

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

The HondaJet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The HondaJet has begun ground and stress testing in advance of its flight exams, and in the processits specifications have been finalized. The paint scheme seen above has been chosen as the standard for the general aviation aircraft, "further enhancing the HondaJet's unique image of dynamic performance." And in addition to the specs, the interior has been finalized. While you obviously wouldn't call it spacious, it's very well done. It all looks so good, in fact, that when you're trying to find an exciting Honda your best bet might be to look in the sky. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: HondaJet begins testing

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading More HondaJet info, images released

More HondaJet info, images released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grounded: HondaJet delayed again due to component delays

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 May 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

Honda may still be dreaming the impossible dream, but it's not helping the company's new HondaJet get off the ground. According to Automotive News, the world won't be seeing the aircraft until 2012. Once upon a time, the Japanese company had planned to take to the skies as soon as this year, but two rounds of delays have pushed that date back by a heady 24 months. The site doesn't say exactly what caused the setback other than a few component issues.

The HondaJet carries an MSRP of $3.9 million and is slated for production in Greensboro, North Carolina. That is, so long as the company can get its ducks in a row.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Grounded: HondaJet delayed again due to component delays originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda updates Impossible Dream ad with CR-Z, Asimo and hot tub

Zach Bowman — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Honda, UK

Honda Impossible Dream II - Click above to watch video after the jump

Honda has resurrected The Impossible Dream once more. Hands down one of our favorite car spots of all time, the original ad aired in the UK way back in 2005 and featured a smattering of models from the Japanese company's past. From lowly scooters and the lovable S800 to the company's early racing bikes and F1 cars, the ad was a highlight reel of all of which the company has to be proud.

Things have changed quite a bit for Honda in five years. It's walked away from its F1 efforts, abandoned the S2000 to the sands of time and brought the brunt of its focus to odd-looking people movers. You won't find any of that in The Impossible Dream II, though. Instead, Honda has removed any reference to Formula One and clipped the old hot-air balloon at the end in favor of products like the new Honda Jet, CR-Z hybrid and the FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. Even Asimo the robot makes a cameo and the ending features a hot tub powered by a Honda generator.

Watching the spot, which is about 30 seconds longer than the original and concludes with a new line from NPR superstar Garrison Keillor, we can't help but hope Honda will find a way to return to its former place as an automotive innovator capable of producing excellent pieces of engineering with a focus on driver involvement. An impossible dream? We hope not. Hit the jump to see the new spot.

[Source: Honda via YouTube]

Continue reading Honda updates Impossible Dream ad with CR-Z, Asimo and hot tub

Honda updates Impossible Dream ad with CR-Z, Asimo and hot tub originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jenson Button to take delivery of first two HondaJets

Noah Joseph — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Honda

Click above to view the HondaJet in hi-res

Although it is being built in North Carolina, it will be another couple of years before the HondaJet will undergo U.S. federal aviation certification. But in the meantime, the aircraft launched this week in Europe at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - held at the same Palexpo that hosts the Geneva Motor Show each year - while the jet undergoes European certification. And who do you think placed the first order? None other than Jenson Button, Honda's star F1 racing driver.

Button - who has (arguably) loyally stood by Honda (formerly known as BAR) for six straight seasons despite the team's dismal performance and in the face of offers from other teams - will take delivery of not one, but two HondaJets when they begin delivery in 2012. In addition to personal use, the scruffy F1 driver will use the jets for his new charter aircraft business. Each new HondaJet can carry five passengers and two crew in groundbreaking (but decidedly un-earth-shaking) silence to 483 mph in all the high-tech luxury expected from the creators of Asimo.

Gallery: HondaJet

[Source: 4Car]

Jenson Button to take delivery of first two HondaJets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota could enter aircraft industry, HondaJet prepares for dogfight

Alex Nunez — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota

Now that its ground offensive has taken control of the battlefield, word comes that Toyota's field commanders might have an eye toward the skies. That's right: Toyota is reportedly considering an offer from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to get into the aircraft business. MHI would like to see Toyota invest in a new passenger jet project, which, if it goes forward, would set up an aerial dogfight with the HondaJet, which is already in the segment. Mitsubishi already produces its own plane, the Regional Jet. Is this the beginning of a new battle for air supremacy? Hmmm. Somebody cue the Kenny Loggins.

UPDATE: Post erroneously referred to Fuji Heavy instead of Mitsubishi Heavy. The error has been corrected.

[Source: AFP/Breitbart]

Toyota could enter aircraft industry, HondaJet prepares for dogfight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda sells 100 jets in 3 days

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

Not exactly an auto, but Honda is one of the world's leading automakers so we thought you might be interested in hearing how its foray into aviation is going. Since we first mentioned this effort back in July, it seems things are going quite well, actually. At a convention in Orlando, Florida this week, Honda announced it has already written more than 100 orders for its $3.65 million HondaJet. Sales of its jet just began on October 17 so demand is obviously high, much higher than Honda had expected for three days of sales.

"We are extremely pleased with the early customer response to HondaJet. In addition to the strong demand we have experienced from individuals, we are negotiating with a number of fleet customers as well," said Michimasa Fujino, president & CEO of Honda Aircraft Co., Inc. "Due to this overwhelming response, we are now considering an increase in our production plan to meet the needs of our customers."

Honda Aircraft Company will produce the HondaJet at a facility in the United States, and has submitted its application for type certification of the HondaJet with the Federal Aviation Administration. The HondaJet uses a bunch of revolutionary new technologies, including the over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration that allows increased room in the cabin and cargo hold, while reducing aerodynamic drag increasing performance and fuel efficiency. HondaJet should be good for a cruising speed of 420 knots with a range of up to 1180 nautical miles, all while returning 30-35 percent better fuel economy versus other jets of comparable performance. More information about HondaJet including complete specifications is available at www.hondajet.com.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Honda sells 100 jets in 3 days originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda takes to the air!

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Honda

Honda Motor announced Tuesday that it is going into the jet airplane business. After flying various versions of a small business jet for about nine years, the company has decided to enter the very light jet market with its airborne equivalent of the Honda Civic.

Honda has partnered with venerable light plane manufacturer Piper Aircraft to bring the innovative small jet to market. Honda will establish a new U.S. company for the venture, with production likely to start in 3-4 years, after the lengthy FAA testing and certification process is completed. Eager buyers will be able to place orders by the fall of 2006.

The 7-seat HondaJet features innovative aerodynamics for increased fuel efficiency and performance, and a new jet engine designed and developed by Honda (shown at right).

Make no mistake - Honda intends to make the same impact on the aircraft market that the Civic made on the auto market. Stay tuned!

[Source: Honda]

Honda takes to the air! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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