Larger HondaJet now headed toward certification

Introduced at the 2021 National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, Honda Aircraft announced June 13 the plan to certify a new jet that signifies an entirely new line of aircraft to be offered alongside the company’s very light jet, the HondaJet Elite II.

According to the company, the HondaJet 2600 concept is designed for single-pilot operation and will have better performance, comfort, and efficiency than its light jet competitors by providing a medium-sized jet experience in a light jet package. Designed to be the first light jet in the industry to be capable of a nonstop transcontinental flight across the United States, the cabin is planned to be spacious, quiet, and suited for long-range travel with seating for up to 11 people—one crewmember plus 10 passengers or two crewmembers plus nine passengers.

The aircraft is designed to be powered by two Williams International FJ44-4C engines with targeted performance goals including a max cruise speed of 450 knots true airspeed, a max cruising altitude of Flight Level 470, and a range of 2,625 nautical miles with one crewmember and four passengers.

Honda Aircraft has already entered into strategic supplier agreements with Garmin for its G3000 avionics, Aernnova for aerostructures and components like wings and empennages, Spirit AeroSystems for the fuselage, and Williams International for the jet’s engines. The company is currently finalizing engineering designs for the new light jet and said that fabrication has begun.

To further Honda Aircraft’s  commitment to reducing carbon emissions, the company claims this new light jet will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel efficiency than “typical light jets,” and over 40 percent better fuel economy than similar aircraft during a “typical mission.”

“The commercialization of our new light jet represents Honda’s next chapter of skyward mobility, which further expands the potential of people’s lives,” Hideto Yamasaki, president and CEO of Honda Aircraft, said. “By building on the expertise behind our technological innovations, we will accelerate the development of the program with sustainability a key element throughout.”