HondaJet Echelon: Start of production of aircraft for type certification
– Flight simulator testing to be completed in January 2025
– First flight in 2026 after obtaining type certification
Summary from Nikkei xtech.
Honda Aircraft Company: (HACI)
On February 20, 2025, production of the test aircraft for type certification of the “HondaJet Echelon” began.
The HondaJet Echelon will realize a non-stop transcontinental flight in the United States.
HACI aims for the first flight in 2026.
HondaJet Echelon target performance:
1. The aircraft has a range of 2,625 nautical miles (4,861.5 km, 1 crew member + 4 passengers) and a maximum cruising speed of 450 knots (833.4 km/h).
2. The maximum operating altitude is 47,000 feet (14,326 m).
3. The maximum capacity is 1 crew member + 10 passengers or 2 crew members + 9 passengers.
New York to Los Angeles: Non-stop:
Significantly reduces fuel consumption when compared to flight distances across the US.
1. 20% more fuel efficient than competing light jet aircraft.
2. More than 40% more fuel efficient than mid-size jet aircraft.
Greensboro Plant, North Carolina, USA:
1. Opened an integrated system verification facility in Greensboro.
2. Held a start-of-operation ceremony.
Verification of major aircraft systems, such as the flight control system, has begun.
Start of assembly of the type certification test aircraft:
Assembly of the main wings has begun in the manufacturing process of the type certification test aircraft.
1. In December 2024, the delivery of the main equipment used in each process will be completed.
2. The first flight will be conducted in January 2025 using a flight simulator.
In the future, efforts will be made toward the first flight of the type certification test aircraft and obtaining type certification.
https://xtech.nikkei.com/atcl/nxt/news/24/02197/
“HondaJet Echelon”: Aircraft manufacturing begins, first flight next year
Summary from the article published in Norimono News.
Comparison of “Echelon” and “HondaJet”:
The biggest difference between the series is the size of the aircraft.
1. HondaJet has declared that it will “enter the light jet market, one class above.”
2. The existing HondaJet seats eight people, while the HondaJet Echelon seats up to 11 (9-10 passengers).
Echelon’s range: 2,625 miles (4,862 km):
“It’s a small, single-pilot jet that will fly nonstop across the entire United States,” the company commented.
1. With a range of 2,625 miles, it will cover Los Angeles to New York nonstop.
2. It will be able to operate with a single pilot by improving fuel efficiency, etc.