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Michimasa Fujino first sketches out design for the HondaJet

Initial designs begin to form for an innovative new approach to light jet travel. The prototype shape of the HondaJets unique over-the-wing engine mount configuration and elegantly efficient design are first sketched.

Basic research and configuration design begins on the HondaJet

Against the grain of conventional light jet design, visions of a uniquely-configured, highly efficient aircraft structure and composition take shape. In-depth research validates the HondaJets revolutionary engine mount design, among other technologies.

The HondaJets unique configuration is finalized.

Honda takes a major step toward realizing its aviation dream, as it finalizes its plans to bring real innovation to the personal light jet market.

Honda R&D Americas creates North Carolina research facility, and HondaJet structural design begins

Honda R&D Americas establishes a research facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina, a state known as the birthplace of powered flight. The purpose of the facility is to research, fabricate and flight test the HondaJet. Structural design of the aircraft takes place at the companys development center.

Honda develops an advanced testing facility

Extensive ground tests are conducted to validate the HondaJets innovative design

Honda researchers conduct many ground tests to substantiate the HondaJets wing and fuselage design, employing a total of 26 computer-controlled actuators to apply simulated air, engine and landing gear loads. Also performed are ground-vibration tests with six electrodyamic shakers to measure vibrations of the entire aircraft.

CEO Michimasa Fujino discusses HondaJet research

Honda publishes its first technical paper on the HondaJet

Based on technological achievements of its new airframe design, Honda publishes its first technical paper on the HondaJet. Honda continues publishing technical papers on its aeronautical innovations, with the most recent released in June 2005. Also in 2002, Honda conducts wind tunnel tests on the HondaJet prototype.

HondaJet systems are installed, and the jet takes its first test flight

After painstaking installation of its systems, the HondaJet is flight-ready. On December 3, 2003, the skies see something new as the HondaJet soars on its maiden test flight. Honda makes the first public announcement of the achievement days later.

Test-flying the HondaJet

Flight testing begins, to evaluate the HondaJets system function and handling

Testing starts in earnest with phase one: a focus on in-flight system functions such as landing gear, flaps and fuel system. A HondaJet prototype is fully instrumented with a data-acquisition and telemetry system to maximize testing program efficiency. More than 200 sensors measure air data, attitude, acceleration, control-surface deflection and control force.

Performance flight and auto pilot tests are conducted. The HondaJet makes its world debut at EAA AirVenture

Phase two of the flight test program, static and dynamic stability, measures undamped natural frequencies and damping ratios in varying flight conditions.
And on July 28, 2005, the HondaJets world debut takes place at EAA AirVenture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, before an enthralled crowd.

Honda creates its own flight simulator to perform critical stall tests. Honda announces at EAA AirVenture that it will commercialize the HondaJet.

Honda engineers develop their own flight simulator to conduct critical tests simulating recovery from deep stall, spin, and one-engine-out situations.

Also, at EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Honda announces that it is ready to commercialize the HondaJet.

HondaJet commercialization announced

Honda Aircraft Company announces plans for world headquarters and HondaJet production in North Carolina

Honda Aircraft Co., Inc., announces February 9, 2007, plans to establish its world headquarters and jet plant in Greensboro, North Carolina. Scheduled to open late this year, the headquarters will be the center of all activity related to HondaJet, including type certification, all sales, marketing and service support activity, and continued research and development activities. The HACI production facility, to be built adjacent to the headquarters, will handle production of HondaJet, including final assembly of all structural components and parts, aircraft system assembly and installation, completion of the interior, and painting. The Greensboro production facility is scheduled to begin deliveries to customers in 2010.

HONDAJET EXPANDS SALES INTO CANADA, MEXICO AND EUROPE. NEW HEADQUARTERS AND R&D FACILITY COMPLETED.

Honda Aircraft Company announces in March the expansion of HondaJet sales to Mexico and Canada. In May at the annual EBACE (European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibit) conference in Geneva, Switzerland, HondaJet sales are further expanded to include Europe. Also in May, Honda Aircraft Company moves into its new 68,000 square foot world headquarters complex on its 83-acre campus at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA) in Greensboro, North Carolina. In December, Honda Aircraft Company completes construction of its new state-of-the-art 187,000 square foot world R&D center on its PTIA campus.