Honda HA-420 HondaJet
Honda Aircraft Company · United States · first flew 2003 · light aircraft
The Honda HA-420 HondaJet is a light business jet notable for its unconventional over-the-wing engine mount configuration, which clears the rear cabin of engine intrusion and reduces aerodynamic interference drag. It entered commercial service in 2015.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Natural-laminar-flow wing with composite fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Over-the-wing engine mounts — engines sit atop the wing root
- T-tail with low-wing business jet layout
- Natural-laminar-flow wing with composite fuselage
The over-the-wing engine pods are the instant recognition feature — no other production jet shares this configuration; combined with the T-tail and natural-laminar-flow low wing it is uniquely identifiable.
Specifications
- The Honda HA-420 HondaJet has a length of 13 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.1 m (40 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 782 km/h (486 mph).
- Typical crew: 1+5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Honda began research on the HondaJet in the 1990s, with the prototype first flying in 2003. After years of refinement and FAA certification, deliveries began in late 2015. Honda Aircraft Company established its headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, and the jet became the best-selling light jet in its class.
Variants
The original HA-420 has been updated to the Elite and Elite II variants with improved avionics, engine upgrades, and enhanced range; the Elite S adds further refinements. All variants share the distinctive over-the-wing engine position.
Where you'll see it
Operated worldwide by business aviation customers; HondaJet has topped light jet delivery rankings multiple times. It is operated in the US, Europe, Asia, and South America by private owners and charter operators.
Related aircraft
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