HondaJet
Honda Aircraft Company · United States · first flew 2003 · light aircraft
The HondaJet is a light business jet defined by its unique over-the-wing engine mounts, which cut cabin noise and drag while freeing up fuselage space.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.99 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Over-the-wing engine mounts
- Laminar-flow nose and wing
- Tall swept T-tail
The unmistakable cue is the pair of turbofans mounted on pylons above the wings, found on no other production jet. A smoothly tapered laminar-flow nose and a tall swept T-tail complete the look.
Specifications
- The HondaJet has a length of 12.99 m (43 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.12 m (40 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 782 km/h (486 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 pilots + up to 6 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Conceived in 1997 by lead designer Michimasa Fujino, the HondaJet flew as a concept in 2003 and earned its FAA type certificate in December 2015. It is built by Honda Aircraft Company in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has been a class sales leader.
Variants
The original HondaJet was followed by the Elite with increased range, the Elite S, and the Elite II with greater cockpit automation and performance. The larger HA-480 Echelon is under development.
Where you'll see it
In UK business aviation the HondaJet serves owner-flown and charter roles, operating from airfields such as Biggin Hill and Farnborough. Its efficiency and short-field capability suit it to shorter European hops.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.