The HondaJet has now gone as high and as fast as it was intended to go, making good on promises to customers by reaching a maximum 425-knot true airspeed and maximum operating altitude of 43,000 feet. Tests were conducted from the company plant in Greensboro, N.C. Deliveries will begin in late 2012.
The altitude goal was achieved in late April. The aircraft has shown it can climb at 3,990 fpm, another important performance goal originally set during development. The speed goal was attained earlier in 2011.
A sixth test aircraft will be added to the current FAA conforming fleet in the spring of 2012 in order to speed certification, Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino said in a press release.
The company also is equipping its manufacturing facility and hiring personnel. The entire manufacturing process, including painting, will be under one roof.
