Honda is preparing to join Japanese rival Kawasaki in the aviation industry by launching a seven-seat executive jet.
Going by the prosaic name of HondaJet, the Bikesales Network first reported on the massive project about five years ago, but now it's coming close to reality with first orders set to be satisfied in the third quarter of 2012.
The new twin-engined jet has a maximum speed of 778km/h and a range of 2037km. The engines are mounted above the wing instead of below, which Honda says significantly reduces drag (improving fuel efficiency), cuts noise pollution on the ground and creates additional space in the aircraft cabin. There is also a composite fuselage, like Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner, which is lighter and stronger than traditional alloys.
Of course, the inside is all leather and has "unique lavatory features". Ralph Fiennes will be delighted…. Price is about $5m.
"Aviation has been an important dream of Honda for more than four decades," said Satoshi Toshida, senior managing director of Honda Motor. "Our goal is consistent with the philosophy of other Honda products -- to provide convenient and efficient transportation that will make people's lives better. We are excited now to enter a new dimension of mobility."
Published : Thursday, 29 July 2010