GE Honda Aero Engines has begun testing the first full HF120 turbofan at a Honda research centre in Japan. GE says the demonstrator engine will be used to validate the design ahead of certification testing, which is to begin in 2008.
The 2,095lb-thrust HF120 has been selected to power the Honda Aircraft HondaJet and Spectrum Aeronautical Freedom light jets, with engine certification scheduled for 2009 and aircraft deliveries to begin in 2010.
GE Honda's HF120 will power the HondaJet
GE says the full engine runs follow ground tests on several builds of the HF120's core designed to improve component efficiencies. Several builds of the demonstrator engine are planned, to verify performance and operability.
Meanwhile, the joint venture is beginning work on the seven certification-test engines. These and initial production HF120s will be assembled at GE's Lynne, Massachusetts facility while Honda Aero builds a production plant at Burlington, North Carolina. This is planned to open in 2010.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
