HONDA MOTOR is testing a small turbofan engine in the USA, under one of several company research programmes, aimed at developing technology applicable to general-aviation, as well as automotive, use.
The 8kN (1,800lb)-thrust, 220kg engine now undergoing altitude testing is equivalent in size to the Williams-Rolls FJ44 turbofan, which powers the Cessna CitationJet light business-jet.
The turbofan has been under development at Honda since 1986. The Japanese company says that it has no immediate plans for commercial production of the engine, but hopes to build it "in the future, if possible".
Honda is also working to certificate a car engine for light-aircraft use and, since 1986, the car manufacturer has also been researching composite materials for use in a five- to six-seat aircraft.
Working in conjunction with Mississippi State University (MSU) in the USA, Honda has built and flown a twin-engine research aircraft, the MH-02. It is believed that Honda and MSU are now working on a small jet-powered research aircraft.
The MH-02, largely built of composites, is a high-wing monoplane with swept-forward wings. The prototype had its first flight in 1993 as an experimental aircraft, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D turbofans derated to 6kN.
Source: Flight International