Closest competitor to Cessna CJ1+ set to cost $1 million less US turboprop manufacturer reveals its first VLJ
Honda has set an introductory price of $3.65 million for its HondaJet - $1 million less than its closest rival, Cessna's Citation CJ1+. Opening its orderbook for the light jet at NBAA, Honda Aircraft says the aircraft will have a 420kt (780km/h) cruise speed, 43,000ft (13,100m) ceiling and an instrument flight-rules (IFR) range with four occupants of 2,180km (1,180nm).
Honda Aircraft president Michimasa Fujino says the HondaJet, powered by two overwing-mounted 1,880lb-thrust (8.4kN) GE Honda HF120s, will also have 30-35% better fuel efficiency than the CJ1+, which has a maximum cruise speed of 392kt, 41,000ft ceiling and 2,380km IFR range.
The standard cabin has five seats and a toilet, and for air-taxi operations will be offered with six forward-facing seats and no lavatory.
Piper Aircraft, which has a business alliance with Honda on HondaJet sales and service, unveiled its first jet at NBAA. The single-engine very light jet is a clean-sheet design with a 2006 price of $2.2 million.
First flight of the PiperJet is scheduled "in around 18 months", leading to certification and first deliveries in 2010. An engine supplier has not been announced, but the Williams FJ44 is tipped to be the choice.
Honda says it has no involvement in the PiperJet, which has a straight laminar-flow wing and an engine mounted on the tail, DC-10-style. The all-metal aircraft carries six passengers with an option for a seventh seat or enclosed lavatory, and will be certificated for single-pilot operations with a 360kt cruise speed, 35,000ft ceiling and 2,400km range.
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Certification and first deliveries of the PiperJet are planned for 2010 |
Honda has begun taking deposits and plans to begin deliveries of the US-produced aircraft in 2010. Under its business alliance with Piper the company will establish five regional dealer franchises operating 14 sales offices across the USA, as well as a network of dedicated service facilities within 90min flight time of any location in the USA.
A separate fleet sales group will also be established, says Fujino.
The company submitted its application for US type certification earlier this month and will develop and test the HondaJet in Greensboro, North Carolina it will be manufactured in a Honda Aircraft plant at a US location yet to be announced. Plans for international certification and sales have not been finalised, says Fujino.
Source: Flight International
