Honda Aircraft is preparing to begin test flights in November of the first conforming prototype for its seven-seat light jet.
The North Carolina-based manufacturer says the first conforming flight test aircraft for its HondaJet programme recently completed power-on tests. Honda says it is now focussing on the integration of avionics and other electrical systems. Senior manager of corporate affairs Stephen Keeney says work on integrating the engine will begin as soon as the first batch of GE Honda HF120 turbofan engines are received, expected early in the third quarter.
©HondaJet |
The HondaJet was originally slated to enter service in late 2010 but the programme has experienced numerous delays, mainly related to supplier issues. In early 2009 entry into service was pushed back by 12 months to late 2011. Keeney says in April of this year Honda informed its customers of a further entry into service delay to the third quarter of 2012.
©HondaJet |
The proof of concept HondaJet, which has racked up over 500 hours since it first flew in 2003, is expected to be retired once the conforming prototypes are completed. Keeney says a second flight test aircraft should come online in mid-2011.
©HondaJet |
Honda says the recently completed power-on tests on the first flight test aircraft "included confirmation of power supply both from the on-board battery to the aircraft's power distribution system and from the external ground power unit to the power distribution system".
Source: Flight International