HONDA’S NEW BABY

News — 17.01.22

Meet the HondaJet 2600, the world’s first-ever transcontinental light jet, and the longest-range single-pilot business aircraft.

One of the biggest revelations at the 2021 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in October, was the unveiling of the new HondaJet 2600 concept aircraft, an entirely new light jet concept. In an industry where secrets are notoriously hard to keep, it was a pleasant surprise when the black curtains surrounding the HondaJet stand were dropped on the first day of the show to reveal a stunning mockup of the new aircraft.

Honda Aircraft is once again presenting their new jet as a concept, to allow them to collect customer feedback and validate market demand. As they did with the Elite and Elite S, the team will later make a decision on commercialisation based on market interest this next generation of business jet garners.

01 - Next gen tech: The design of the HondaJet 2600 Concept incorporates more electrification and automation of systems, enabling several category leading technologies to augment pilot capabilities, lower workload, and enhance safety.

When introducing the HondaJet 2600 Concept at a special event on the stand, Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino said: “Over the past five years, we have introduced the HondaJet Elite, then the Elite S, to further enhance the original HondaJet design. Now, we are validating market demand as we unveil a new aircraft concept in a different segment from the original HondaJet. With the HondaJet 2600 Concept, which enables efficient transcontinental flight, offers a new level of cabin comfort and capacity, and dramatically reduces CO2 emssions, we are introducing a new generation of business jets.”

The HondaJet 2600 will be the world’s first ever transcontinental light jet, and the longest range single-pilot business aircraft at 2,625 nmi. The interior designs will offer a choice of three types of modular, highly customisable cabin configuration, including a dual club, executive, and divan, all ergonomically designed for each specific purpose and offering innovative options for lie-flat seating. The typical configuration is one crew and 10 passengers, with an alternative of two crew and nine passengers. And while more passengers means more baggage, the new jet offers a cavernous 120 cubic feet of stowage for luggage and equipment.

The new cabin interior is spacious and class-leading, boasting the tallest cabin height in the category and seven feet of legroom between facing seats in a dual club layout. Building on the aeronautical breakthroughs introduced by Honda Aircraft on the Elite and the Elite S, the HondaJet 2600 will have the Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) technology on wings and fuselage nose, and carbon composite fuselage. The tried and tested Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration remains part of the HondaJet signature, which will lessen both noise and vibration for the passengers, making it more comfortable for long-range travel. An impressive 6,363 feet at a maximum cruise altitude of 47,000 feet, should also reduce fatigue levels on extended journeys.

Despite its impressive performance, the aircraft aims to deliver unparalleled fuel efficiency. It is designed to be 20% more fuel-efficient than comparable light jets and over 40% more efficient than other midsize competitors.

Next-gen tech: The design of the HondaJet 2600 Concept incorporates more electrification and automation of systems, enabling several category leading technologies to augment pilot capabilities, lower workload, and enhance safety.

Advanced cockpit

As the HondaJet 2600 will be the first transcontinental jet designed for single-pilot operation, an advanced cockpit supports the pilot. The innovative technologies such as electrification and automated systems will offer the utmost operational safety by reducing pilot workload through an intuitive, high-tech interface. Highlights include: autothrottle, autobrake, Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS) and Runway Overrun Awareness and Alerting System (ROAAS). Additionally, several systems on board have incorporated increased electrical architecture allowing for more precise control and enhanced aircraft integration. These design enhancements also simplify the systems leading to lighter weight, increased reliability, and easier maintainability over the life of the aircraft.

Honda Aircraft is once again presenting their new jet as a concept, to allow them to collect customer feedback and validate market demand.

The company has experienced great success with its current models the HondaJet Elite and Elite S, and in 2020, the HondaJet was the most delivered aircraft in its class for the fourth consecutive year, based on data provided by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), with 31 aircraft delivered to customers globally. However, the innovative company is certainly not resting on its laurels.