Honda Jet

The MH-02 jet aircraft has a forward-bent, high wing design and a T-type empennage. It is the first all-composite small business jet, using lightweight carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resins in all the structural elements ranging from mail and tall wing cross-beams and ribs, to fuselage frame and other outer panels.

Research on the jet aircraft began in 1986, and in conjunction with Mississippi State University (MSU), leading to development of aircraft called "MH-02" that is jointly fabricated and tested by Honda and MSU. Research continues until 1996.

In 1999, development of the HF118 turbofan jet engine in the 1,000 to 3,500-pound thrust class began. The design of the HondaJet engine was to be compact, lightweight, low emission and fuel efficient. Honda R&D Americas establishes a research facility at Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina in October 2000 for the purpose of researching, fabricating and flight testing of HondaJet. Then in 2002, Honda conducts high altitude tests of the HF118 engine starting in June 2002 and Honda publishes and reports its first technical paper in June 2002 concerning technological achievements of the new airframe.

Finally, the HondaJet takes its first test flight, on December 3, 2003. And shortly after, Honda makes its first public announcement of the achievement. Honda and GE Aviation announce the establishment of a joint venture, GE-Honda Aero Engines, LLC, in October 2004, to pursue the development, production and sales of Honda's HF118 turbofan engine in the light business jet market. And, in July 2004, Honda establishes Honda Aero, Inc. to manage its engine aviation business in the U.S. and the Wako Nishi R&D Centre in Japan to research and develop turbofan jet and piston aviation engines.

HondaJet makes its public "world debut" at the EAA AirVenture 2005 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 28, 2005.

Honda announces that it will commercialize HondaJet at the EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 25, 2006.

Launch Website