How the HondaJet Works

In building a new kind of business jet, Honda has implemented designs and technologies that set it apart from other jets. One of the ways the company has done this is through the natural-laminar flow (NLF) design that increases the aerodynamics of a plane. Think of NLF as the length of airflow over a wing's surface. The more length of airflow that a wing has, without interruption from wing materials or construction, the less interference the NLF has and the more aerodynamic a wing can be. The more interference a wing has from materials or design construction the more wavy or rough the surface will be, resulting in a reduction of aerodynamics.

The HondaJet's NLF wing design decreases air drag and is constructed with a minimal amount of parts, which Honda says will reduce manufacturing procedures.

Another integral part of the HondaJet's design is its all-composite fuselage. While Honda isn't the first to use an all-composite fuselage (the famed Boeing Dreamliner has one as well), the design will reduce manufacturing processes and maximize the fuel efficiency of the HondaJet.

The construction of the composite fuselage also allows for more interior space of the cabin. The HondaJet can transport up to five passengers and two crewmembers in the cabin, and also includes 66 cubic feet of space for luggage. Some of the perks in the cabin include fully adjustable leather seats, power window shades, a private bathroom with a black marble sink and even a drop-down aisle that allows passengers to move more easily within the cabin.

The HondaJet has a range of about 1,400 nautical miles. A nautical mile (nm) is about 1.15 surface miles; New York to Los Angeles is just over 2,100 nm [source: Stratos Jets]. Honda's over-the-wing engines propel the plane up to 489 miles per hour, or about 420 KTAS, which stands for knots true airspeed [source: Honda].

Next, find out what it takes to get the HondaJet off the ground -- Honda's over-the-wing engines.

One of the most impressive engineering feats of the HondaJet is its over-the-wing engine design. While most planes have engines that are attached below the plane's wings, Honda's research team found that an engine mounted on top of the wing would actually decrease the amount of drag compared to traditional rear fuselage engine mount designs. Honda's engine placement also increases the size of the cabin area by removing support structures that are necessary in the traditional design.

Honda's engineering research team determined, through theoretical and real-world testing, the optimal location for an above-the-wing engine that would create a favorable aerodynamic interference and decrease the overall wind drag.

Yet the location of the engines is only one impressive aspect of the entire project. According to Honda, the engine has a high thrust-to-weight ratio, which allows for an "uncommonly high range and large payload." Each engine weighs less than 400 pounds and consumes less than .70 pounds of fuel per hour per pounds of force (lb/hr/lbf) [source: Honda]. This unit of measurement determines specific fuel consumption for planes. Honda says that its engine is lightweight and fuel-efficient when compared to other engines in its class.

The engine has been created with the help of General Electric and although its engineering specifications make it efficient and unique when compared to other business jets, it has also had some problems along the way.

During some ground engine testing in late 2011, Honda found that the engines created ice that caused some minor damage and loss of thrust. This setback pushed the commercial launch of the aircraft back to 2013. And while this might not sound like a very long delay, remember that the plane was first conceived and sketched back in 1997.

Regardless of the most recent postponement, Honda fully expects its jet to be a leading contender in the growing small jet market.

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