LAS VEGAS—Honda Aircraft Co. has named its new light jet, originally unveiled as the HondaJet 2600 Concept in 2021, the HondaJet Echelon, a name to signify efficiency, comfort and convenience, officials announced during NBAA-BACE here.
Honda Aircraft announced its decision to commercialize the aircraft and identified key suppliers in June.
A mockup of the HondaJet Echelon will be on display next to the HondaJet Elite II very light jet at NBAA-BACE’s static display AD-33 at Henderson Executive Airport.
“The HondaJet Echelon was born to create a new category that transcends the travel experience on conventional light jets,” says Hideto Yamasaki, Honda Aircraft Co. president and CEO. “Expanding mobility skyward has been Honda’s long-lasting dream, and the HondaJet Echelon marks the exciting next chapter while showcasing a classic Honda story of a product that creates a new value for people.”
The aircraft is designed to be the first single-pilot light jet capable of nonstop transcontinental flights across the U.S., officials say. The aircraft’s target range with one crew member and four passengers is 2,625 nm, more than 1,000 nm farther than the company’s HA-420 HondaJet Elite II.
It will have a maximum cruise speed of 450 kt. and a maximum cruise altitude of 47,000 ft. It will offer seating for up to 11.
Development of the new jet is progressing well, says Yamasaki.
The company is investing $55 million in the project to develop and manufacture the aircraft at its headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. Honda Aircraft will establish production lines with an initial focus on the critical design phase and production readiness of the aircraft, which requires significant research and development resources, officials have said.
First flight is planned for 2026, with type certification expected in 2028.
Detailed design of the aircraft is underway, with a target for aircraft level critical design review in the summer of 2024. Select long-lead fabrication is also in progress, officials say.
The program has completed several milestones.
Installation of the first structural test rig was completed in late 2021, followed by successful exit of the conceptual design and completion of the aircraft preliminary design review. In August, the company held an official power-on ceremony for the aircraft’s Advanced Systems Integration Test Facility in Greensboro.
The HondaJet Echelon will be powered by Williams International FJ44-4C engines and come equipped with Garmin G3000 avionics. Aernnova will provide aerostructures and components, while Spirit AeroSystems has been tapped to provide the Echelon’s build-to-print composite fuselage and composite-bonded frame. Latecoere was selected to create the aircraft’s door from carbon composites. It will feature a folding step, lining and folding handrail.
The aircraft will provide up to 20% better fuel efficiency compared with typical light jets, with more than 40% better fuel efficiency than typical midsize jets during a typical mission, officials say.
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