The F2 aircraft’s first flight test began with engine startup at 2:04pm and lift-off at 2:21pm on 18 November 2011, from Honda Aircraft Company’s world headquarters at Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport.
The team completed a variety of checks in this first flight, and Michimasa Fujino, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company reported that, “F2’s first flight was the result of extensive planning, hard work and execution by many teams and individuals across our organization and our supply chain partner network. The aircraft’s performance is as expected and flying in the aircraft is exhilarating.”
The first FAA-conforming HondaJet, “F1”, which flew for the first time on 20 December 2010, has already achieved key benchmarks that meet or exceed the aircraft’s designed performance goals. In March, Honda Aircraft reported the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 425 KTAS (489 mph) at 30,000 feet, surpassing the company’s performance commitment of 420 KTAS. The aircraft has since achieved a climb rate of 4,000 feet per minute, beating its target of 3,990 FPM, and a maximum operating altitude of 43,000 feet.
Honda Aircraft plans to begin flying two additional flight test aircraft, F3 and F4, in 2012. We anticipate first delivery of the HondaJet to customers in approximately mid-2013.
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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