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Jet Journal
its latest model.
Preflight
While conducting a preflight of the HondaJet Elite, you no- tice some differences in comparison with other jets in its class. Of course, one of the most obvious differences is the engines mounted on pylons above the wing, which Honda terms Over- The-Wing Engine Mounts (OTWEM). In addition to a reduction in aerodynamic drag, this patented design allows Honda to offer a larger cabin and aft baggage compartment. Moving to the left wing, I noticed some subtle aerodynamic differences. Honda has removed the mid aileron fence and small triangle vortex generators from the winglet as part of the aerodynamic upgrade. Looking under the fuselage, Honda incorporated a much smaller skid plate with later serial numbers. The Elite also has a slightly larger center fuel tank capable of 90 pounds of additional fuel.
Progressing to the GE Honda HF120 engines, Honda engi- neers have changed the engine inlet with the incorporation of a perforated honeycomb index structure ahead of the fan blades. This perforation, according to Fujino, acts as an acoustic baffle to absorb higher frequency sounds that would typically be heard by the passengers, especially at high power settings and below 10,000 feet. While you might think this is a trivial change, it low- ers the noise level to 80 dB in the cabin – significant enough for passengers to notice the difference between the models.
On the tail, Honda has removed the vortex generators and aft T-strip on the elevator. They also increased the width of the elevator by approximately 7 inches. These changes, along with the other aerodynamic improvements, have reduced the takeoff distance by 443 feet at sea level (more at higher elevations) and provides improved second segment climb performance – which can be important under hot and high altitude departures.
On the lower aft section, you notice the optional speed brakes are stowed. This option, which most owners select, is also certified for 6.5-degree steep approaches which are required for several airports in congested areas including London City where the required glide path is “only” 5.5 degrees. Moving to the right aft section, I checked the optional external toilet service door and noticed a change in Honda’s single point gravity-feed fuel- ing port on the right empennage. To reduce the chance of line personnel filling the tank too quickly and splashing fuel, they have incorporated a lighted panel adjacent to the filler. When the fuel level approaches full, the panel will advise the fueler to slow the flow rate – a simple but ingenious idea.
The nose section of the plane drops dramatically from the cockpit window which offers pilots a great forward view. In con- junction with the aft baggage area, the nose baggage brings the total exterior storage volume to 66 cubic feet, which is substantially
January 2019
TWIN & TURBINE • 11
PHOTO COURTESY OF HONDA AIRCRAFT COMPANY