Honda has moved closer to bringing its first jet to market—one that uses 20 percent less fuel than similar-sized planes while also flying faster. A prototype of Honda's light jet, which will seat five to six passengers and is scheduled to go on sale next year, made its first flight last month.
The airplane makes extensive use of composite materials—a combination of carbon fiber and resins that reduces a plane's weight. So far the materials are rare in business jets, though they've become common in small, home-built kit planes. They are also beginning to see more use by big jet makers such as Airbus and Boeing, which are seeking ways to reduce fuel consumption.
The composites allow Honda not only to decrease the weight of its plane but also to give it a unique shape that reduces drag. The novel design of the plane also involves mounting the engines on the top of the wing, rather than underneath it or on the fuselage. This helps decrease drag at high speeds, says Michimasa Fujino, the president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Company.
Honda Flies A Fuel-Efficient Jet Prototype - Technology Review
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