As part of an aviation research program, Honda has developed an experimental jet aircraft, and two turbo-fan engines for small aircraft.
The MH02 jet aircraft has a forward-bent, high wing design and a T-type empennage. It is the first all-composite small business jet, using lightweight carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resins in all the structural elements ranging from mail and tall wing cross-beams and ribs, to fuselage frame and other outer panels.
Research on the jet aircraft began in 1996, and in conjunction with the Mississippi State University the first prototype was completed in 1992.
It was tested in 1993 with 170 hours spent in the air testing overall performance, manoeuvrability, stability and ease of recovery in flutter and stalling situations. The flight tests met the rules set by the Federal Aviation Authority in the USA for experimental planes, however Honda has no plans to manufacture or sell the plane.
Honda has developed two engines for small aircraft - the HFX-01 and the HFX20. The HFX-01 was designed and developed for in-house research purposes while the HFX20 is a prototype engine in the development stage.
Research on the HFX-01 began in 1991, with ground tests following in 1993. The engine underwent 70 hours of high-altitude testing in California from 1995 until mid-1996. The engine has a take-off thrust of 820 kgf (kilogram foot) while achieving a low fuel consumption of 0.45 kg/hr/kgf.
The HFX20 is the next step toward the goal of reducing fuel consumption and noise levels. The engine has a take off thrust of 1,000 kgf, combined with a low fuel consumption of 0.44kg/hr/kgf.
At this stage Honda has no plans to commerically manufacture any of the jet engines or aircraft.
Originally Posted by wynode
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