US Airways - July 2012 - (Page 65)

boasts a Garmin G3000 avionics cockpit, clean-sheet carbon fiber fuselage, and aluminum wings over which are mounted the twin engines, perched high and slanted precisely to minimize drag. Priced at $4.5 million, the HondaJet is the result of 20 years of meticulous research and development led by Fujino. Its novel design enables the plane to fly higher (43,000 feet), faster (420 knots), and farther (1,358 miles) while burning less fuel. “The over-the-wing engine mount is one of this plane’s greatest innovations,” says Fujino. “It gives us more space for legroom and luggage, and it contributes to fuel efficiency that’s 15 to 20 percent greater than our competitors’.” In addition to more space and greater fuel efficiency, the unique over-the-wing engine placement also displaces noise away from the cabin, offering a much quieter ride. Two decades in the making, the wait ends next year. Honda Aircraft already has more than 100 pre-orders for the HondaJet, and will produce that many annually once production in Greensboro is at capacity. FAA certification is expected in the second half of 2013, with delivery of the first aircraft to customers soon after. “Honda would not be getting into this field if our plane wasn’t innovative,” Fujino says. “Our goal is to create a new market and raise the bar for business aviation.” Adds Fujino, “Years ago, when working on an experimental airplane project, I had opportunities to travel on various general aviation aircraft, including business jets. I thought that if an aircraft could be designed that could have both high fuel efficiency and high speed, without sacrificing cabin size and luggage space, there would be high demand in the business jet market.” With the HondaJet, a proud product of the Piedmont Triad, Honda Aircraft and Fujino’s vision is becoming reality. Opposite page: Hondajet, the world’s most advanced light jet. This page, clockwise from top left: the luxurious Hondajet cabin; safety-enhancing, all-glass Garmin G3000 avionics; the cockpit, designed for maximum visibility; Hondajet, at 420 knots, is the fastest in its class. usairwaysmag.com july 2012 65 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - July 2012

US Airways - July 2012
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Beaches
Wine & Dine: Table to Farm
Adventure: Home-Court Advantage
Great Escapes: Mayan Adventure
Destination Fabulous
Gear Up: Activate!
London Calling
Room with a View
Chefs Tell: Water's Edge
Charlotte in 2012
Best of Health
Flying High in North Carolina
Charlotte U.S.A.: From Crackers to Gelato
University Spotlight: Grand Canyon University
Must Read: Better, Stronger, Faster
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace™
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - July 2012