Honda Aircraft Company, a division of Honda known for its automotive expertise, has made significant strides in the aviation sector with the introduction of the HondaJet. This very light jet (VLJ) is noted for its efficiency, luxury, and innovative design features. The company's journey into aviation began in the 1980s, focusing on revolutionizing personal air travel through extensive research and development.
Michimasa Fujino, the lead designer, introduced the concept of an over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) in 1997. This unique design reduces drag and enhances fuel efficiency while lowering cabin noise by isolating engines from the main cabin. "The aircraft received FAA certification in 2015," marking Honda's entry into the business jet market.
The HondaJet's fuselage and wings are crafted from lightweight composite materials to increase durability and reduce weight compared to traditional aluminum airframes. These advancements result from comprehensive wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics simulations.