Honda Aircraft Company revealed its latest upgraded business jet, the “HondaJet Elite S,” at its first-ever virtual product launch event. The upgraded version of the Elite comes with improved takeoff weight, new colors, and other enhancements for a safer flight.
The HondaJet Elite S features several upgrades that expand operational capability and improve flight operation, as well as received advanced features that could increase the effectiveness and safety of the aircraft.
The aircraft continues to be the most efficient, quietest, fastest, highest, and farthest-flying in its class. With an increased maximum takeoff weight of 200 lbs (91 kg), customers can now fly up to 120 nm (138 miles, 222 km) further at a higher payload or take an additional passenger during their typical mission.
Although not the first, the HondaJet is among the few to use the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration. In addition, it retains Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) fuselage nose and wing, composite fuselage, and a highly customized avionics suite. The aircraft is powered by the GE Honda Aero Engines HF120, and the Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS) takes some of the load off the pilot and improves safety, especially in less favorable weather conditions.
Other additions include the FAA DataComm and the Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), which replace voice communications with short text messages over a digital data link. It aims to increase the clarity and efficiency of communication, as well as maximize security. These messages include air traffic commands, terminal information, terminal weather, departure clearance, flight plan uploads, messaging, general weather, automatic transmission of position reporting, and Out/Off/On/In status.
The new HondaJet Elite S introduces new styling with exclusive paint schemes available in Gunmetal, Luxe Gold, and Deep Sea Blue. Also, further customization is available depending on exterior color selections.
“Since its introduction in 2018, the HondaJet Elite has achieved the best performance in its class while also being the most efficient, and with the new Elite S, we take another step forward in expanding the aircraft’s capability,” said Honda Aircraft Company’s President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “As a result of the innovation, design, and engineering on the new Elite S, we are once again setting a new standard in business aviation.“
