On Tuesday, October 12, Honda Aircraft Company president and CEO Michimasa Fujino introduced the concept for the HondaJet 2600 before a large crowd at the NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas. The world’s largest business jet show returned to its live version this year.
Earlier in May, Honda Aircraft Company unveiled its new upgraded aircraft, the “HondaJet Elite S” at its first virtual product launch event themed “Innovation Continues: Elite S”.
Design…
The HondaJet 2600 concept is roomy enough to fit 11 passengers, including one or two pilots. Though classified as a light jet, Honda Aircraft’s new concept jet teeters on the midsize class in both performance and size.
Along with the quietness and comfort offered by the cabin design itself, the HondaJet 2600’s cabin altitude will be set to 6,363 ft (≈2 km), to reduce symptoms of jetlag.
The HondaJet 2600’s cabin design will offer three interior configurations: executive, double club, and divan (with side-facing couch). For those who wish to nap in the back, the footrests on the club seats will fold up to provide space for a light mattress. The aircraft’s main cabin area will also feature two skylights. The cargo compartment with a baggage volume of 120 ft3 (≈ 3.4 m3), on the other hand, will be spacious enough to accommodate oversized items.
Performance…
Performance-wise, Honda Aircraft’s new twinjet will feature over-the-wing engine mounts, natural laminar flow technology, and a composite fuselage. Should it reach the market, the HondaJet 2600 would boast a range of 2’625 nm (≈ 4862 km), capable of flying trans-continentally, nonstop, at a top speed of 450 ktas (≈ 833 km/hr). It would soar at a maximum altitude of 14326 m. The HondaJet 2600 concept is a sibling of the HA-420. However, it would provide greater range and speed. Engines for the new aircraft are yet to be selected.
Cockpit…
The HondaJet 2600’s cockpit will be wider and taller than that of its sister jet, the HA-420. The jet’s cockpit will be equipped with Garmin’s G3000 avionics system. It will feature auto-throttle, auto-brakes, and more…
Environmentally…
Honda Aircraft will focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the development of their new jets. Fujino expects a carbon dioxide emission reduction of 20 percent with light jets and 40 percent compared with midsize jets, with analogous performance.
Will Honda Aircraft’s new concept jet progress towards the market?
Time will tell…
