HONDA AIRCRAFT TO LAUNCH HONDAJET 2600 LIGHT JET

Honda Aircraft is moving ahead with plans to 'commercialise' the HondaJet 2600 concept light jet that it unveiled at NBAA-BACE 2021. Powered by two Williams International FJ44-4C turbofans and with a Garmin G3000 avionics suite, the 2600 will also share the original HA-420 HondaJet's over-the-wing-engine-mount design. Certification is planned for 2028.

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The last design before former Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino retired in March 2022, the 2600 promises midsize jet comfort, speed and range in a light jet airframe. Capable of carrying 11 occupants (two pilots and nine passengers or one pilot and 10 passengers), the 2600 will have a maximum cruise speed of 450 knots, ceiling of FL470 and 2,625-nm NBAA IFR range (four passengers, one pilot). Maximum take-off weight will be around 17,500 pounds.

While the HondaJet HA-420 is powered by the GE Honda Aero HF120 engine adapted from the Honda-designed HF118, Honda Aircraft selected the Williams engine to enable a shorter timeline for development of the 2600. GE Honda Aero had plans to build a family of 3,000- to 4,000-pound-thrust engines based on the 2,050-pound HF120, but these have not gelled as no other aircraft manufacturer has opted for a GE Honda engine. As many OEMs, including Honda Aircraft, have discovered, there are significant risks in bringing a new airframe to market with new engines.