The Honda Aircraft Company will start accepting orders for its HondaJet VLJ next month at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention, Oct. 17-19 in Orlando, Fla. A full-scale interior mock-up will be on display in the exhibit hall. Honda created the aircraft subsidiary in August to handle the development, production and sales of HondaJet, and will pursue FAA type certification and production certification in the U.S. Honda’s goal is to complete certification of the jet in three to four years, and deliver the first customer copy in 2010. The jet’s attributes include fuel efficiency, large cabin and luggage space, and higher cruise speed than conventional aircraft in its class, says Honda. Innovations include a patented over-the-wing engine-mount, a natural-laminar flow wing and fuselage nose, and an advanced all-composite fuselage structure. The jet is expected to sell for about $3 million.
