Honda Aircraft Co. unveils the HondaJet Elite S
Upgraded from the original composite fuselage aircraft, the HondaJet Elite, the Elite S features several upgrades that expand operational capability and improve flight operation.
Photo Credit: HondaJet Aircraft Co.
On May 26 Honda Aircraft Co. (Greensboro, N.C., U.S.) revealed a new upgraded composite aircraft, the HondaJet Elite S, at its first virtual product launch event themed “Innovation Continues: Elite S.” The company notes that the new aircraft represents its continued commitment to research and development of leading-edge technology to realize new possibilities and propose new value for business aviation.
The HondaJet Elite S features several upgrades that expand operational capability and improve flight operation. Customers can now fly up to 120 nautical miles (138 mile) further at a higher payload, or take an additional passenger during their typical mission. Additionally, the new avionics features for FAA DataComm and ACARS replace traditional voice commands with text-based messaging to improve the clarity and efficiency of communications. Combined with the newly introduced advanced steering augmentation system (ASAS), the Elite S is said to further reduces pilot workload and maximizes safety.
Taking the HondaJet’s signature exterior profile to the next level, Honda Aircraft Co. says the the HondaJet Elite S introduces new styling with exclusive paint schemes available in gunmetal, luxe gold and deep sea blue. These new color options are topped off with a signature Elite S logo, with the bold red “S” and further customization 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,” says Honda Aircraft Co.’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.”
The HondaJet Elite S has reportedly inherited the aeronautical breakthroughs developed by Honda Aircraft Co., including the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, natural laminar flow (NLF) fuselage nose and wing, composite fuselage (see “Composite fuselage helps HondaJet upend biz-jet market”) and a highly customized avionics suite. The aircraft continues to be the most efficient, quietest, fastest, highest and farthest-flying in its class, the company contends.
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