How Honda Produces Powerful Private Jets From Scratch

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How Honda Produces Powerful Private Jets From Scratch

Step inside Honda’s billion-dollar aircraft manufacturing facility, where engineering excellence meets aviation innovation.

Discover the meticulous process behind creating one of the most advanced light jets in the world.

1986

Honda begins secret aviation research program

1997

Michimasa Fujino develops revolutionary over-the-wing engine mount

2003

First HondaJet prototype takes flight

2015

FAA certification achieved after 30+ years of development

Revolutionary Design Features

Over-the-Wing Engine Mount

Revolutionary configuration maximizes cabin space and reduces drag. Provides exceptional fuel efficiency and noise reduction.

Natural Laminar Flow Wings

Custom airfoil design minimizes turbulence. Achieves 15% better aerodynamics than conventional designs.

Composite Fuselage

Carbon fiber honeycomb construction reduces weight. Maintains exceptional strength and durability under extreme conditions.

Inside The Manufacturing Complex

State-of-the-Art Facility

133-acre campus in Greensboro, North Carolina with 680,000 square feet of space.

Climate-Controlled Environment

Maintains exact temperature and humidity for composite materials curing.

Automated Systems

Precision robots work alongside skilled technicians throughout assembly.

Vertical Integration

Honda produces 87% of components in-house for quality control.

Composite Fuselage Production

Material Preparation

Pre-impregnated carbon fiber sheets are precision-cut by automated machines. Each piece is laser-measured to ensure exact specifications.

Layup Process

Skilled technicians arrange multiple layers in specialized molds. Each aircraft requires over 2,000 individual carbon fiber pieces.

Autoclave Curing

Giant pressurized ovens heat components to exact temperatures. The 12-hour curing process creates an incredibly strong, lightweight structure.

HF120 Engine Assembly

Component Manufacturing

Single-crystal turbine blades withstand extreme temperatures

Core Assembly

Compressor and turbine stages balanced to micron-level precision

Certification

Final inspection verifies 2,050 lbs of thrust capability

Testing Chamber

Each engine undergoes 65+ hours of stress testing