Torrance, Calif. 12/16/2003 -- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today the development of its compact, lightweight, fuel-efficient, low-emissions HF118 Turbofan Engine for the HondaJet-Honda's experimental business jet.

Honda used its proprietary computational fluid dynamics software to optimize airflow within the compact engine, maximizing performance. The engine's simple, high-performance combustion chamber keeps emission levels low enough to meet the requirements of anticipated standards for compact jets.

On the basis of electronic control technology originally developed for automotive applications, Honda has created the first ultra-compact Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) system for this class of engine, which provides superior engine operation and reliability without variable mechanisms.

Development of this engine began in 1999, and it has been submitted to comprehensive testing, including required tests such as the 150-hour endurance test. The engine has now logged more than 110 hours of flight-testing on other manufacturers' aircraft, confirming its reliability.

Key Specifications

Honda HF118 Turbofan	Honda's HFX-01 turbofan (an early prototype) as seen in the Honda Fan Fun Lab at Twin Ring Motegi

Additional Reading:

Reuters Article (Thanks to Colin Sato)