Innovative small business jet. Mounting the engines over the main wings at an optimal position enables a unique body structure that reduces drag at high speed for better cruising efficiency. This layout also eliminates engine support structures in the body, increasing the body capacity by more that 30% over conventional aircraft.

This development is making the dreams of Honda founder Soichiro Honda in the field of aviation a reality. What's more, the field will be promoted as the highest priority for national policy in the future. Orders for large aircraft are sluggish on a global scale, but it is a smart move by Honda to enter the only segment with potential for growth - private jets. In aircraft design as well, the HondaJet is not merely flying in the face of conventional aerodynamics. The two engine nacelles over the bottom-mounted wings of this aircraft improve airflow for better fuel efficiency. Features such as polycarbonate around the cockpit provide an excellent field of view. This is aircraft design that only a veteran automaker could devise. [Ken Okuyama, A08 unit leader]