The GE Honda HF120 has achieved 25 percent more thrust than the HF118 that powers the HondaJet prototype, all while reducing fuel consumption 4 percent. Photo by Dave Higdon

Since its brief appearance at Oshkosh two years ago, the uniquely styled HondaJet prototype continues to turn heads and consume immeasurable amounts of space on digital camera storage cards.

Honda has announced it will enter the aviation market by producing a jet based on the prototype design. Certification and initial deliveries of the airplane are expected to begin in 2010.

One unique aspect of the Honda prototype program was that Honda designed not only the airframe, but also an all-new turbofan jet engine to go with it. When it came time to further develop the engine into a production product, Honda chose to partner with General Electric, and in 2004 GE Honda Aero Engines was formed.

"Both of these companies are market leaders in engines, and in many ways it is our challenge to fulfill every promise that the [GE and Honda] brands make to this market space. That is to bring innovation, bring the world’s best technology, and bring the safety and reliability those companies stand for," said Bill Dwyer, president of GE Honda.

Dwyer gave an update on the progress of the GE and Honda partnership at a Wednesday afternoon press conference here at EAA AirVenture.

The engine powering the HondaJet prototype is the HF118. GE Honda is in the process of developing the HF120 high-bypass turbofan engine that will power the production airplane.

So far, the GE Honda team has succeeded in achieving 25 percent more thrust than the HF118, while reducing fuel consumption 4 percent. Turbine durability has been improved, and the thrust-to-weight ratio of the engine has been enhanced 25 percent.

The HF120 is also expected to set new standards for service intervals with the first overhaul not required until 5,000 hours of engine operation has transpired. Noise levels from the engine are expected to exceed current Stage 4 requirements by more than 20 db, and emissions are expected to be the lowest for any engine in its class.

The first core test was completed in April of this year. That test validated aeromechanical features, the compressor, and the turbine airfoils. The second core test is now underway, which will look at component performance and engine thermal characteristics. The first full engine tests will begin yet this summer.

Certification of the HF120 is expected in 2009. Initial production will occur at a GE engine facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, and will move to a brand new GE Honda Aero facility, planned for construction in Burlington, North Carolina, once that plant is complete.

While GE Honda is actively marketing the engine to other airframe manufacturers, Dwyer wouldn’t commit to any imminent announcements. He did, however, confirm that GE Honda is not opposed to using the HF120 in single-engine applications.

More information on the engine is available at the GE Honda Tent just south of AeroShell Square and at www.GEHonda.com.