HondaJet vs Citation M2
Here's why the HondaJet rivals the best players in its class and even the most popular private jet choices such as the Citation M2.
Here's why the HondaJet rivals the best players in its class and even the most popular private jet choices such as the Citation M2.
Since its relatively recent launch, Air Partner clients have been trying out the HA-420 HondaJet, the first aircraft developed by Honda Aircraft Company and a relative newcomer to the charter market.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Honda Jet is the patented Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM). Engines are located on top of the wing instead of the rear fuselage as they are on other private jets. Having the engines positioned in this way has a few advantages. It reduces vibration and engine noise making for a smoother and quieter ride. It also removes the need for a complex mounting structure that would take up space in the fuselage freeing this up for luggage storage instead. The rear luggage compartment is 57 cubic feet and there is also 9 cubic feet worth of storage in the nose – plenty of space for at least 6 pieces of luggage.
HondaJet's arrival on the charter market means competition for existing players in its class – Embraer's Phenom 100 and Cessna's Citation M2 in particular. Honda boasts that the aircraft has the best cabin in class and, from a passenger experience point of view, it does indeed have a superior cabin length and so better legroom than these two competitors. Powered by two GE Honda Aero Engines HF120 turbofan, each producing 1,997 pounds of thrust, its top speed of 420 knots (hence the aircraft's code HA-420) makes it a top performer in its class.
Being faster than both the M2 and Phenom does however mean that the HondaJet needs more runway, so its performances on shorter runways isn't quite as good as its rivals.
Its quiet and roomy cabin, superior speed and great luggage capacity for an aircraft of its size make the HondaJet a must try for Light jet charter clients.
Cabin length: 17’8
Cabin width: 5’
Cabin height: 4’8
Take off distance: 4,000ft
Landing distance: 3,000ft
Range: 1,180 nm
Maximum cruise speed: 420 ktas
Seating: 5
Cabin length: 11’0
Cabin width: 4’10
Cabin height: 4’9
Take off distance: 3,210ft
Landing distance: 2,590ft
Range: 1,550 nm
Maximum cruise speed: 404 ktas
Seating: 5