Honda Aircraft Co. has revealed a new upgraded aircraft, the HondaJet Elite S, at its first-ever virtual product launch event themed “Innovation Continues: Elite S.”
The HondaJet Elite S features several upgrades that expand operational capability and improve flight operation. With maximum takeoff weight increased 200 lb, customers can now fly up to 120nm (138 miles) further at a higher payload, or take an additional passenger during their typical mission (additional range benefit begins to phase in above 650 lb of payload; additional passenger/payload benefit ranges from 170 lb to 200 lb depending on range of mission). Additionally, the new avionics features of FAA DataComm and ACARS replace traditional voice commands with text-based messaging to improve the clarity and efficiency of communications. Combined with the newly introduced Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS), the Elite S further reduces pilot workload and maximizes safety.
To HondaJet’s signature exterior profile, the HondaJet Elite S introduces new styling with exclusive paint schemes available in Gunmetal, Luxe Gold, and Deep Sea Blue. These new color options are topped off with a signature Elite S logo, with the bold red S and further customization available depending on exterior color selections.
While introducing the HondaJet Elite S, Honda Aircraft Co. unveiled an Elite S with a special paint scheme, which represents the company’s continued commitment to research and development of leading-edge technology to realize new possibilities and propose new value for business aviation.
“Since its introduction in 2018, the HondaJet Elite has achieved the best performance in its class while also being the most efficient, and with the new Elite S, we take another step forward in expanding the aircraft’s capability,” said Honda Aircraft Co. President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “As a result of the innovation, design and engineering on the new Elite S, we are once again setting a new standard in business aviation.”
The HondaJet Elite S has inherited the aeronautical breakthroughs developed by Honda Aircraft Co., including the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) fuselage nose and wing, composite fuselage, GE Honda HF120 aero engines, and a highly customized avionics suite. The aircraft continues to be the most efficient, quietest, fastest, highest, and farthest flying in its class.
Certified for single pilot operations, the HondaJet Elite S cabin features a full-service galley, a private lavatory with optional belted seat, and an industry first Bongiovi sound system. The aircraft sets the standard in safety and human-machine interface technology with an ergonomically designed cockpit and highly customized Garmin G3000 avionics suite.
The HondaJet Elite S remains significantly more fuel efficient and emits less greenhouse gases than all other similarly sized twin-engine business jets.