PressTV... The first jet plane developed by the Japanese automaker Honda has made its maiden flight.
The seven-seat HondaJet took off from Sendai in northern Japan and landed at Tokyo’s Haneda airport on Thursday afternoon.
The aircraft has been developed by the Japanese automaker's US-based subsidiary Honda Aircraft Company.
With a price tag of $4.5 million, Honda is targeting wealthy people. The carmaker is at pains to reclaim its reputation marred by record recalls last year.
The company has already received orders for more than 100 jets, HondaJet Aircraft President Michimasa Fujino has said.
It will start deliveries to US customers later this year, but sales in Asia are not on the cards for at least five years.
According to Fujino, the Asian market is still small for business jets compared with North America, Europe and South America. A HondaJet is displayed at the venue of a press conference at Haneda international airport in Tokyo on April 23, 2015. ©AP
What makes HondaJet distinct from conventional planes is the location of its engines which are above the wings rather than below.
This will increase fuel efficiency by about 15% and allow more room in the cabin and less noise, the company claims.
Honda says the aircraft is also faster with a cruise speed of 778 kilometers per hour (420 knots) and more resistant to turbulence.
HB/HB