Honda Prepares for Flight Testing of Redesigned HF120 Engines

Stephen Pope

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 08:56 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The HondaJet's HF120 turbofan engine failed an on-ground ice ingestion test, prompting a redesign of its titanium fan blisk.
GE Honda addressed the failure by increasing the thickness of the fan blades' leading edge and modifying the manufacturing process.
Flight tests with the newly redesigned engines are set to begin soon, with engine certification anticipated in the second half of next year.
As a result of the necessary redesign and testing, deliveries of the HondaJet have been delayed until at least the middle of 2013.

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Honda is preparing for the first flight tests of two HF120 turbofan engines with a newly redesigned titanium fan blisk that engine maker GE Honda is confident can pass required ice ingestion testing.

The engine fan underwent a redesign following the failure of an on-ground ice ingestion test, Honda Aircraft revealed recently. The company expects the redesigned engine to be certified in the second half of next year. As a result, deliveries of the $4.5 million HondaJet will be delayed until at least the middle of 2013.