news-record.com

GREENSBORO – The first HondaJet that conforms to FAA regulations for testing has now been flown at its maximum speed of 489 mph at 30,000 feet, the company said Tuesday.

Honda Aircraft Co. said the jet hit a slightly higher speed than the company had predicted earlier for its production aircraft.

"We are extremely pleased with the strong performance of the FAA-conforming HondaJet early in the flight test program," Michimasa Fujino, Honda Aircraft Company President & CEO, said in a news release.

Fujino said that wings made of high-tech composites and new engines that are mounted on top of the wings have proven to make the aircraft especially maneuverable and responsive.

As it tests planes for certification, Honda continues to build its production plant at Piedmont Triad International airport. Honda said it will soon be able to start moving people and equipment into the 263,400 square foot building.

Honda will then begin pre-production and training before it builds up production beginning in 2012.

Contact Richard M. Barron at 373-7371 or richard.barron@news-record.com