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Honda Aircraft is equipping its HondaJet Elite II very light jet with an autothrottle system to automate the controls governing inflight speed and thrust.
Once flight parameters have been set and the autothrottle engaged, the aircraft’s Garmin G3000 takes over the throttle controls. It then uses sensor input to monitor and adjust engine output to keep the aircraft moving at the desired speed, reducing pilot workload and increasing passenger comfort, the Greensboro, North Carolina-based company says.
FAA certification of the system authorizes Honda Aircraft to enable autothrottle functions on production aircraft, it says.
“The highly anticipated development represents the next stage in the evolution of Honda’s innovative aircraft, long known . . . for its high degree of cockpit automation,” Honda Aircraft says.
Pilots of the HondaJet Elite II equipped with autothrottle controls will have the option of using the controls across various phases of flight, starting as early as takeoff through the landing flare. Those who operate the aircraft single-pilot will particularly benefit from the broadened scope of control automation to simplify pilot workload.
“The HondaJet is a design that has consistently pushed the bounds of what is possible,” says Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “We anticipate the addition of this functionality to the HondaJet Elite II will offer customers a new way to experience the joy of flight, in accordance with Honda’s principles as a developer of mobility solutions. We are very appreciative of our customers, who have not only shared their excitement but also waited patiently for this development.”
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