Summary
- Phenom 100 & HondaJet: Operational range of 1,178-1,457 NM with MTOW of 10,500-10,700 lbs.
- HondaJet Elite: Improved performance, range, and avionics with fuel burn of 570 lb/hr.
- HondaJet Elite II: Increased fuel capacity, MTOW of 11,000 lbs, redesigned interior.
In the business aircraft industry, very light jets are classified as having a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of approximately 10,000 lbs (4,545 kg). Private Jet Card Comparisons notes that even though manufacturers have metrics to categorize jets, the industry’s classification of light jets is approximately 20,000 lbs (9,000 kg), and very light jets is 10,000 lbs (4,545 kg). This article considers aircraft with MTOW between 10,000 lb and 11,000 lbs and a seating capacity of 4-6 passengers.
5
Embraer Phenom 100
Operational range: 1,178 NM (1,356 miles, 2,182 km)
Length | 12.82 m (42 ft 1 in) |
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Wingspan | 12.3 m (40 ft 4 in) |
Height | 4.35 m (14 ft 3 in) |
MTOW | 10,500 lbs (4,800 kg) |
Cruise speed | 750 km/h (470 mph, 400 knots) |
Service ceiling | 12,497 m (41,001 ft) |
Designed and manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, The Phenom 100 has an operational range of 1,178 NM with four passengers. The type was announced in 2005, and its first flight was performed in July 2005 before entering service three years later in December 2008. Two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PV617 turbofan engines power the jet, producing 1,730 Ibf (7.7 kN) of takeoff thrust.
Photo: Embraer
With an MTOW of 10,500 lbs (4,800 kg), the aircraft can reach a cruise speed of Mach 0.7 (400 knots, 470 mph, 750 km/h). Embraer has delivered over 400 examples of the Phenom 100 since mass production of the jet began in 2008. The airframe features approximately 20% composite materials, enabling a structural life of approximately 28,000 flight cycles or 35,000 flight hours. While the aircraft is designed to carry four passengers, an optional side-facing seat and belted toilet seat can increase capacity.
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Over 400 Phenom 100s have been produced by Embraer.
4
HondaJet HA-420
Operational range: 1,223 NM (1,407 miles, 2,265 km)
Length | 42 ft 7 in (12.99 m) |
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Wingspan | 39 ft 9 in (12.12 m) |
Height | 14 ft 11 in (4.54 m) |
MTOW | 10,600 lbs (4,800 kg) |
Cruise speed | 422 knots (782 km/h; 486 mph) |
Service ceiling | 43,000 ft (13,100 m) |
HondaJet HA-420 is the first production aircraft of Honda Aircraft Company in the US, with an operational range of 1,223 NM with four passengers. The type performed its maiden flight in December 2003 and entered private aviation service in December 2015. The aircraft is known for its composite fuselage, aluminum wing, and unusual over-wing engine placement. Each of the two GE Honda turbofans produces 2,050 lf (9.1 kN) of takeoff thrust.
HondaJet claims that its over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration significantly minimizes wave drag at high speeds because the airflow over the wing is superimposed by the airflow around the engines. With an MTOW of 10,600 lbs (4,800 kg), the aircraft can reach a cruise speed of 422 knots (486 mph, 782 km/h) at 30,000 ft. As of February, the manufacturer has delivered over 250 examples of the jet. The innovative design and operational performance have gained the aircraft several aeronautic design and innovation accolades.
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The most unusual feature of the HondaJet is its engine placement.
3
HondaJet Elite
Operational range: 1,457 NM (1,654 miles, 2,661 km)
Length | 42 ft 7 in (12.99 m) |
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Wingspan | 39 ft 9 in (12.12 m) |
Height | 14 ft 11 in (4.54 m) |
MTOW | 10,700 lbs (4,850 kg) |
Cruise speed | 422 knots (782 km/h; 486 mph) |
Service ceiling | 43,000 ft (13,100 m) |
HondaJet Elite was revealed to the public in May 2018, featuring an optimized performance envelope, improved interior, and updated flight deck. The manufacturer began deliveries of the jet in August 2018. The Elite has an operational range of 1,457 NM and a reduced takeoff distance of 3,491 ft (1,064 m). The improved takeoff roll reduces the Cessna Citation M2’s takeoff advantage.
Photo: HondaJet
While powered by the same GE Honda HF120 engines, the new engine inlet minimizes vibrations and cabin noise. The flight deck is improved with the Garmin G3000 avionics system, featuring integration takeoff and landing calculations and angle of attack protection. With an MTOW of 10,700 lbs (4,850 kg), the aircraft cruises at 390 knots (450 mph, 720 km/h) at 30,000 ft and burns approximately 570 lb (260 kg) of fuel per hour. In 2022, the aircraft list price was $5.75 million.
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The Elite II is the Honda Aircraft Company’s newest aircraft.
2
HondaJet Elite II
Operational range: 1,547 NM (1,780 miles, 2,865 km)
Length | 42 ft 7 in (12.99 m) |
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Wingspan | 39 ft 9 in (12.12 m) |
Height | 14 ft 11 in (4.54 m) |
MTOW | 11,000 lbs (4,850 kg) |
Cruise speed | 422 knots (782 km/h; 486 mph) |
Service ceiling | 43,000 ft (13,100 m) |
HendaJet Elite II is a further improvement to the Elite version announced in October 2022. The increased fuel capacity increased the aircraft MTOW slightly, bringing it up to approximately 11,000 Ib (5,000 kg). The $6.95 million model features improved aerodynamics, further enhanced avionics, a Garmin emergency autoland system, and a redesigned interior. With the added range, the aircraft provides greater flexibility to customers while offering greater cabin comfort.
Photo: HondaJet
According to Honda Aircraft Company,
“Introducing the HondaJet Elite II, a continuation of the Elite program’s vision to redefine the very light jet category with superior performance and efficiency born from aerodynamic breakthrough. We continue to set new standards in range, fuel efficiency, performance, comfort, and technology to realize the future of the light jet category because even the best can get better.”
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The type was first introduced in late 2022.
1
Cessna Citation M2 (CJ1)
Operational range: 1,550 NM (1,783 miles, 2,871 km)
Length | 42 ft 7 in (12.99 m) |
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Wingspan | 47 ft 3 in (14.40 m) |
Height | 13 ft 11 in (4.24 m) |
MTOW | 10,700 lbs (4,850 kg) |
Cruise speed | 405 knots (475 mph, 760 km/h) |
Service ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,500 m) |
Designed and manufactured by the Cessna, a Textron Aviation company, the Citation M2 is an improved version of the Citation Jet I featuring a range of 1,550 NM, a tad bit more, well, at least theoretically, than the HondaJet Elite II. The type was launched in September 2011 with a new cabin layout and more efficient engines. The Citation M2 is powered by two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines, each generating 1,965 lbf (8.74 kN) of takeoff thrust.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
With an MTOW of 10,700 lbs (4,850 kg), the aircraft can reach a cruise speed of 405 knots (475 mph, 760 km/h). The aircraft features a slightly wider wing than the CJ1+ and smaller winglets. Textron Aviation has delivered more than 250 Citation M2, with an approximately $6.25 million current equipped price.
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The Citation M2 is also known as the Citation CJ1.
What are your thoughts on the very light jets with the furthest range? Share your views in the comments section.