Honda Aircraft this week said that power was switched on in its first conforming flight-test HondaJet light jet, while the fuselage and wing assemblies were mated for the first static test aircraft. “The success of our power-on tests is an important step in the completion of the first conforming flight-test aircraft,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “With this significant milestone achieved, we are now focused on the integration of avionics and other electrical systems in anticipation of first flight later this year.” Meanwhile, the static test article is expected to begin static structural testing next month. Stress testing will be conducted at Honda Aircraft’s R&D facility on its Greensboro, N.C. campus using the homegrown “MTS FlexTest” structural test system. The entire aircraft can be tested simultaneously to prove static and fatigue strength under various flight and ground load conditions. Honda’s test facility also includes an environmental chamber to simulate hot-wet conditions, which is required testing for the validation of composite structures. While the assembly and testing of aircraft continue, the company is nearing completion of its Greensboro production facility, which in addition to the manufacturing line will also house a FlightSafety level-D flight simulator for pilot training. FAA certification of the HondaJet is scheduled to occur late next year.