Marshall Aerospace awarded HondaJet nacelle contract

Marshall Aerospace has commenced with the structural design and build of the engine nacelles for the new advanced light jet HondaJet; the company was contracted in August by Honda Aircraft Company to produce the nacelle.

Through extensive experimentation and testing, Honda engineers discovered an optimal over-the-wing engine mount configuration that actually achieves lower drag than the standard rear-fuselage engine mount design. This innovative and unique design is to be produced by Marshall Aerospace through the structural design and manufacture of the nacelle.

The structural design and manufacture of the nacelles will be done at Marshall's Cambridge facility in the UK, with the first set due for delivery to Honda Aircraft Company in early 2009.

Marshall Aerospace was chosen for its ability to design and build a cost effective, light weight solution to a demanding schedule. Marshall Aerospace has selected the optimum technologies, utilising its wide engineering experience and expertise, to build a cost effective total supply chain solution.

Marshall Aerospace has worked extensively in the area of aerostructures, building on its heritage of developing light weight fuel tank solutions for major aircraft manufacturers.

Phil Windred, Head of Aerostructures at Marshall Aerospace, said "Marshall Aerospace welcomes this opportunity to work with Honda Aircraft Company on such an exciting opportunity. Marshall is applying the optimum technology to deliver the best possible nacelle for HondaJet as our contribution to the success of this plane, which is clearly one of the best light jets available on the market."