Keeping Obsolescence At Bay With APMG S Program Advanced Performance Modification Group (APMG) upgrades for older iteration HondaJet aircraft has been designed to bring these early model aircraft closer in-line to some of the newer variants of the HondaJets. As time goes on, the technology and even things like appendages need changing to keep-up with advancement of avionics technology and fuel-saving devices. Fuel consumption is one of the biggest considerations in jet operations and better tech in the cockpit that is related to fuel management systems, autothrottles, better route planning to avoid foreseen circumstances all contribute to better fuel management.
The APMG S was the latest iteration of the upgrades program that Honda Aircraft Company was offering for older HondaJets. The number of service centers have increased too where this specific work can be done on a client's older HondaJet. 21 authorized service centers are available to do this work. One of those can now happen in Mexico under the authorization given to Mexican-based Avemex. Of course, HondaJet themselves will also do this work at their Greensboro, North Carolina facilities.
With the APMG S Upgrades customers will see notable improvements to their earlier generation HondaJet. There will be an estimated 300-pound mtow increase to around 10,700 pounds. In the cockpit, the Garmin avionics improvement highlight with faster processing speed of information. TOLD management for computing V-speeds, climb/approach gradients, required runway length, and other features, as well as Garmin’s Flight Stream 510 for wireless flight plan transfer are also factored in so there is much greater efficiency in the calculation and display of information to the pilots.
The exterior also has some changes to a few of the appendages namely removal of the wing fences. Additionally they lengthen the horizontal stabilizer making the span greater. These improvements translate into real-world gains in performance. For example, a APMG-modified HondaJet requires 440-feet less runway for takeoff compared to the original. Honda Aircraft says it will also have steep approach certification which would give the aircraft further capabilities. The nose gear also receives some attention by way of an advanced steering augmentation system nosewheel modification designed for enhanced handling and crosswind capability. For more information: Honda Aircraft Company Greensboro, NC United States of America www.hondajet.com ***
