FlightService

excellent points, I figure Honda would use pistons and other such things out of production engines to lower cost. The VVTI in retrospec might not be needed but will probably be added to show "advanced technology" I look at the Gold Wing engine as a base because of it's almost flat torque curve and excellent power delivery (word of caution DO NOT twist the throttle to stop in first gear unless you are ready to have a half ton in the air on one tire!!! Can you say seat cover in the rectum anyone?) Also the new Ridgeline engine is showing promise in the torque category and is based on the current Accord platform. Being I have little experience with engines outside of the automotive/motorcycle spectrum I don't fully understand the constraints of what they are dealing with, but from what I can see is it possible for honda to install an integrated gear reduction unit? The next few years are going to be fun!!!

Levinsic Clemson SC, doing initial development on "other" systems. Good guess though, the guys out of Marysville are the backers. I would agree with your guess about the build location for a small piston engine. If what the gentleman originaly reported is true. you would probably be looking at a goldwing/ accord hybrid motor of oppossed pistion design, VVTI, and using accord pistions, crank of unknown source. The number of cylinders I think would be 4 being that if it was a Honda a flat 6 engine with open exhaust would easily hit 300+ hp. But from what I have seen out of Honda the engine could be any configuration. They don't seem to show a preference. They have pistion engines in every concievable form except radial. anybody else have any ideas?

I have not heard of any new data. Honda does a good job of keeping divisions seperate, especially one involving students. I am doing research for American Honda auto division. So unfortunately no inside scoup. Thomas

I haven't heard of Honda losing too many lawsuits even when they are in the wrong. I need to get the number of their attorney for my next speeding ticket!!!! haha

Honda is a very serious company when it comes to new markets and putting Honda on something. Do not take anything they do lightly. I am currently a college student working on a system for Honda and I have technical experiance with their motorcycle line. Although I have not read anywhere of someone insulting them, Honda is not above throwing alot of money into a project to prove a point (If there are dirt track fans here, you should remember the Honda/Harley wars of the mid 80's because Harley ran it's mouth. Harley got it's "a$%" handed to them and then Honda dropped the program. A little over $4 million invested if I remember, never saw profit, all to just prove a point.) Bottom line: The Honda initial cost up front will be 50% to 80% higher than competition but over the life of the product it will come to about 30% less in total cost of ownership. Everybody have fun!!! You guys have the coolest looking little planes!