Pearsall Distinguished Lecture: Innovation and Inspiration - The HondaJet

Feb 21

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Wednesday, February 21, 2018 – 12:00PM to 1:30PM

Dr. Michimasa Fujino

Presenter

Dr. Michimasa Fujino - President and Chief Executive Officer, Honda Aircraft Company

This lecture will trace the history of the development of the world’s most advanced light jet, the HondaJet, from a single sketch by Michimasa Fujino in 1997 to foundation of new aircraft company, certification of aircraft and worldwide sales. The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. It became the best-selling light jet in 2017.

Michimasa Fujino is the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Aircraft Company. He is responsible for the design and development, certification, sales, production and customer service of the innovative HondaJet. He has also concurrently served as a Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Fujino joined Honda R&D in 1984 and played major roles in the research of four different aircrafts. He became a vice president with Honda R&D Americas Inc., and was named the project leader for the HondaJet in 1997. Fujino developed HondaJet’s advanced technologies including the Optimum Over-The-Wing Engine Mount configuration (OTWEM); a new natural laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage nose; and new hybrid composite fuselage structure. With these aeronautical breakthroughs, Fujino’s clean sheet design was proven to enhance aircraft performance, fuel efficiency and to provide the most comfortable cabin and luggage space for passengers. 

Fujino has been the recipient of numerous international awards and distinctions, among which include ICAS Zhukovsky Award for Innovation in Aeronautics, SAE Clarence L. (Kelly) Johnson Aerospace Vehicle Design and Development Award, and AIAA Aircraft Design Award. His extensive researches and theories on aircraft configuration design, advanced aerodynamics and aeroelasticity have been published in numerous technical and academic journals, and he holds several patents for aircraft design. 

Fujino holds Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in aeronautical engineering from University of Tokyo. He is the Fellow of the American institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). He is also a foreign member of National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

Hosted by: Professor Earl Dowell

Reception immediately following lecture.

Visitor parking available in the Bryan Center Garage (Parking Garage IV).