I wrote this a few months ago to a friend after I discovered the tale. I have no connection to them. I think it's an astonishing story -
This seems a totally MAD project. A new Business Jet, 7 seat.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_HA-420_HondaJet
However after 30 years in gestation and a 5 years production they are selling about the same rate as Cessna's 25 years in production competitor. Over $1B total cost so far, about 1/3 of Honda's current annual profit. $5M apiece.
They did their own engine too (With GE). One man in charge throughout, started at age 26. Japanese leader, all action in USA. "Fujino and the Honda aviation team was transplanted to a leading research center for advanced aeronautics at Starkville, Mississippi in 1986"
Obviously no insistence for quarterly profits here?