Otto Aviation, a disruptor in the aircraft industry, is working towards achieving the first flight of their revolutionary high-efficiency business jet-type aircraft, the Phantom 3500, by the end of the decade. The company has made bold claims about the potential of this aircraft, which could have a transformative impact on the aviation industry and military applications. The Phantom 3500 is a redesigned version of the Celera 500L, a piston engine aircraft that was first reported by TWZ in 2017.
In a recent video released by Otto Aviation, CEO Paul Touw stated that it took “10 years of very difficult labor-of-love work” to build the Celera 500L, which provided valuable data for the development of the Phantom 3500. The Phantom 3500 features two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines mounted on each side of the rear fuselage, unlike the Celera 500L which had a Raikhlin Aircraft Engine Developments (RED) A03 V12 piston engine driving a pusher propeller. The larger wings and T-tail configuration of the Phantom 3500 also differentiate it from its predecessor.
One of the key features of the Phantom 3500 is its tear-drop-shaped fuselage, optimized for laminar flow. This refers to the smooth flow of air over the surface of the aircraft, reducing drag and improving aerodynamic efficiency. This “virtuous cycle” of laminar flow, according to Otto’s website, results in lower fuel consumption, smaller engines, and a lighter aircraft with improved performance. Otto claims that the Phantom 3500 will consume 115 gallons of fuel per hour, compared to an average of 300 gallons per hour for similar business jets.
The laminar flow design also allows for a larger internal volume than other similarly sized aircraft. The main cabin of the Phantom 3500 will have a height of 6 feet, 5 inches, and will be more spacious overall. In place of traditional windows, Otto plans to use a “Natural Vision” system, which integrates high-definition digital displays for external views.
In terms of performance, the Phantom 3500 will be capable of cruising at altitudes of up to 51,000 feet, with a maximum unrefueled range of 3,500 nautical miles and the ability to fly up to 3,200 nautical miles with four passengers on board. This high-altitude performance, coupled with a larger wing and reduced drag, will also allow for shorter takeoff and landing distances, making it suitable for a wider range of airports.
The Phantom 3500 is expected to have a significant impact on the aviation industry, particularly in the mid-size jet market. It could also have potential military applications, such as moving cargo and personnel to remote operating locations, and conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Otto has previously collaborated with the U. S.