Otto Aviation is taking a bold step in business aviation with its all-new Phantom 3500, which is a clean-sheet, all-composite jet designed to match midsize jet performance and comfort while operating at the cost of a light jet. 

Following the company’s experimental Celera 500 aircraft, which validated laminar-flow aerodynamics, the Phantom 3500 is now advancing through preliminary design review with first flight targeted for 2027 and FAA certification by 2030. 

CEO Paul Touw said Otto’s laminar-flow wing design, which has undergone $25 million in wind tunnel testing at NASA Ames, the European Transonic Windtunnel, and other facilities, will allow the Phantom to cruise efficiently at FL510 while burning 60% less fuel than conventional midsize jets. Powered by twin Williams FJ44 engines, the aircraft aims to carry four passengers 3,200 nm at Mach .80, reaching altitude in under 30 minutes.

Unique features include a windowless cabin with 42-inch 4K display panels replacing traditional windows, offering augmented reality views and entertainment streaming. The spacious flat-floor cabin measures 6.4 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide, rivaling much larger aircraft. 

Production will rely on advanced resin transfer molding techniques, with fuselages built by Leonardo in Italy and final assembly planned for a new Florida facility. Otto has already raised nearly $200 million and will launch a series B funding round to support tooling and certification, with program costs expected to exceed $1 billion. 

Source: ottoaviation.com