Texas-based start-up Otto Aerospace recently introduced its tear-drop-shaped Phantom 3500 private jet, and one private jet operator has already placed a large order for the jets. Research shows that the aircraft will be very eco-friendly compared to today’s jets. However, it has no windows, apart from in the cockpit. Will this new aircraft shape the future of US business aviation?
The aircraft is undoubtedly modern and utilizes all the latest technology, resulting in significant savings for operators. Without windows, how does the passenger experience change, and will it be claustrophobic and deter business travelers? Is it the aircraft of the future or just a talking point? Let’s find out more.
A Design Of The Future?
Otto Aerospace is made up of business leaders, engineers and entrepreneurs who have worked for 
Boeing, the Federal Aviation Administration, Apple, Textron, and Lockheed Martin. They designed the Phantom 3500 to have a teardrop-shaped fuselage, but instead of windows, screens were used, making it windowless, except for the cockpit. The aircraft reduces fuel consumption and increases range, something all private jet operators are looking for. Without the windows, there is a smooth fuselage, which reduces drag and fuel burn.
The aircraft can have between eight and ten seats in the cabin. Where windows are normally placed, screens are fitted throughout the cabin sides and ceiling. ‘Smart Windows’ can show the exterior of the aircraft and HD exterior cameras capture the world outside, or passengers can watch movies or TV. They can also have virtual meetings or stream advertisements, and passengers can control and adjust the settings.
The Phantom 3500 is a super-midsize aircraft that competes with the likes of the Bombardier Challenger 350 or the Embraer Praetor 600. In terms of price, the Phantom 3500 is much cheaper than the Challenger 350 at $27 million and the Praetor at $24 million, new. The list price of the new windowless aircraft is $19.5 million.
The Technology Behind The Phantom 3500
This new aircraft design uses ‘laminar flow’ technology. This reduces drag because there is a smoother air flow across the entire aircraft. It is made of carbon fiber composite materials. It has smaller fuel tanks and engines than an average jet, which is also cost-saving in terms of production and maintenance. Otto Aerospace suggests that operating costs are reduced by 50% overall, which will hugely attract private jet operators to the aircraft.
The Phantom 3500 can fly up to an altitude of 51,000 feet, so it can fly above the weather and avoid turbulence. This also reduces fuel burn further and offers better route flexibility, instead of flying at the standard 42,000 feet. It is estimated that the aircraft has 60% less fuel burn than a comparable-sized jet. The aircraft’s expected range is 3,500 nautical miles (4,000 miles), which would make New York to London or Los Angeles to Honolulu possible. Its speed is expected to be 590 miles per hour and reaches transonic speed.
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Cabin volume: |
800 ft3 |
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Cabin height: |
6 ft 5 |
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Maximum range: |
3,500nm |
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NBAA 4 pax range: |
3,200nm |
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Cruise altitude: |
51,000 ft |
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Speed: |
590 mph |
Data: Otto Aerospace
Otto Aerospace had worked on a previous aircraft, the Celera 500, for three years using the same ‘laminar flow’ technology. They say that this proves that the concept works and its projected cost-savings. Furthermore, carbon emissions are reduced by a staggering 92% using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This also results in 43% less fuel costs than a comparable-sized aircraft.
Why The Project May Work
Aircraft manufacturers have been working hard to reduce emissions created by private jets, and the industry has come under a lot of scrutiny over its carbon footprint. So, the Phantom 3500 promises lower emissions and less fuel consumption, therefore meeting sustainability goals. For private jet operators, the aircraft is appealing, as the operating costs are much lower than standard private jets.
Windows are a pleasant feature for passengers, but create a structural weak point that needs reinforcement. This adds weight to the aircraft and the curved shape of the windows creates drag and uses more energy and fuel, an expensive combination. The Phantom 3500 is designed to maximize ‘laminar flow’ across the entire fuselage. The aircraft also benefits from its ultra-smooth surfaces made of advanced composite materials, which are strong and durable.
One could argue that by taking away the windows and adding the screens, passengers are offered a more panoramic view of the world outside, with a 360-degree ‘window’ or, as Otto Aeropsace calls it, ‘Super Natural Vision’. Indeed, this unusual passenger experience with hyper-realistic screens might attract a new generation of flyers. With less expensive production costs, lower operating costs and less maintenance, could private jet travel become cheaper, and therefore more accessible for regular travelers?
What’s The Story With Flexjet?
The business aviation industry has boomed post-pandemic with more young professionals enjoying the luxury and convenience of private jet travel than ever before. Data from Aviation Week shows that fractional ownership increased by 10% more from June to August than it did last year. Surprisingly, there is a 70% increase in fractional ownership than in the same period in 2019.
This month, Otto Aerospace announced that Flexjet had ordered 300 of their jets at a cool cost of $6 billion, one of the largest deals ever made in business aviation history. Flexjet anticipates that the revolutionary design of the Phantom 3500 will appeal to clients, especially with the increase in younger people flying private. They believe that their younger clientele are more technologically advanced and open to change, and it will become the norm to have jets without windows but screens instead.
The Phantom 3500 will become part of Flexjet’s fractional ownership program. This is where High Net Worthy Individuals (HNWIs) can enjoy the luxury and privacy of private jets, without having to purchase one. Instead, they can buy a share of the aircraft and buy flight hours. They have all the luxury and convenience of having a private jet at their disposal but without the hassles that come with purchasing a private jet.
What’s The Downside?
The Phantom 3500’s first flight is scheduled for 2027, and deliveries are expected in 2030. However, the all-new clean sheet design has yet to be built or certified by the FAA, which may take longer than expected, as we have seen across the aircraft manufacturing industry. Indeed, Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro told Business Insider that hurdles are possible but that the company is committed to innovation and is seeking manufacturers willing to move the needle in ways that the industry has not seen before.
Another issue with the Phantom 3500 is that, without windows, it is unclear how passengers or crew would see outside in an emergency situation, like an engine fire, for example. Windows do serve a critical safety function, in that they allow people to assess outside conditions and determine whether it is safe to evacuate. There may be fire, debris or other hazards outside. That is something that the manufacturer may have to work around. There is also the question of what if the window technology fails? In an emergency situation, that would be unthinkable.
Claustrophobia could also be an issue for some, without being able to see outside in a relatively small cabin. It is unclear how passengers may react to extended hours in flight with no visual references outside. With fear of flying not being uncommon, being trapped in a small tube at high altitude with no windows, may not appeal to some. Also, part of the passenger experience when flying, is looking out of the window, so it might not be a popular solution.
Is This The Future Of Flying?
Although it is a remarkable project with some benefits, especially as regards sustainability and operating costs, windowless aircraft will probably not be the future of business aviation in the US. Although they may well have a place and a time, they are also a daunting prospect, although one could also argue that aircraft are behind the times with cabin technology, compared to the likes of the technology used in ‘smart homes’ for example.
Potential issues with the Phantom 3500 include that it has not yet been built or certified, which may well delay the aircraft’s entry into service. There is a question of safety when passengers and crew use windows to assess the safety outside during an aircraft evacuation and how this will be addressed by the manufacturer. Passengers may feel claustrophobic with no visual references outside, which can heighten fears of flying.
Windowless aircraft will not become the norm, anytime soon in business aviation. Part of the appeal of flying for passengers, is the feeling of flight and seeing the skies and the world below. However, the technology used will be harnessed to make private jet travel less costly and more sustainable.
