Otto Aviation Reveals Submarine-Shaped Business Airplane

Otto Aviation recently unveiled the Celera 500L, a six-passenger pusher-prop business aircraft powered by a single 500-hp Red A03 diesel engine. The company’s full-scale prototype has completed 31 test flights. Otto expects FAA certification in 2023, with service entry to follow in 2025.

According to the company, the submarine-shaped aircraft will have a maximum cruise speed of 391 knots and a range exceeding 3,900 nautical miles, while offering a stand-up cabin and fuel economy of 16 to 22 nautical miles per gallon. To achieve this efficiency, Otto said, the Celera 500L employs “extensive” laminar flow over the fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces.

The company also claims that the airplane’s carbon emissions will be about 80 percent lower than those of comparable business aircraft and 40 percent lower than those of current airline aircraft.

“Our goal was to create a private aircraft that would allow for direct flights between any city pair in the U.S. at speeds and costs comparable to commercial air travel,” said William Otto Sr., chairman and chief scientist at Otto Aviation. “In many cases, individuals and families will be able to charter the Celera 500L at prices comparable to commercial airfares, but with the added convenience of private aviation. We believe when the price of private air travel is competitive with commercial air travel, an enormous market opportunity will result.”