Otto Aviation has unveiled the Celera 500L, a six-passenger pusher-prop business aircraft powered by a single 500-hp Red A03 piston engine. The U.S. company claims the unusual design will deliver very competitive fuel consumption and carbon emissions that could be as much as 80 percent less than existing business aircraft and 40 percent lower than current airliners.
To date, the company’s full-scale prototype has completed 31 test flights. Otto said FAA certification is expected in 2023, with service entry to follow in 2025.
According to the company, the submarine-shaped aircraft will have a maximum cruise speed of 450 mph and a range exceeding 4,485 miles, while offering a stand-up cabin and fuel economy of 18 to 25 miles per gallon. According to Otto, comparable business jets today offer no better than 2 to 3 miles per gallon fuel consumption. To achieve this efficiency, Otto said the Celera 500L airframe features extensive laminar flow over the fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces.
“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 cost 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.”
The privately-owned company, founded by veteran aerospace engineer William Otto, has launched a Series B founding round to seek new investors. In addition to passenger flights, it says that the Celera could have applications such as cargo-carrying, military and unmanned operations.
