Sustainable aviation firm Otto Aviation has selected the FJ44-4 QPM turbofan engine from Williams International as the powerplant for its Phantom 3500 aircraft. This is a major milestone in the path towards first flight and FAA certification.

The selection reinforces Otto Aviation’s commitment to delivering a sustainable, high performance and cost-efficient aircraft designed to redefine private air travel. The Phantom 3500 is a lightweight, low-drag aircraft that burns 60 per cent less fuel than similar-sized jets and reduces emissions by 90 per cent when combined with sustainable aviation fuel.

“The FJ44-4 QPM aligns perfectly with the Phantom 3500’s mission,” says Scott Drennan, COO of Otto Aviation. “Its combination of fuel efficiency, thrust performance and sustainable design will enable us to deliver on our promise of long-range capability with dramatically reduced environmental impact.”

“Williams International is proud to partner with Otto Aviation on this groundbreaking programme,” adds John Sordyl, executive vice president of customer experience at Williams International. “The FJ44-4 QPM was designed to meet the next generation of aviation requirements, and the Phantom 3500 is an ideal platform to showcase its capabilities.”

Built upon the proven FJ44 engine family, the FJ44-4 QPM represents the latest in propulsion innovation. The selection reflects the shared vision between Otto and Williams to push the boundaries of private aviation through bold design, sustainable technologies and operational efficiency.

Otto has also selected the Garmin G700 TXi flight display to equip its initial Phantom 3500 flight test vehicle — a key development milestone as the company advances toward its upcoming flight test campaign and FAA certification. Flight tests are scheduled to begin in early 2027, with certification and entry into service targeted for 2030.

Purpose-built for demanding precision of experimental and certification programmes, the G700 TXi was selected for its configurable architecture, robust real-time data acquisition capabilities and its ability to seamlessly integrate with the Phantom 3500’s advanced digital systems.

“Flight testing is a pivotal phase in any aircraft programme, and the G700 TXi gives us the precision, flexibility and situational awareness we need to execute a rigorous and data-rich campaign,” says Drennan. “Garmin’s technology aligns perfectly with our system architecture and development philosophy.”

The G700 TXi system supports Otto Aviation’s mission to develop the Phantom 3500 as a high-efficiency, long-range aircraft with a radically aerodynamic design.

This collaboration reflects Otto Aviation’s strategy of working with forward-looking suppliers who bring experience, reliability and technical agility to the table. Garmin’s track record in experimental aviation and certification support ensures that the G700 TXi will be a critical enabler as Otto enters a new phase of programme execution.