Otto Aerospace Phantom 3500 Completes Design Freeze; Laminar-Flow-Tech Light Jet Targets Super-Midsize Performance

Otto Aerospace completed Phantom 3500 light jet Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in February 2026; publicly announced design freeze on May 13. The type uses natural laminar flow wing and fuselage design; at PDR stage only minor adjustment to aerodynamic profile — ultra-low-drag solution preserved. Core selling point is achieving super-midsize jet-class cabin space and range (implying ~3,500 nm) at light jet size and cost. Flexjet has placed order; Mente Group involved in development partnership. Critical Design Review (CDR) expected ~early 2027; from PDR to formal certification still requires years. CEO has been replaced by Scott Drennan succeeding Paul Touw — marking transition from vision-driven startup to certification execution phase. For operators: if the type delivers on its promise, will open new niche between light and super-midsize jets. Confidence ★★ (multi-media cross-reporting, but quantified performance parameters not yet public).