INCREDIBLE plans have been revealed for a futuristic jetliner that comes with a see-through cabin and boasts fuel-slashing AI design.
Touted as the “jet of the future“, The Phantom 3500 is a next-generation aircraft that could one day fly at transonic speeds while burning just a fraction of fuel.
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And engineers are inching closer to putting the state-of-the-art machine in the skies – which could happen as early as 2030.
Essentially a business jet, the Phantom 3500 is capable of flying up to 3,700 nautical miles with less fuel burn compared to other aircraft of the same category.
From the outside, the jet has a luxurious design which will offer “redefined comfort” to both private and business travellers.
From the inside, the aircraft is full of high-tech innovations that make the jet ahead of its time.
Traditional windows in the rear cabin have been replaced with state-of-the-art high-definition digital displays that seamlessly integrate real-time external views.
This allows passengers to enjoy stunning views of the outside sky while helping to keep the fuselage streamlined.
Passengers will find a two-metre high cabin which offers enough space for nine people to travel comfortably.
Inside the cockpit, pilots will find cutting-edge technology and next-gen avionics for precision control and optimised performance.
Florida firm Otto Aviation, which created Phantom 3500, says it has employed an AI-driven, transonic super-laminar flow architecture which burns 60 per cent less fuel than comparable aircraft.
When fuelled with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), overall carbon emissions fall by 90 per cent, the company claims.
Speaking at the Paris Air Show earlier this month, chief executive Paul Touw announced the ambitious target of having the plane in use by 2030.
He added: “The Phantom 3500 is the result of relentless innovation and bold thinking,” said CEO Touw during his remarks.
“By achieving carbon neutrality 20 years ahead of the 2050 target, we’re not just meeting expectations—Otto is redefining what’s possible in aviation.
“It’s a transformative step toward a future where cutting-edge technology and sustainability go hand in hand.”
Otto plans to relocate its headquarters and invest about £340million in a new manufacturing facility at Cecil Airport, Jacksonville.
Initial flight tests are scheduled for early 2027, with certification and service entry targeted for 2030.
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It comes after a futuristic superplane that could fly people from London to New York City in just 90 minutes has moved one step closer to reality.
Engineers are inching closer towards the production of Yunxing aircraft that could potentially reach the speed of Mach 4 (3,00mph) – twice as fast as the British Concorde.
Beijing-based company Space Transportation said that it successfully completed the first test flight for the prototype model just days ago.
Experts carried out several important systems and performance tests to reach their goal, including aerodynamics, thermal protection, and control systems.
The company said that Yunxing’s advanced aerospace design is tailored for high-speed and efficient transcontinental travel.
Designed for vertical take-off and landing, the jet could to reach altitudes exceeding 65,600 feet.
And the Chinese company aims to put full-size supersonic aircraft in the sky by 2027.
If successful, the ambitious aircraft could pave the way for a new era of commercial supersonic travel almost two decades after the popular British Concorde was retired from British Airways’ fleet.
Supersonic and Hypersonic Jets
THERE are several types of hypersonic and supersonic jets. A breakdown of what’s been happening in the industry and what’s expected in the coming years.
Talon-A
- Built by Stratolaunch
- Reported speeds of Mach 5
- The first test flight conducted in 2024
X-59 Quesst
- Built by Nasa and Lockheed Martin
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 1.4
- The first test flight in 2024 – but subject to delays
Venus Stargazer M4
- Built by Venus Aerospace and Velontra
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 6
- First test flight in 2025
Quarterhorse MKII
- Built by Hermeus
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 2.5
- First test flight in 2026
Halcyon
- Built by Hermeus
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 5
- First test flight by 2030
Nanqiang No 1
- Built by China’s hypersonic plane programme
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 6
- First test flight in 2025
DART
- Built by Hypersonix Launch Systems
- Predicted max speeds of Mach 7
- First test flight in 2025
