Fort Worth, TEXAS, July 7, 2025 — Otto Aviation, a pioneering force in sustainable aviation, announced today a strategic partnership with Mecaer Aviation Group (“Mecaer”) to develop and supply both the landing gear system and the primary flight control actuation system for its revolutionary Phantom 3500 aircraft.
Mecaer Aviation Group is a global provider of integrated aerospace systems with engineering and manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America. With decades of experience in compact landing gear and flight control systems, combined with its vertically integrated approach, the company is the ideal fit for the Phantom 3500’s advanced aerodynamic design and Otto’s goals for efficient, long-range performance.
The Phantom 3500’s distinctive laminar-flow fuselage and high-aspect-ratio wing demand a precision-fit landing gear solution to support low-drag flight—enabling Otto to meet its goal of burning 60 percent less fuel than similar-sized jets and reducing emissions by up to 90 percent when combined with sustainable aviation fuel. To meet these requirements, Mecaer is developing a landing gear system with complex retraction and articulation kinematics to fit within the aircraft’s tight contours while maintaining structural and operational integrity.
Both the main and nose gear are engineered to retract into compact, aerodynamically optimized bays, using advanced multi-link geometries and space-efficient shock absorption systems to preserve the aircraft’s smooth external surface and low-drag profile.
“Mecaer Aviation Group brings deep technical expertise, world-class capabilities, and a collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with our vision for the Phantom 3500,” said Scott Drennan, President and COO of Otto Aviation. “Their ability to engineer high-performance systems that integrate seamlessly with our unique airframe geometry is a major enabler for our program. We’re proud to have them as a partner in redefining the future of private aviation.”
Additionally, Mecaer’s flight control actuation system will deliver accurate, responsive control across all primary flight surfaces and include system redundancies to meet Otto’s standards for safety, performance, and certification. Both the landing gear and the primary flight control actuation systems are being developed with a focus on weight reduction, serviceability, and reliability—key attributes that support the Phantom 3500’s long-range and fuel-efficiency targets.
Otto Aviation’s decision to partner with Mecaer on both systems ensures tight integration, synchronized development timelines, and a streamlined path to certification and production. That integration will be critical as the Phantom 3500 moves toward flight testing and prepares for entry into service.
“This partnership underscores the shared vision of Otto Aviation and Mecaer to deliver cutting-edge aerospace solutions that balance innovation, performance, and sustainability,” said Marco Acca, Mecaer Chief Executive Officer. “We’re proud to be part of this rare opportunity to collaborate with such a talented team on a clean-sheet aircraft that will redefine the future of flight.”
The Phantom 3500 is expected to begin flight testing in 2027, with entry into service targeted for 2030.
About Otto Aviation
Otto Aviation is an advanced aerospace company committed to transforming private and regional aviation through innovative aircraft design. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Otto is developing the Phantom 3500, a new, clean-sheet design aircraft that establishes – and leads – a new category in highly efficient, affordable, and sustainable business jet aviation. Learn more at ottoaviation.com.
About Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG)
Mecaer Aviation Group is a leading international provider of solutions for Aircraft Systems and Services in the Helicopter, Business Aviation and General Aviation markets, with many approvals and qualifications from regulatory agencies, military organizations, industry and customers. Italian based, Mecaer offers complete solutions from its broad range of in-house capabilities, with a long-term strategy and life-cycle approach. Learn more at mecaer.com.