PARIS, June 17, 2025 — Otto Aviation, a pioneering force in sustainable aviation, has announced the selection of the Garmin G700 TXi™ flight display to equip its initial Phantom 3500 flight test vehicle, marking a key development milestone as the company moves closer to first flight and FAA certification of its next-generation aircraft. The company plans to begin flight tests in early 2027 and aims to achieve certification and enter service in 2030.
Purpose-built for demanding precision of experimental and certification programs, 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 program, and the G700 TXi gives us the precision, flexibility, and situational awareness we need to execute a rigorous and data-rich campaign,” said Scott Drennan, COO of Otto Aviation. “Garmin’s technology aligns perfectly with our system architecture and development philosophy.”
Flight Test-Ready Avionics for an Innovative Aircraft
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. In the initial flight test environment, the system provides:
- Real-time telemetry and data logging: essential for monitoring and analyzing aerodynamic performance, propulsion, and system behaviors during flight.
- Customizable display interfaces: tailored for test pilot operations, with synthetic vision.
- Streamlined integration: designed for modularity and interoperability, enabling fast deployment and efficient interfacing with other aircraft systems.
- Trusted performance: the G700 TXi has been successfully deployed in multiple experimental and certification programs, offering a proven track record in demanding development environments.
Designed for Scalability and System Growth
The G700 TXi enables reconfiguration as flight test requirements evolve. This makes the system particularly well-suited for a dynamic and iterative test program like Otto Aviation’s. The avionics decision enables Otto Aviation to lock in the final FTV configuration, supporting upcoming taxi trials, systems verification, and initial flight readiness as the company targets first flight in the coming months.
A Shared Commitment to Innovation and Flight Safety
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 Aviation enters a new phase of program execution.
About Otto
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.
About Garmin
Garmin products and services have revolutionized flight and become essential to the lives of pilots and aircraft owners and operators around the world. A leading provider of solutions to general aviation, business aviation, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility, government and defense, and commercial air carrier customers, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate. Recipient of the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for Garmin Autoland, Garmin developed the world’s first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to control and land an aircraft without human intervention.