Meet the Celera 500L, an aircraft that looks like an egg and is more efficient than your average SUV.
Designed by US-based Otto Aviation, the 500L is under testing and will likely revolutionize air travel.
The business plane will boast long-range and low operational cost air travel when it launches globally.
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While it might have odd aesthetics, it can seat up to six passengers for a single flight.
But how is it more efficient than an SUV?
The secret lies in its shape and engine.
Single-engine aircraft are mostly suitable for private travel and have relatively low operating costs.
Otto’s primary focus was on the aircraft’s fuel efficiency.
Hence, the egg-like shape helps with aerodynamics in order to minimize fuel consumption.
The principle behind this is commonly known as laminar flow, which is a solution for decreasing the aircraft’s drag coefficient.
Similarly, this creates smooth airflow layers allowing the aircraft to cruise with less drag.
Compared to traditional aircraft design, Otto promises that this aircraft with a futuristic design will have significantly lesser drag.
While this solution might not work for larger planes, it suits well on the Celera 500L.
The aviation industry evolves daily, and most companies are aiming for a net-zero goal by the next decade.
Further, you would expect an airplane to run on jet fuel.
That’s certainly not the case when it comes to the 500L.
This prototype aircraft has a six-cylinder V12 diesel engine under the hood.
With a diesel engine, it not only has a smaller carbon footprint but is also cost-effective.
The Celera 500L has a state-of-the-art design and features, and the results seem clear.
It can achieve a mileage of 30 miles per gallon at cruise speeds, and around 18 to 25 miles per gallon on average.
To put that into perspective, a regular jet-engine aircraft can usually go up to three miles per gallon.
Now, that’s great efficiency right there.
Otto Aviation already completed quite a few test flights until now, and will likely launch the Celera 500L into service around 2025.
