Dovetail Electric Aviation technology shown in Spain

Dovetail Electric Aviation unveiled the latest version of its hydrogen-electric powerplant prototype for aviation in Seville, Spain, marking a historic milestone in sustainable aviation.

Dovetail Electric Aviation’s Open Day event showcased the company’s hydrogen electric powerplant and follows its demonstration at an Australian airport.

It comes as the company advances plans to take its technology to Europe, where it has identified regional routes that could be served by its products.

The CEO and co-founder of Dovetail Electric Aviation David Doral said: “It is exciting to see things coming together, breaking new ground with a committed team of individuals, a joint mission to decarbonise aviation, and a shared vision to be the spearhead in both Europe and Oceania of sustainable air transport.

“The work presented today is instrumental for our next step, a first flight, now only months away rather than years.”

The powerplant developed by Dovetail will enable existing passenger and cargo aircraft under 20 passengers to be converted to serve regional routes.

The company said its technology would reduce operating costs by 40 percent for regional airlines and allow new regional routes to be opened that were previously not economically viable.

The system demonstrated in Seville was customised to be mounted in a King Air, however it is also suited to the Cessna Caravan, Beechcraft King Air, Twin Otter and Pilatus PC-12.

All components except the hydrogen tank are packed within the production aircraft engine nacelle, according to a statement.

Dovetail is in talks with the Andalusian Regional Government, as well as with other regional governments, to choose the location of its future Operations Centre in Spain.

The prototype project has been partially funded by Spain’s ICEX through its Innova Invest programme, which builds on Victorian government funding.

“The circle will be closed with the first flight planned for next year in Australia.”

Further reading:
Victoria backs Dovetail aviation in electric propulsion

Picture: Dovetail Electric Aviation