Victoria backs Dovetail Aviation in electric propulsion

The Victorian Government’s Invest Victoria arm has offered non-dilutive financial support to Dovetail Electric Aviation to support its electric propulsion development roadmap, according to the company.

Dovetail has relocated its headquarters from NSW to Victoria, with Invest Victoria’s cash adding to that received from aerospace company Aciturri which recently became the lead investor in the second tranche of Dovetail’s seed round.

The support announced by the member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing is aimed at furthering Dovetail’s efforts in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and fostering economic development in an emerging sector.

However no details of the investment were made available as they are commercial in confidence.

The announcement was made at Latrobe Regional Airport at the new ‘Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct’ AAM sandbox, where Dovetail has been conducting tests on its propulsion system which features a hydrogen fuel cell.

CEO of Dovetail Electric Aviation David Doral (pictured) said: “We are honoured to receive the support of the State Government of Victoria.

“This investment will enable us to accelerate our research and development efforts, bringing us closer to our vision of a sustainable, efficient, and accessible aviation future.”

Dovetail is initially targeting certification of its first battery-electric powered aircraft in 2026, as a first step to bring a product in the market.

The company is also working on the development of electric-hydrogen aircraft conversions, with its first powertrain prototype undergoing demonstration at Latrobe Regional Airport.

Electric-hydrogen aircraft conversion mitigates range limitations imposed on pure battery-powered aircraft, and serves as a pathway toward viable zero-emission aviation services, according to the company.

Harriet Shing said: “We are really pleased to support Dovetail Electric Aviation’s new centre in the Latrobe Valley, which will deliver world-leading innovations for the aviation sector, create new jobs in regional Victoria and contribute to the state’s net-zero emissions goal.”

Further reading:
Dovetail Electric Aviation completes initial ground tests
Rex buys into e-aviation startup

Picture: David Doral