Dovetail Electric Aviation has revealed a groundbreaking 600-kilowatt hydrogen-electric powerplant designed to convert existing aircraft, like the Cessna Caravan and King Air, to run on gaseous hydrogen.
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This innovative system marks a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly air travel, aiming to revolutionize the aviation industry.
Testing in Spain
The Australia-based start-up showcased its progress during an open day event in Seville, Spain, on July 17. Dovetail’s CEO and co-founder, David Doral, highlighted the extensive ground testing conducted to date.
These tests involved replicating the engine bay of a Beechcraft King Air aircraft, focusing on internal space and nacelle geometry.
The system comprises several key components, including:
- Propeller and Electric Motor with Governor
- Fuel Cells and Gaseous Hydrogen Storage Units
- Inverters and Power Distribution Unit
- Integrated Ducts and Heat Exchanger
- Proprietary Battery System
Conversion Plans and Future Prospects
Moving forward, Dovetail’s ambitious plans include converting a Cessna Caravan amphibious aircraft to a battery-only version of the new powertrain by the second quarter of 2025.
Following this, the King Air will be the first to utilize the hydrogen-electric powertrain.
Additionally, the company is considering converting other aircraft with up to 20 seats, such as the de Havilland Twin Otter and the Pilatus PC-12.
Notably, several prospective customers have already signed letters of intent, including Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum, leasing group Monte, and Scandinavian Seaplanes.
Air Nostrum is not only a prospective customer but also an investor in Dovetail, alongside Spain-based composites specialist Aciturri and Volotea.
Strategic Routes and Collaborations
Dovetail envisions these converted aircraft operating on routes such as connections between Spanish islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the mainland. Furthermore, proposed air services include routes between Faro in Portugal and Jerez in Spain.
The next phase of testing will see Dovetail’s engineering team exploring temporary power peaks and experimenting with different configurations of batteries and fuel cells.
This is part of Dovetail’s commitment to optimizing the propulsion system for various operational scenarios.
Operations in Spain
Dovetail’s early technology trials have been based in Spain’s Andalusia region, in collaboration with the regional government.
Currently, the company is in discussions to select a permanent operations center location in Spain.
The project has received funding from Spain’s ICEX organization through its Innova Invest program and the Victoria state government in Australia, where the first test flight of the propulsion system is anticipated next year.
The Dovetail Hydrogen-Electric Aviation Powerplant
Dovetail Electric Aviation’s hydrogen-electric powerplant represents a transformative advancement in the pursuit of sustainable aviation.
By converting existing aircraft to run on hydrogen, Dovetail is paving the way for a greener future in air travel.
With successful ground tests in Spain and plans for test flights in Australia, the aviation industry is on the cusp of a new era of innovation and environmental responsibility.
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