Dovetail Electric Aviation unveils new hydrogen-electric prototype
Battery and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion pioneer Dovetail Electric Aviation has unveiled its latest hydrogen-electric powerplant prototype, with this particular system customised to be retrofitted in a Beechcraft King Air.
The powertrain – “designed with commonality in mind” – is optimised for the 20-passenger category of aircraft, with potential platforms including the Cessna Caravan, De Havilland Canada Twin Otter and Pilatus PC-12. Dovetail estimates this will reduce operating costs by 40% for regional airlines, alongside facilitating new routes “that were previously not economically viable”.
The prototype project has been partially funded by Spain’s ICEX through its Innova Invest programme, building on work initially undertaken in Australia with the support of the Victorian government. However, the startup has been looking for a European location since 2022, subsequently collaborating with Spain’s regional ministry of economy, finance and European funds, through Andalucia TRADE.
“Spain has important features for research and product development activities, such as access to talent, a network of top-quality technology centres and excellent conditions for international business expansion,” said ICEX representative, director of financing and investor relations Alberto Sanz Serrano.
Dovetail expects to choose the location of its future operations centre in Spain in the coming months, supported by the Andalusian and other regional governments. The first flight is planned for next year and will take place in Australia.
