Retrofit electric Cessna Caravan could fly in 2026
October 22, 2024
Propulsion system developer Dovetail Electric Aviation and Skydive Voss are to collaborate on the electric retrofit of several Cessna 208 Caravans, with the first test flights to take place as soon as 2026.
The new partnership with the Norwegian skydiving operator will see Skydive Voss become Dovetail Electric Aviation’s second customer in Norway, following a similar partnership established with Scandinavian Seaplanes earlier this year.
A consortium, established by Dovetail in partnership with both operators, has submitted a proposal to the International Test Arena for low and zero-emission aircraft to test the electric caravan in– which, if approved, would expedite the “real-world trials of these innovative electric aircraft, demonstrating their capabilities in Norway’s unique conditions”.
This test area is the result of a collaboration between the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority and Avinor, a wholly-owned company in the hands of the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications (and responsible for 43 state-owned airports). While the Norwegian CAA provides regulatory facilitation, Avinor provide infrastructure, airspace and access to energy; enabling select national and international players to test and demonstrate low and zero-emissions aircraft within its remit. In principle, the test area will cover the entire Norwegian airport and airspace, with specific geographical locations also to be decided.
In February 2023, Dovetail Electric Aviation completed the first ground tests of its small-scale electric propulsion system using a MagniX electric motor. It estimates the range of its electrified Cessna 208 to be over 100km with a top speed of around 300km/hr and a payload of up to 950kg.
Dovetail and Skydive Voss will also jointly explore the electric-propulsion conversion of other smaller aircraft used for skydiving applications, such as the Cessna 182 and 206.
