Dovetail Electric Aviation announced the successful completion of the initial ground tests; a small-scale Electric Propulsion System to spin a three-blade propeller for the first time.
Today, Dovetail Electric Aviation (Dovetail) announced the successful completion of the initial ground tests. This was a small-scale Electric Propulsion System (EPS) to spin a three-blade propeller for the first time. The strategy behind the innovative company integrating as many off-the-shelf components as possible is paying off as Dovetail quickly gains technical milestones.
The Iron Bird function test, named DTX0.5 by Dovetail, was established with a consortium of partners. The purpose of the test was to set up a universal ground test rig which can be used to assess various energy storage systems in system-level testing.
A collaborative partnership with magniX enabled the utilisation of the prototype magni250 electric motor to be integrated into Dovetail’s DTX0.5 EPS. The magni250 prototype was a key enabler of the magni350 and magni650 technology, currently progressing to certification by the Federal Aviation Administration for Type Certification.
Dovetail’s next steps will include system-level testing of various energy storage systems and system components. The magni250 will also be upgraded to the magni650 (650kW) electric motor from magniX in the coming months.
The Dovetail technical team have worked tirelessly to deliver a successful working system to make this key milestone possible, with the invaluable support of technology suppliers. Sydney Seaplanes, Swinburne Univeristy of Technology and magniX generously provided time and resources to enable the Dovetail team to meet their strict timelines.
The initial results of the EPS will be showcased at the 2023 Avalon Air Show as well as components of the technology. An aircraft provided by Sydney Seaplanes, a Cessna Caravan, will also be shown at the Australian Air Show. This particular unit will be the first aircraft to be converted into nil-emission electric by Dovetail.
Dovetail already includes among its investors several airlines like Volotea and Air Nostrum in Europe and Regional Express (Rex) in Australia. The company planning to close a Seed round in the next few weeks.
This is the first of many technical milestones for Dovetail towards their certification efforts in Australia, the company leading the regional and general aviation industry into a new sustainable era by enabling operators to fly commercially viable routes in nil-emission.
