DOVETAIL
> First ground prototype or ‘ Iron Bird ’ launched in February 2023 .
> Received a $ 3m CRC-p grant in 2023 to commercialise their first conversion , a battery-powered Cessna Caravan in collaboration with launch end-user customer Sydney Seaplanes and UNSW Sydney .
> Order pipeline of more than USD100 million .
> Several strategic investors , the largest of which is Rex Airlines , with a 20 % stake in the company .
Dovetail is making zero-emissions commercial aviation possible by developing , certifying and distributing electric-powered propulsion systems for existing commuter aircraft .
Dovetail develops solutions for aircraft operators and regional airlines with small (< 20 seats ) fleets . These airlines play a critical role in connecting small communities ( e . g . island hopping ) and flying leisure missions ( scenic tours , skydiving ) that will not be sustainable for much longer if burning conventional fuel .
Dovetail takes an existing aircraft , replaces all conventional components , modifies the airframe , and provides a fully electric aircraft ( integrating electric engine , battery packs and hydrogen fuel cells , if applicable , into one ‘ drive-train ’). The end products are ready and certified for commercial operations .
This approach is economically viable because each conventional aircraft must undergo an expensive engine overhaul operation every 3,600hrs . Dovetail utilises this regulatory event to offer an electric conversion that can be amortised over 2-3 years . The final product is a true zero-emissions aircraft ( not hybrid ) with lower noise levels and up to 40 % reduction in operating costs .
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