UNSW Future Clean Energy Booklet | Page 13

FUTURE CLEAN ENERGY

Dovetail electric aviation

Aircraft electric conversion to fast-track zero-emissions commercial aviation
Co-located company
Dovetail Electric Aviation ( Dovetail ) specialises in transforming conventional small passenger aircraft into electric versions , achieving zero emissions and significantly lowering operating costs .
> Development of Australia ’ s first aviation battery system .
> Introduction of Australia ' s first commercial electric aircraft to the market ( currently in progress ).
Traditional small aircraft are not only costly to operate , due to their fuel consumption and emissions , but also require an engine overhaul every 3,600 hours , with costs exceeding $ 0.5 million per engine . Seizing this overhaul moment , Dovetail replaces the internal combustion engines with electric powerplants , transitioning the aircraft to an electric model . This process not only reduces operating costs by 40 % but also promises a return on investment in less than three years due to the lower maintenance and operating expenses associated with electric power plants compared to their conventional counterparts .
In collaboration with UNSW , Dovetail has been at the forefront of developing innovative battery systems and power distribution technologies , enabling the retrofitting of conventional aircraft into electric models .
The primary beneficiaries of this technology include aircraft operators and regional airlines , especially those managing small fleets in the under-19-seat category . These operators often serve small communities through activities such as island hopping and are sometimes subsidised by governments . They also cater to leisure activities like scenic tours and skydiving , which are increasingly under scrutiny for their environmental impact . By adopting Dovetail ' s electric aviation technology , these services can continue in a more sustainable manner , offering regional communities more environmentally friendly transport options . .
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