Dovetail tests fuel cell aircraft with Rex in Australia
The Australian company Dovetail Electric Aviation is testing a fuel cell system from Hyundai for aviation in collaboration with Australian regional airline Rex Group. Dovetail wants to use the FC system from Hyundai subsidiary HTWO for initial tests in Australia in order to integrate it into its Iron Bird aircraft.
Dovetail has already tested an electric motor with more than 250 kW power for this aircraft model, including the necessary power electronics and control system. The company wants to combine this with the HTWO fuel cell system. According to a statement by the Rex airline, the integration of the fuel cell aircraft is planned as a preliminary stage for large-scale trials and a maiden flight next year.
Rex describes itself as Australia’s largest independent regional and domestic airline. The company acquired a 20 per cent stake in Dovetail in April with the stated aim of driving the transition from turbine-powered aircraft to electric propulsion. The Australian company says it will further refine its electric propulsion system through the new collaboration.
“Dovetail Electric Aviation looks forward to working with HTWO, a global leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology,” said David Doral, CEO of Dovetail Electric Aviation. “This opportunity will enable us to combine our expertise in aviation with HTWO’s expertise in fuel cell technology to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future in aviation.”
Dovetail Electric Aviation is a startup focused on electric aviation concepts with a presence in Spain and Australia. The company is backed by founders Sydney Seaplanes and Dante Aeronautical, as well as strategic investors Rex, Volotea and Air Nostrum.
Although HTWO’s fuel cell systems were primarily developed for Hyundai’s FCEVs, the Hyundai subsidiary also works with third-party customers, such as the Italian manufacturer Iveco Bus and the Enginius brand, which belongs to the Faun Group.
0 Comments