Australian sustainable aviation company Dovetail Electric Aviation (Dovetail) has selected Siemens Digital Industries Software’s Xcelerator software portfolio to employ in the design of its zero-emission aircraft propulsion systems, both battery electric and hydrogen-electric. Dovetail’s propulsion systems are intended to be retrofitted into existing regional aircraft types, both decarbonising their operation and reducing regional airline operating costs by up to 40%.

“Whilst a lot has changed in the world of aviation, the fundamental structure of an aircraft hasn’t changed much,” pointed out Dovetail CEO David Doral. “Therefore, it makes perfect business and sustainability sense to retrofit capable aircraft with new generation, zero emissions drivetrains that take a significant step towards cleaner air travel. This helps us collectively achieve net zero and saves costs.”

Dovetail’s investors and financial supporters include Australian aviation group Regional Express, Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum, Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea (Dovetail has operations in Spain), and the government of the state of Victoria, Australia.  The company is currently certifying an integrated 100% battery-electric propulsion system, for the single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft. It is also designing a hydrogen-electric propulsion system, to be retrofitted into Beechcraft King Air twin-engine aircraft.

“As we’ve grown, we’ve realised the need to invest in software that helps us create digital twins of the propulsion systems we design, is easily accessible worldwide and increases collaboration between our design teams in Australia and Spain,” he explained. “Siemens’ software is at the heart of our ability to deliver zero emissions air travel, whilst enabling aircraft operators to reduce operating costs by up to 40%.”

The company has selected Siemens’ NX X cloud-enabled computer-assisted design software. With this, it will create digital twins of its design concepts and be able to more speedily turn them into viable prototypes, as well as be able to create seamless workflows between its Australian and Spanish teams.

“Digital twins are vital when designing mission critical final products such as race cars, racing yachts, ships, satellites and now, alternative aircraft propulsion systems,” highlighted Siemens Digital Industries Software Australia and New Zealand MD Samantha Murray. “Our software has a great history and heritage of helping various companies push the boundaries and go beyond frontiers. It’s great to now be part of Dovetail’s journey as they use technology and innovation to address the biggest challenge of our time, climate change.”