Skydiving flights operator Skydive Voss plans to introduce electric aircraft to its fleet. Under an agreement announced on October 22, the Norwegian company has committed to a collaboration with propulsion system developer Dovetail Electric Aviation to convert several Cessna Caravan 208 single turboprops.
The partners have also agreed to explore options for converting other smaller piston-powered aircraft to electric propulsion, including models such as the Cessna 182 and 206. The powertrain will use MagniX's electric motors and batteries developed by Mobius Energy.
Flight testing of the first converted Caravan 208 is expected to take place by 2026, and will also involve Scandinavian Seaplanes. The companies involved aim to conduct these evaluation flights in a new designated test area in Norway that is being prepared by the country’s civil aviation authority and airport operator Avinor.
The provisional sales agreement makes Skydive Voss the second prospective customer for the Caravan electric conversion. Scandinavian Seaplanes has already announced plans to introduce the aircraft to its amphibious fleet.
In July, Australia-based Dovetail unveiled the first example of its 600-kilowatt hydrogen-electric powertrain. This propulsion system is intended for converting larger turboprop aircraft including the Textron's King Air, the de Havilland Otter and the Pilatus PC-12.
Also in July, during the Farnborough Airshow, the company agreed to provide battery packs for an eVTOL aircraft being developed by Spanish start-up Crisalion Mobility.