AVALON 2023: Swinburne empowers first aerospace Founder in Residence to soar at Avalon International Air Show

Speaking at the Innovation Pitchfest and exhibiting an amphibian Cessna C-208 fitted with battery pods are just some of the things Swinburne University of Technology’s first Founder In Residence did at AVALON 2023.

As Swinburne’s inaugural Founder In Residence, Dovetail Electric Aviation Business Operations Manager Rachael Barritt is working alongside Swinburne’s AIR Hub researchers to develop new ideas and ventures with a real-world impact in aviation and aerospace.

Swinburne’s AIR Hub was instrumental in helping Barritt create a zero-emissions working prototype at Dovetail Electric Aviation. The support from the program has allowed Barritt and the Dovetail team to successfully build an Electric Propulsion System (EPS) to spin a three-blade propeller. The initial results of the EPS were showcased at AVALON 2023, along with components of the technology.

Dovetail’s innovative strategy was to integrate as many off-the-shelf components as possible in the development of the prototype. The strategy is paying off, as Dovetail continues to quickly break through technical milestones.

The Founder in Residence initiative is designed to bring experienced entrepreneurs into Swinburne to supercharge commercialisation pathways, supported by Swinburne’s world-leading facilities, capabilities and research.

Rachel Barrit says she is excited to be working at the forefront of aerospace technology.

“This program represents the future of innovation. Working with leading experts from industry and academia, we will help translate cutting-edge research into sustainable, real-world solutions for the aviation industry.”

She says the prototype is emblematic of the significant contribution the company is making into the development of Australia’s aviation industry and its alignment with the country’s emissions reduction targets.

“I’m thrilled that Dovetail Electric Aviation has been selected to pitch at the Avalon 2023 Innovation Pitchfest. It is a testament to their innovative approach to aviation and the industry’s commitment to sustainable technology.”

Many of AIR Hub’s major projects and partnerships were showcased at Avalon including lightweight composite material aerostructures, hydrogen/electric powered uncrewed air systems and digitalisation journeys for advanced manufacturing in aerospace.

A collaborative project led by Swinburne with partners DMTC Ltd, Rosebank Engineering, RMIT, ANSTO and DSTG, was highly commended in the Avalon 2023 National Innovation Awards. The project demonstrated sovereign industrial capability for Australia by supporting small businesses with experimental and computational material characterisation tools.

And AIR Hub PhD candidate George Miris was awarded Best Presentation at the Australian International Aerospace Congress, AIAC20, which is held in poartnership with the AVALON Airshow. He is working on advanced composite material manufacturing process modelling with Boeing.