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

Taking on Avalon International Air Show with innovative aerospace is Swinburne’s first Founder in Residence Rachael Barritt from Dovetail Electric Aviation.
In summary
Swinburne’s first Founder in Residence Rachael Barritt will be at Avalon International Air Show
Dovetail Electric Aviation will exhibit an amphibian Cessna C-208 fitted with battery pods and small-scale Electric Propulsion System (EPS) to spin a three-blade propeller
Swinburne AIR Hub was instrumental in helping Barritt create zero emissions aviation
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 will be doing at this year’s Avalon International Air Show.
As Swinburne’s inaugural Founder In Residence, Dovetail Electric Aviation Business Operations Manager Rachael Barritt is working alongside Swinburne's top researchers to develop new ideas and ventures that can have a real-world impact in aviation and aerospace.
Supporting future aerospace trailblazers
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 will be showcased at the 2023 Avalon International Air Show, along with components of the technology.
Rachael Barritt 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."

Dovetail Electric Aviation ground testing the Iron Bird with an aircraft propeller
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.
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.”
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Technology
- Health
- Science
The new non-invasive brain scan techniques giving seizure sufferers a new lease on life
Swinburne University of Technology’s cutting-edge non-invasive investigations for epilepsy are giving seizure sufferers like Stephenie Evans a second chance at a happy and healthy life.
Read more (The new non-invasive brain scan techniques giving seizure sufferers a new lease on life )Monday 16 October 2023 -
- Technology
- University
Swinburne is leading the way in multi-cloud architecture education
Swinburne is rolling out a new course to handle the emergence of multi-cloud digital systems in workplace organisations, giving our students the latest expertise in the modern workplace to ensure job readiness.
Friday 13 October 2023 -
- Law
- Technology
Does your employer have to tell if they’re spying on you through your work computer?
The COVID pandemic stimulated an irreversible shift in where, when and how we work. This 21st-century model of working – dubbed the “new normal” – is characterised by increased flexibility and productivity gains.
Tuesday 10 October 2023 -
- University
Australian video-game music is an exciting area of cultural activity – and you should be paying attention
Video games are now a cultural activity for the vast majority of Australians and a major platform through which audiences are introduced to new music. Audiences have personal, even intimate relationships with the music of video games, given the long hours spent playing in lounge rooms and studies around the nation.
Monday 09 October 2023 -
- University
Announcing the 2023 Swinburne Alumni Impact Awards winners
Three Swinburne alumni have been recognised for their profound impact across the areas of sustainability, technology and social impact in the 2023 Swinburne Alumni Impact Awards.
Friday 13 October 2023