Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Beechcraft King Air 200, 250, and 260 Series

Charles Alcock

Dutch aerial services operator Zeusch Aviation is exploring plans to retrofit its Beechcraft King Air fleet with hybrid-electric propulsion systems being developed by Dovetail Electric Aviation. The companies announced their collaboration on July 10, having previously reached an agreement during the Paris Air Show last month.
Their plans envision the King Air’s two Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A turboprops being replaced by Dovetail’s DovePack batteries and DovePower electric propulsion system. These would be combined with a range-extending turbogenerator in a series hybrid configuration that Dovetail said could reduce carbon emissions for the aircraft by up to 40%, as well as cutting noise by up to 30%.
“Zeusch Aviation mainly operates missions that are for the common good, like [organ] transplant, medical repatriation, survey, and television broadcasting flights,” said the company’s technical director, Danny van Ieperen. “It is our ambition to do this as environmentally friendly as possible.”
Based at Lelystad Airport (EHLE), the operator has a fleet of B200 and C90A King Airs. It is now working with Dovetail to “assess the technical and commercial viability” of the planned conversion project.
<h2>Turbogenerator Choice Pending</h2>
The partners are assessing options for partners that could provide the turbogenerator for the conversion. The DovePower motor has a power rating of 671 kilowatts.
“Our electric drivetrain, including our highly innovative battery technology and proprietary electric propulsion system, has the potential to deliver the range required for many conventional missions while achieving superior economics and additional benefits,” said Dovetail’s CEO, David Doral. “The ability to operate in electric mode will be a key differentiator for some special missions where a low noise profile is a critical element. Zeusch’s input and collaboration will help us optimize the platform for multiple real-world missions.”
Australia-based <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-04-12/australian-start-dovetail-electric-aviation-wins-state">Dovetail</a> is already working on various all-electric and hybrid-electric conversion projects for turboprop-powered aircraft that also include the Cessna Caravan, the DHC Twin Otter, and the Casa C212. It has ambitions to develop a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner called the Dax 19.
In June, Dovetail announced that it is working with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-12/immersion-cooling-could-deliver-lighter-safer-batteries">cooling specialist Engineered Fluids</a> to develop an immersion-cooled battery. These will use its partner’s proprietary AmpCool cooling fluid.

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King Air Operator Zeusch Plans Hybrid-electric Conversion with Dovetail

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