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

Contributor - UK

Charles Alcock

David Donald

Rolls-Royce is the world’s leading engine supplier in business aviation, powering some of the largest, fastest, and longest-range business jets available. Rolls-Royce powers aircraft built by Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream. Our products and services include the Pearl, BR725, BR710, AE3007, Tay, Spey, MR&O, and CorporateCare® Enhanced, the leading solution for engine care. This maintenance program offers increased asset liquidity, nacelle coverage and complete engine management, from line maintenance to shop visits. CorporateCare Enhanced, the comprehensive, fixed-cost engine maintenance management plan, provides customers with a global support infrastructure which includes: Engine Health Monitoring, a worldwide network of Authorised Service Centres and globally distributed spare parts and engines, all managed by our dedicated 24/7 Business Aircraft Availability Centre.

The existential threat to the air transport industry if it fails to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and the mounting dangers from military conflicts around the world were hard to ignore at the Farnborough Airshow this year.
Threats faced by the aerospace and defense industries beg for answers in the form of technology, technology, and yet more technology. This year the show has proved light on major product reveals, but the event has been packed with tidings of technological progress for the next decade and beyond.
Air transport’s challenge is simple to define but much harder to execute, requiring a mix of short- and long-term sustainability solutions. For the defense contingent, the emphasis seems to be on pooling an array of complex technologies, including artificial intelligence, to make warfare simpler.
Engine makers stand on the front lines of the war on carbon. Pratt &amp; Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and the CFM International partners GE and Safran are all working on improving fuel and energy efficiency for their respective legacy turbofans in the GTF, Trent, and Leap families.
Even incremental progress can make a positive contribution when scaled up over large fleets, such as the 1% improvement in fuel burn efficiency Rolls-Royce is preparing to introduce on its Trent XWB-84 turbofan for the Airbus A350-900 with modifications to the compressor system.
For the past three years, CFM has advanced its planned Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program for the long-envisioned, next-generation single-aisle airliners meant to replace the ubiquitous Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. The objective is to be ready with a propulsion solution whenever the airframe behemoths show their hand.
At the same time, they are placing longer-term bets on a variety of options for new hybrid-electric powertrains that could power aircraft ranging in size from general aviation aircraft to regional airliners, and potentially even single-aisle narrowbodies.
RTX, including Pratt &amp; Whitney and Collins Aerospace, offer a prime example. Through programs including the European Union-backed <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-07-21/rtx-pools-power-expertise-accelerate-propulsion">HECATE</a> (hybrid-electric regional aircraft distribution technologies),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-06-19/raytheon-hybrid-electric-demo-completes-1st-engine-run">STEP-Tech</a> (scalable turboelectric powertrain technology), and <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-07-22/preliminary-design-complete-switch-hybrid-electric">SWITCH</a>&nbsp;(sustainable water injection turbofan comprising hybrid electrics), the group is drawing expertise not just in engine-making but in electrical systems to edge up from power ratings of 500 kilowatts to the 20-megawatt class needed for future narrowbodies.
Looking further ahead, Airbus sees hydrogen propulsion in its future. Behind the scenes, the company is evaluating which of three concepts from its ZeroE program it might pursue to meet the objective of delivering an aircraft capable of carrying 200 people around 2,000 nm by 2035. Rolls-Royce already has started evaluating hydrogen as a fuel in one of its Pearl business jet engines, as it explores options for scaling up the technology.
Then there are the impatient start-ups, including companies like <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/company/zeroavia">ZeroAvia</a>, pressing hard to convert existing regional airliners to hydrogen. Others like Heart Aerospace and Maeve are working on clean-sheet aircraft carrying 30 and 80 passengers, respectively, and settling for hybrid-electric propulsion—at least for now.
<h2>Sensors Are the Secret to Future Air Combat</h2>
In the defense sector, the main technological developments are all encapsulated in the Global Combat Air Program, a sixth-generation fighter under development by the industries of the UK, Italy, and Japan. A large model of the latest shape of the crewed fighter was on show in the BAE Systems hall, surrounded by individual displays of many of the contributing technologies.
While the new fighter naturally employs advanced aerodynamics and more powerful and efficient engines, and the shape reflects a continued need for stealthiness, it is what lies within—and around—the fighter’s skin where one would find the main technological advances.
Sensors such as radar, infrared, and electronic warfare systems provide a level of situational awareness that has hitherto been the stuff of dreams. All of the aircraft’s systems are linked, with data fused automatically within the system. Artificial intelligence is ubiquitous, handling the enormous amount of data that the sensors gather on board and presenting the pilot with clear information that is relevant to the mission.
That is not all: The GCAP fighter is intended to act as the core of a “system of systems” that includes numerous uncrewed air vehicles—variously called loyal wingmen, remote carriers, or collaborative combat aircraft—ranging in size from large complex fighter-type vehicles to smaller cruise missile-style systems. They support the combat force by undertaking the “dull, dirty, dangerous, and difficult” aspects of the mission.
All these systems—and many more offboard sources such as airborne early warning and reconnaissance aircraft, surface sensors, and even network-enabled weapons—contribute data into the overall network, or “combat cloud,” requiring even more computing power and AI algorithms to turn it all into actionable intelligence while devolving many of the less critical tactical decisions to the network itself.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Tough Aerospace & Defense Challenges Call For Bold Technology Advances

Whether its for airliners or fighters, companies are making big investments in R&D

The imperative to drive carbon out of air transport and increasing military tensions are stimulating a step change in aerospace and defense technologies.

Tough Challenges Call For Bold Technology Advances

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Hydrogen-electric six-seater aircraft is targeted for 2028 service entry

ZeroAvia To Deliver Electric Propulsion for Jetcruzer 500E

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Approval process took four years and established the European agency's special condition

EASA Certifies Safran's 125-Kilowatt EngineUs 100 Electric Motor

Hanneke Weitering

ZeroAvia received a G-1 issue paper for the electric propulsion system

FAA Approves ZeroAvia’s Certification Basis for Electric Propulsion System

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Results of ARPA-e program showed 35% more efficiency and nearly elimination of nitrogen oxides

Pratt & Whitney Hydrogen Engine Project Shows Promise of Steam Injection

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

SiCore cells offer rapid energy delivery without compromising on endurance

Amprius Says 'SiCore' Batteries Will Boost eVTOL Aircraft Performance

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

European approval follows Transport Canada and FAA nods in July 2024

EASA OKs PW545D Turbofan for Cessna Citation Ascend

AmyWilder

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Farnborough Airshow 2024

In this article

Airbus

Boeing

CFM

Pratt & Whitney

Rolls-Royce

BAE Systems

More In Engines

ZeroAvia To Deliver Electric Propulsion for Jetcruzer 500E

Hydrogen-electric six-seater aircraft is targeted for 2028 service entry

EASA Certifies Safran's 125-Kilowatt EngineUs 100 Electric Motor

Approval process took four years and established the European agency's special condition

FAA Approves ZeroAvia’s Certification Basis for Electric Propulsion System

ZeroAvia received a G-1 issue paper for the electric propulsion system

Pratt & Whitney Hydrogen Engine Project Shows Promise of Steam Injection

Results of ARPA-e program showed 35% more efficiency and nearly elimination of nitrogen oxides

Amprius Says 'SiCore' Batteries Will Boost eVTOL Aircraft Performance

SiCore cells offer rapid energy delivery without compromising on endurance

EASA OKs PW545D Turbofan for Cessna Citation Ascend

European approval follows Transport Canada and FAA nods in July 2024

PBS Velka Bites Celebrates 1,500th APU Produced

APU provides power options for helicopter and airplanes

Airbus Taps BAE For Micro-Hybridization Energy Storage

Concept involves "supporting role" for batteries during some operational phases

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN