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

Charles Alcock

Robinson Helicopter and propulsion system innovator MagniX have agreed to jointly develop a battery-electric powertrain for the R66 rotorcraft. The companies announced their plans today at EAA AirVenture, saying they aim to conduct a first flight with the demonstrator system in late 2026.
Washington-based MagniX will provide a fully integrated electric powertrain developed for helicopters. This will use the lightweight, high-speed <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-03-07/magnix-confirms-plans-helicopter-electric-motors">HeliStorm engines</a> that it unveiled earlier this year.&nbsp;“We have demonstrated the clear cost, noise, and safety benefits of MagniX’s fully-integrated electric powertrains,” said MagniX chief technology officer Riona Armesmith.
In 2022, MagniX provided a propulsion system for the first flight of a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-06-23/tier-1-achieves-first-flight-electrified-robinson-r44-helicopter">retrofitted Robinson R44</a> helicopter. In March 2025, the company was involved in what it said was the world’s first piloted flight of a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-04-07/unither-achieves-1st-hydrogen-powered-helicopter-flight">hydrogen-electric helicopter</a>.
“MagniX’s proven experience in electric propulsion and previous experience with the R44 makes them the right partner to collaborate on alternative powerplant solutions,” said Robinson president and CEO David Smith. “This agreement allows us to develop market-leading, zero-emission solutions that meet the needs of many critical mission types.”
According to Robinson, there are more than 1,500 R66s in service worldwide. The California-based manufacturer is now eager to offer customers an alternative to the R66’s standard Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Robinson Teams with MagniX To Develop Electric R66 Helicopter

Partnership was announced during EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh

MagniX will provide its HeliStorm engines as part of a joint program with Robinson to develop a battery-electric-powered version of the R66 helicopter.

Robinson Teams with MagniX To Develop Electric R66

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Pentagon permission facilitates sale of Bell 412EXP and 407M

U.S. Approves $800M Bell 407/412 Sale to Iraq Military

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany 

Matt Thurber

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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.

EAA AirVenture 2025

In this article

Robinson R66

MagniX

Robinson Helicopter Company

More In Rotorcraft

U.S. Approves $800M Bell 407/412 Sale to Iraq Military

Pentagon permission facilitates sale of Bell 412EXP and 407M

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Singaporean eVTOL Conducts Test Campaign In Germany

Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations

FAA Approves TSO for ASU Panoramic Night-vision Goggles

Lightweight white-phosphor NVG have a 94-degree field of view

FAA Floats Special Conditions for Skyryse Fly-by-wire R66

Proposed rule addresses pilot awareness of control limits

Vertical Lift Groups Extend Trade Show Partnership

European Helicopter Association and Vertical Aviation International extended their alliance

Sikorsky Is Upgrading the Black Hawk Helicopter for Evolving Military Needs

Armed forces will be able to outfit Black Hawks with new armament and equipment.

Sikorsky’s S-97 Raider Points to a New Level of Performance for Future Helicopters

Originally developed for the U.S. military, X2 technology is in search of a new customer.

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