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 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 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.

Medical helicopters could adopt antimicrobial blue light technology 

Airbus and Lindo Explore HEMS Cabin Disinfection

Amy Wilder

Upgrade swaps C20B engine for more powerful C30

MD Helicopters Receives STC for Engine Upgrade Kit

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Full-scale, autonomous aircraft pair will work towards transition milestone 

Wisk Makes First Flight With Second Gen 6 eVTOL Prototype

Matt Thurber

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.

VIP interior can accommodate up to seven passengers

Bell Sells Three 429s to UK, Estonia VIP Operators

Jessica Reed

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

EAA AirVenture 2025

In this article

Robinson R66

MagniX

Robinson Helicopter Company

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Bell Sells Three 429s to UK, Estonia VIP Operators

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