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

Safran Aircraft Engines has begun ground tests of its Phileas hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator on open-air test stands at its Istres facility in southern France. The company announced the move on Friday, explaining that the technology could be used for a new generation of engines for short- and medium-range aircraft.
Phileas is a full-scale demonstrator that includes a pair of electric motors mounted on the powertrain’s high- and low-pressure shafts, which can directly drive the engine or serve as power generators. It also incorporates onboard power electronics and an electrical power distribution system.
Over six months, Safran will run nearly 300 hours of tests to validate the physical and functional integration of the technologies in conditions it says will be representative of real-world operations. The work is part of its decarbonization efforts along with the development of the open-fan engine and the expanded use of sustainable aviation fuels.
The tests will evaluate power extraction from and injection into the high- and low-pressure shafts under various engine operating conditions and during different phases of flight. They will include advanced power management scenarios such as balancing power extraction between the shafts, transferring power between the shafts, and managing power exchanges between the engine and the aircraft.
According to Safran, the Phileas project’s objectives align with those of the RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program, which it is pursuing&nbsp;through the CFM International joint venture with GE Aerospace. The RISE program aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20% compared with current aircraft engines.
The design of the electrical equipment for the Phileas demonstrator is being handled by the group’s Safran Electrical &amp; Power business unit. Earlier work conducted under the DOPEE program in 2023 validated operations with 300-kilowatt electric propulsion motors in conjunction with the Silvercrest engine that Safran had developed for various business jets.

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

Safran Tests Phileas Hybrid-electric Aircraft Engine Demonstrator

Work is aimed at powering future short- and medium-haul aircraft

Safran is testing a full-scale hybrid-electric engine demonstrator that includes a pair of electric motors installed on the low- and high-pressure shafts.

Safran Tests Phileas Hybrid-electric Demonstrator

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

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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.

Improved engine production and test facilities are mainly focused on military programs

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Engine Site Upgrade

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

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.

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

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

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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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

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