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

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.

EASA has certified the EngineUs 100 electric motor developed by Safran Electrical &amp; Power for new air mobility applications, including VoltAero’s Cassio family of hybrid-electric aircraft and E20 eVTOL model being developed by China's <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-03-28/chinese-evtol-aircraft-developer-tcab-raises-20-million">TCab Tech</a>. The approval process took four years and involved the European aviation safety agency defining specific airworthiness rules for electric propulsion and developing a process for assessment and certification that is set to benefit other OEMs.
The EngineUs motor delivers maximum power of 125 kilowatts, with a weight-to-power ratio of 5 kilowatts per kilogram. The design includes power and control electronics and the French manufacturer said it can be easily integrated with various powertrain architectures.
Announcing the certification on February 3, Safran is now preparing to start mass production of the EngineUs range of motors, which will also include more powerful models. It is establishing four semi-automated production lines that are expected to be operational in 2026 in Niort, France, and Pitstone, UK, supporting a projected annual output of 1,000 electric motors.
Initially, the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-04-21/aircraft-engine-giant-safran-opportunity-knocks-door-leading-electric">EngineUs family of motors</a> is set to enter service on a mix of all-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft ranging in size from 2 to 19 seats. According to Safran, the motors could also be adopted to support “the hybridization” of future generation airliners seat up to 150 passengers. In addition to VoltAero, Safran’s range of EngineUs motors and GeneUs motor-generators have been selected by manufacturers including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2022-04-07/safran-starts-work-propulsion-systems-aura-aeros-electric-aircraft-family">Aura Aero</a>, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-09/bye-begins-building-eflyer-2-electric-trainer-prototype">Bye Aerospace</a>, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-04-27/diamond-signs-safran-electric-da40-propulsion?qt-latest_trending=0">Diamond Aircraft</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2024-11-26/electras-hybrid-electric-stol-demonstrator-flies-pentagon-exercise">Electra Aero</a>.
“We have just witnessed a key moment in the history of aviation,” said Bruno Bellanger, CEO of Safran Electrical &amp; Power. “By obtaining certification for the EngineUs 100 electric motor, Safran Electrical &amp; Power has achieved a world first.” Since rival aircraft engine maker <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2024-11-07/rolls-royce-confirms-closure-electric-propulsion-unit">Rolls-Royce </a>abandoned of the electric propulsion in 2024, Safran is the most prominent legacy OEM active in the sector.
EASA certification director Rachel Daeschler described the certification as the first test for the agency’s special condition developed for hybrid- and all-electric propulsion systems. In 2024, t<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-03-21/faa-consults-special-conditions-safran-electric-engine">he FAA </a>started assessing its own special conditions for certifying the EngineUs motors.

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

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

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

Safran has claimed a world-first by securing EASA type certification for its EngineUs 100 eletric motor, which has been selected by several aircraft developers.

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

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

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for PW220A Idle Cruise

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.

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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.

In this article

Safran

VoltAero

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