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

Airbus Helicopters is engaged in an EASA working group on plans to certify the engine backup system (EBS) it plans to offer for single-engine helicopters. At the same time, it is looking to ensure that the technology, which would provide power for a limited time in an engine-out emergency, can be made available to operators at an affordable cost.
According to Tomasz Krysinski, the company’s head of innovation, Airbus has already demonstrated the system with its DisruptiveLab testbed aircraft delivering 250 kilowatts of power for two minutes. The manufacturer has also demonstrated a 100-kilowatt version of the EBS that provides 30 seconds of power to help the pilot maintain a safer rotation rate, albeit insufficient to maintain level flight. “We have had some good results, but we can’t yet give any date for when the system could be available,” he told reporters.
The DisruptiveLab is also being used in Airbus’ efforts to achieve a 50 percent reduction in fuel burn through increased electrification with a hybrid powertrain, combined with aerodynamic improvements. With around 50 flight hours logged over the past 12 months, it has so far confirmed a 15 percent fuel burn reduction through measures such as a new horizontal stabilizer that eliminates vibrations and completely isolates the gearbox from the body of the aircraft.
In April, the FlightLab testbed will resume work on the development of new health and usage monitoring capabilities for light helicopters. It will also be deployed to evaluate new algorithms for sense-and-avoid technology to mitigate the risk of helicopters colliding with power cables.

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

Airbus' Engine Backup System Could Buy Time for Pilots During Emergencies

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Among the technology being advanced with Airbus' DisruptiveLab and FutureLab test beds is an engine backup system that could give pilots two minutes to land.

Engine Backup System Could Buy Time for Pilots

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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

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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.

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Flights with two scaled technology demonstrators will inform potential future iterations 

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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.

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