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

Boeing BBJ, BBJ2, BBJ3, BBJ Max, BBJ747, BBJ757, BBJ767, BBJ777, BBJ787

Charles Alcock

Bird Aerosystems has been contracted to install its airborne missile protection system (AMPS) on an undisclosed customer's Boeing BBJ. The equipment to be fitted to the head-of-state aircraft is the Israeli company’s Self Protection Radar Electro Optic System using directional infrared countermeasures integrated with its µAeroShield pod.
The installation will be made under a supplemental type certificate issued by EASA. Announced on Monday,&nbsp;the contract also includes integrated logistics support packages that the operator will use for testing, maintenance, and training.
“µAeroShield is the ideal solution for head-of-state platforms that require discreet yet highly effective protection,” said Matan Perry, Bird’s chief marketing officer and v-p of sales. “With its low-footprint pod design, seamless integration process, and adherence to international safety standards, the system ensures both security and operational flexibility for presidential fleets.”
Bird’s AMPS package has been designed to protect various airplanes and helicopters from portable, ground-to-air missiles and rockets. The company also offers an airborne surveillance, intelligence, and observation solution for maritime and ground applications, including search-and-rescue, patrol, and monitoring roles.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Head-of-state Boeing Business Jet To Get Bird’s Missile Defense System

The installation will be covered by a supplemental type certificate from EASA

An undisclosed government has contracted Israel’s Bird Aerosystems to install its Airborne Missile Protection System on a head-of-state Boeing Business Jet.

Head-of-state BBJ To Get Bird’s Missile Defense System

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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.

Passengers are now carrying multiple lithium-powered devices on board

EASA Urges Expanded Reminders on Lithium Battery Risks

Amy Wilder

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 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.

Transport Canada approves TBM 960 for birddog missions

Conair Deploys TBM 960s for Wildfire Command in Canada

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.

Active control surface system cancels turbulence effects

'Steady Eddy' Showcases Turbulence-canceling Technology

Tool provides automated risk alerts and advisories

Polaris Renews Collins Deal for FlightRisk Tool

Curt Epstein

System allows real time in-flight patient consultations

MD Onboard Introduces Airborne Telemedicine Capability

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

In this article

Boeing BBJ Series

Boeing

More In Safety

EASA Urges Expanded Reminders on Lithium Battery Risks

Passengers are now carrying multiple lithium-powered devices on board

Conair Deploys TBM 960s for Wildfire Command in Canada

Transport Canada approves TBM 960 for birddog missions

'Steady Eddy' Showcases Turbulence-canceling Technology

Active control surface system cancels turbulence effects

Polaris Renews Collins Deal for FlightRisk Tool

Tool provides automated risk alerts and advisories

MD Onboard Introduces Airborne Telemedicine Capability

System allows real time in-flight patient consultations

Japan Gets First IS-BAH Ground Handling Network

JAS earned the achievement at all five of its locations

Aviators Invited to FAA Notam Reform User Forum

Plans are to outline upcoming improvements to this important safety system

IBAC Unveils Risk-management Program, Expands Reach

IBAC added first Latin American partner, as well as one in the UK

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