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

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is helping Electra Aero to accelerate development of its hybrid-electric EL9 ultra-short take-off and landing aircraft. On June 19 at the Paris Air Show, the U.S. defense group, which is an investor in the Virginia-based start-up, signed a memorandum of understanding to support the program.
The Lockheed Martin advanced technology unit will help Electra with tasks including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and sustainment preparations, and global business development. The Skunk Works and Electra teams will also jointly assess opportunities to work on programs of record with the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign military agencies.
The EL9 is being developed for both defense and commercial applications that could include regional air services, last-mile logistics, emergency response and mobile power generation. According to Electra, it will be able to takeoff and land in 150 feet and from unprepared surfaces and with a range of over 1,000 miles. The airplane’s projected payload is around 1,000 pounds.
“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialization strategy,”&nbsp;said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra.&nbsp;“This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s transformative capabilities to our military customers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;
In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures invested in Electra’s Series A funding round. 
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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.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Backs Electra's EL9 Ultra-Short Aircraft

Partnership will explore opportunities to be involved in U.S. defense programs 

Lockheed Martin will support Electra with digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and sustainment preparations, and global business development.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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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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 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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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.

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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.

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