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

The U.S. Army is going to explore the potential benefits of hybrid-electric propulsion under the scope of a $1.9 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract it awarded to Electra Aero on July 1. Under the agreement, the company will conduct a series of “technology maturation and risk reduction” activities aimed at understanding the mission capabilities that aircraft like its in-development EL9 model could deliver in terms of range and fuel use.
“This work gives the Army a clear path forward in understanding how hybrid-electric technologies can support real operational demands, while enabling entirely new logistics capabilities,” said Donn Yates, vice president of government programs at Electra. “Electra’s hybrid-electric ultra-STOL aircraft redefines what is possible for Army aviation with its ability to operate from small, rugged sites, reduce fuel demand, and increase flexibility for the commander.”
Electra has been flight-testing its EL2 technology demonstrator aircraft since last year, and that aircraft carried the NASA administrator on a flight in December 2024. The company is now completing the design of the nine-passenger EL9 aircraft, for which it already holds several provisional sales agreements.
Over an 18-month period, the latest work for the U.S. Army will cover tasks including a trade study, operational analysis, modeling and simulation, flight tests, and evaluation of hybrid-electric powertrain, power, and propulsion systems. Electra has previously secured six other SBIR contracts from the Army.

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

U.S. Army Tasks Electra with Assessing Hybrid-electric Propulsion Potential

Electra Aero has now won seven Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from the Army

The U.S. Army has contracted Electra Aero to assess the potential for hybrid-electric aircraft like its EL9 model to be used for military missions.

U.S. Army Tasks Electra with Assessing Hybrid-electric Propulsion 

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

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and 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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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