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

Pratt &amp; Whitney this week confirmed it is stepping up development work for its XA103 engine intended for the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. The RTX group subsidiary announced on September 23 that its engineering team has accelerated the readiness of digital data packages for the program seven months after completing the design review for the engine, which is set to power the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2025-03-24/us-pushes-air-dominance-f-47-fighter-contract">Pentagon’s planned F-47 fighter</a>.
According to Pratt &amp; Whitney, establishing the digital requirements for its suppliers and distributing advanced digital design models, will allow the engine market to reduce the development timeline, as well as program costs. GE Aerospace is developing the XA201 engine as a rival NGAP option for the new combat aircraft.
“We’re paving the way with digital on NGAP so much so that the rate at which we are delivering XA103 technical data packages has doubled,” said Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt &amp; Whitney’s Military Engines business. “Model-based design ties all the puzzle pieces together, fostering constant collaboration, and we are applying these learnings across our engine portfolio.”
Pratt &amp; Whitney is aiming to be ready to test the XA103 engine by the end of this decade. The company said the next major milestone for the NGAP program is completing the Assembly Readiness Review, which is intended to validate the timeline for building and testing a prototype.

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

Pratt & Whitney Reports Progress With XA103 Engine For Pentagon's F-47 Fighter

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Pratt & Whitney is increasing completion of data packages for its XA103 engine, which is competing for the U.S. Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program.

Pratt & Whitney Accelerates Work On F-47 Fighter's XA103 Engine

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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.

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

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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 Global 8000 set to enter market by year-end

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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 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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