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

GKN Aerospace has unveiled a full-scale mockup of the uncrewed aerial vehicle it is co-developing with Sweden’s Defence Material Administration and the country’s armed forces. At the Armed Forces Air Venture event over the weekend in Linköping the company displayed a full-scale mock-up alongside the turbojet engine that will power the drone.
The technology demonstrator has been completed by GKN in barely nine months since the program was announced in November 2025. The company’s business units in Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK collectively integrated the aerostructures, propulsion system and systems.
Earlier this year, GKN chief technology officer Russ Dunn told a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2026-06-01/geopolitics-drives-technology-shift-defense-gkn">media briefing</a> the group is looking to expand its involvement in developing a new family of UAVs to cover flight controls, aerostructures, electrical systems and propulsion. The $16 million Swedish government contracted gave the partners 18 months to get the platform ready for testing.
Last month, GKN reported that it has a major role in the development of BAE Systems’ <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2026-07-30/gkn-partners-prototype-brontanax-build">Brontanax collaborative combat aircraft</a> prototype. The company said it has completed the engineering, manufacturing and integration of flight-ready wings, fins and control surfaces, with components manufactured at its composite design and assembly facility at Cowes on the Isle of Wight in southern England.
“This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when engineering, manufacturing and customer teams work towards a common goal,” said Sara Eklöf, senior vice president for government solutions at GKN Aerospace. “The experience gained will be valuable as the program moves into its next phase.”

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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