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

Honeywell Aerospace has extended its partnership to support Vertical Aerospace in the development of the VX4 eVTOL aircraft. In an agreement announced on May 8, the companies said they will work together to certify critical systems, including the aircraft management system based on the Anthem flight deck, and the flight controls, which include Honeywell’s fly-by-wire technology.
As part of the enhanced collaboration, Honeywell will also provide the inceptor hand controllers that will be used by pilots to maneuver the VX4 by providing inputs to the flight control computer. According to the company, the inceptor will give pilots more precise and intuitive control.
“We designed our inceptor to be the lightest and most compact in the industry, and we could not be happier that Vertical is the launch customer for the new technology,” said Rich DeGraff, president of control systems at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Our inceptor will pair seamlessly with the Honeywell compact fly-by-wire system already selected by Vertical, and we’re excited to work together to integrate these advanced flight technologies into the VX4.”
Vertical and Honeywell have committed to certifying the systems to the 10-9 safety standards required for type certification by both the UK Civil Aviation Authority and EASA. This holds new eVTOL aircraft to the same standard as commercial airliners, equating to a failure rate of one in a billion flight hours.
Under its revised Flightpath 2030 strategy, UK-based Vertical is now aiming to certify the four-passenger VX4 model in 2028 and deliver at least 150 aircraft to customers by 2030. Honeywell has been contributing to the program for the past six years and has been an investor in Vertical since 2021.
“As we accelerate toward global certification and scalable production, Honeywell’s aerospace expertise and proven track record in flight-critical systems make it the ideal partner for this next phase,” said Vertical’s CEO, Stuart Simpson. “By integrating production-ready technologies, we’re helping build an aircraft that meets the highest safety standards in aviation, solidifying its certifiability and exportability across global markets.”
Earlier this month, Vertical announced the appointment of three new board members to bolster its expertise in corporate finance. The new directors include James Keith Brown, who is a senior advisor at Thrive Capital; Kris Haber, CEO and founder of the Vega Partners investment firm; and Carsten Stendevad, chief investment officer for sustainable investments with Bridgewater Associates.

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.

Honeywell Expands Role with Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL Aircraft 

U.S. technology group will now provide inceptor controllers for pilots

Honeywell will be more closely involved in Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 eVTOL aircraft program, providing support with system certification and new inceptors.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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.

The tail-mounted electric propulsion unit promises increases in efficiency.

Smartflyer: Hybrid-Electric SF-1 Will Transform Pilot Training

Kerry Lynch

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.

Flight ops, deliveries, preowned transactions, and backlogs strengthen in Q1

GJC: Q1 Bizav Market Metrics Improve Despite Uncertainty

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

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.

The twin turboprop was unveiled at an event in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

Deutsche Aircraft Rolls Out First D328eco Regional Prototype 

Curt Epstein

GAMA head warns tariffs could cause future headwinds

GAMA: Genav Deliveries Rise across All Segments in Q1

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.

VX4 prototype flew under an extended permit to fly from Cotswold Airport

Vertical Makes Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight in Open Airspace

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

In this article

Vertical Aerospace

Honeywell

More In Aircraft

Smartflyer: Hybrid-Electric SF-1 Will Transform Pilot Training

The tail-mounted electric propulsion unit promises increases in efficiency.

GJC: Q1 Bizav Market Metrics Improve Despite Uncertainty

Flight ops, deliveries, preowned transactions, and backlogs strengthen in Q1

Deutsche Aircraft Rolls Out First D328eco Regional Prototype

The twin turboprop was unveiled at an event in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

GAMA: Genav Deliveries Rise across All Segments in Q1

GAMA head warns tariffs could cause future headwinds

Vertical Makes Piloted Wingborne eVTOL Flight in Open Airspace

VX4 prototype flew under an extended permit to fly from Cotswold Airport

Beta's Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Starts European Tour in Ireland

Flight demonstrations were conducted this week from Shannon Airport

Electra Says EL9 Wind Tunnel Tests Confirm UltraShort Performance

Tests involved a 20% scale model of the nine-passenger commuter and utility aircraft

Autonomous Merlin Pilot Wins Airworthiness Approval in New Zealand

Initially, technology will support reduced-crew flight operations

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN