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

XTI Aerospace has selected three partners to help it to design, develop and manufacture the the powertrain for its TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft. An announcement made on May 22 confirmed that Triumph Geared Solutions, Formsprag Clutch and Kamatics Corporation have joined the program as per a previous commitment to reach this milestone during the second quarter of 2025.
Triumph Geared Solutions will be responsible for the primary and secondary gearboxes that will manage power distribution across the TriFan 600’s propulsion system. Formsprag will provide the clutch for the drive train and Kamatics will design and manufacture the shafts that will connect the as-yet-unspecified pair of turboshaft engines to the aircraft’s three ducted fans.
The partnerships were confirmed after a two-day summit this week aimed at accelerating development of the TriFan 600 powertrain. Engineers from the companies discussed fault tolertant configurations for the drivetrain, thermal management and lubrication systems, advanced materials for lightweight design, and how the systems will be integrated.
Earlier this month, Colorado-based XTI reported that it is exploring options to use <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-05-14/dfdfd">VerdeGo Aero’s hybrid-electric propulsion systems</a> for later versions of the TriFan 600. The collaboration could also include new uncrewed aircraft systems for military and civil applications.
In March, the company said the FAA has begun the G-1 issue paper process to establish the basis for type certification of the TriFan 600. It is preparing a subscale working model of the aircraft, but has not said when this will be ready for flight testing.
XTI is also not currently stating when it aims to complete type certification of the aircraft, which it views as an alternative to helicopters and business jets. It is projecting range of up to around 857 nm.

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

XTI Names Three Powertrain Partners For TriFan 600 VTOL Aircraft

Three companies will help prepare for the integration of as-yet-unspecified turboshaft engines

XTI Aerospace, Triumph Geared Solutions, Formsprag Clutch and Kamatics Corporation have started developing the powertrain for the TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft.

XTI Names Powertrain Partners For TriFan 600 VTOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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.

$12 million in funding released to support Hydrogen Center of Excellence

Scotland Backs ZeroAvia's Hydrogen Propulsion Manufacturing Site

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.

Engine progresses as Rolls-Royce celebrates the delivery of the 9,000th turbofan from Dahlewitz

Rolls-Royce's Pearl 10X Completes Most Major Cert Tests

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.

VH4-T propulsion system could be applied to TriFan 600 VTOL and possible uncrewed aircraft

XTI and VerdeGo Work on Hybrid-electric Propulsion Options

Hanneke Weitering

FAA approves first G-1 certification basis for a hybrid-electric aircraft powertrain

Ampaire Scores FAA G-1 for Hybrid-electric Propulsion System

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.

Single turboprop aircraft will be leased from asset management group Monte

Cargo Operator Plans To Fly Hydrogen-powered Caravan Aircraft

New version of VX4 aircraft will fly 1,000 miles with a 1,100-kg payload

Vertical Confirms Plans for Longer-range Hybrid-electric VTOL Aircraft

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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XTI and VerdeGo Work on Hybrid-electric Propulsion Options

VH4-T propulsion system could be applied to TriFan 600 VTOL and possible uncrewed aircraft

Ampaire Scores FAA G-1 for Hybrid-electric Propulsion System

FAA approves first G-1 certification basis for a hybrid-electric aircraft powertrain

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Single turboprop aircraft will be leased from asset management group Monte

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Kawasaki’s Clean-sheet Aero Engine Design Draws on Motorcycle Engineering Expertise

Principles in motorcycle engine design make sense for aviation.

Wright Prepares To Expand Electric Propulsion System Tests

Thrust test stand has been manufactured and is being installed in New York

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