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

MagniX this week launched an addition to its family of Samson battery cells, offering one with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg. The product announced on Tuesday at the Paris Air Show builds on the performance of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-25/magnix-enters-energy-storage-race-samson-batteries">300 Wh/kg cells</a> the U.S. company introduced last June.
According to the company, the higher energy density will support a wider array of electric aircraft, as well as be useful beyond aviation in various defense, industrial, energy storage, and marine applications. At the Paris show, MagniX is displaying an example of the 300 Wh/kg battery cell alongside a model of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-03-07/magnix-confirms-plans-helicopter-electric-motors">HeliStorm electric motor</a>&nbsp;launched in March.
MagniX is developing the HeliStorm range in response to demand for faster rotor speed motors with between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm, compared with the 1,900- to 2,500-rpm powertrains it is working on for other applications. These include plans to electrify aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan and De Havilland Beaver, with its 350- to 650-kilowatt Magni350 and Magni650 electric propulsion units.
The company’s engineering team based near Seattle is working on direct drive applications with no gearbox. It has also garnered interest from other companies for its motor to be combined with a turbogenerator, which in some instances might be used to produce power for non-propulsive purposes.

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

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Electric motor specialist MagniX has introduced a new member of its Samson family of battery cells with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg.

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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.

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.

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

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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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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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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