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

VerdeGo Aero has begun low-rate production of its VH-4T-RD hybrid-electric powerplant. The U.S. company announced the move on November 20, saying that during 2026 it aims to deliver batches of the propulsion system to various undisclosed customers for pre-certification ground and flight testing with hybrid-electric aircraft.
The VH-4T-RD hardware is being built as a pre-cursor to the VH-4T-415 production powertrain that VerdeGo Aero said will be certified with the FAA before going into high-volume production. It said the unit, with 400 kilowatts (550 hp) of continuous power, is suitable for hybrid VTOL aircraft, as well as fixed wing platforms and drones.
According to VerdeGo Aero, the VH-4T-RD powerplant has been run for “hundreds” of ground test hours, including 150 hours of tests conducted for the U.S. Air Force to assess durability requirements for Part 133 type certification. That exercise was conducted in the company’s Hybrid Systems Integration Laboratory in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was based on the mission profile of an eVTOL aircraft, including a high-frequency turbulence model to validate the powerplant’s response to rapid changes in load and dynamic flight conditions.
VerdeGo Aero is aiming to have the VH-4T-415 powerplant available in 2027 as part of development work that is supported by a Phase III contract from the Air Force. This unit is expected to have improved redundancy and power output.
The company said the production lead time for the VH-4T-RD equipment is between 9 and 12 months. It is intended to expedite the development process for new and converted hybrid-electric aircraft.
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News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

VerdeGo Aero Starts Low-Rate Production For Hybrid-Electric Powertrain

The VH-4T-RD hardware is a pre-cursor to the VH-4T-415 production powertrain 

VerdeGo Aero is now producing its VH-4T-RD powertrain and expects to start deliveries to undisclosed customers working on hybrid-electric aircraft in 2026.

VerdeGo Aero Starts Producing Hybrid-Electric Powertrain

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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.

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.

Plans call for delivery of more than 800 turboshaft engines

Safran Ramping Up Helicopter Engine Production 

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.

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.

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.

Leasing group is adding 50 of the narrowbodies to its portfolio

Avolon Orders 100 CFM Leap Engines for A320neo Fleet

Matt Thurber

Ramp-up of geared engines is twice the size of any other P&W program

Pratt & Whitney Advances GTF Engine Improvements

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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