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

Turkish&nbsp;Aerospace Industries (TAI) last week&nbsp;unveiled a preliminary prototype of its all-electric, unmanned, six-ton T629 attack helicopter. The aircraft, which is expected to make its&nbsp;first&nbsp;flight later this year, reflects the growing interest in military applications for electric propulsion and autonomous flight capability.
The T629 is intended&nbsp;to be used as a platform for search and rescue, anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare, and to support Turkey's existing&nbsp;manned T129 ATAK helicopters by flying utility and reconnaissance missions. Similar in silhouette to the two-seat&nbsp;ATAK model, which is also&nbsp;manufactured by government-owned&nbsp;TAI, the T629 has been under development since 2017 and will be capable of carrying anti-tank and unguided missiles. TAI has not disclosed any details about the new aircraft's electric propulsion system or other technology used for the prototype.
The T129 is based on the Leonardo A129 Mangusta helicopter&nbsp;and fitted with upgraded engines, transmissions, and rotor blades for better high/hot performance and well as&nbsp;avionics and weapons systems developed in Turkey.&nbsp;The country&nbsp;is using the aircraft domestically and offering the aircraft for export with the locally-produced TS1400 engines to get around U.S. weapons embargoes pertaining to the original LHTEC CTS800-4N engine developed by Rolls-Royce and Honeywell.&nbsp;

Charles Alcock

Turkish Aerospace Industries has unveiled the T629 all-electric, unmanned attack helicopter. (Photo: TAI)

Turkey's Next Attack Helicopter Will be Electrically Powered and Unmanned

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