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

Software group Real-Time Innovations (RTI) is to supply its Connext data distribution service (DDS) to provide the software connectivity framework needed for Varon Vehicles’ planned Traffic Management System (TMS) to support urban air mobility (UAM) operations. Varon intends to develop infrastructure networks consisting of connected vertiports, eVTOL vehicles, and the “aerial lanes” along which these will fly.
California-based RTI has already developed DDS networks to support more than 250 autonomous vehicle operations in environments such as power plants and hospitals. The software provides secure vehicle-to-vehicle communications, as well as connecting vehicles to infrastructure, communicating operational intelligence in milliseconds.
In an August 17 announcement, the company explained that its Connext system meets current RTCA DO-178C, and Eurocae ED-12C-DAL standards. It says it will facilitate efforts to secure safety certification and airworthiness approval for UAM vehicles.
Colombia-based Varon Vehicles is working to establish UAM commercial operations, starting in Latin American cities that have overloaded ground transportation networks that cannot be cost-effectively upgraded. “RTI Connext delivers the communication and data fusion capabilities necessary to enable high-end reliability and safety of all the systems we need to bring together,” said CEO and founder Felipe Varon. “Data management robustness, reliability, and real-time performance are critical in the highly automated environments required in our infrastructure networks.”

Charles Alcock

Varon Vehicles intends to develop urban air mobility infrastructure networks in various Latin American cities to overcome ground transportation congestion. (Image: Varon Vehicles)

Varon Selects Software Partner for Its Urban Air Mobility Network

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