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

Manta Aircraft has recruited a quartet of partners to support the development of its ANN family of hybrid-electric VTOL/STOL aircraft. The Italian start-up is being joined by software specialist Kineton, along with Pantecnica and Powerflex, which bring expertise in dynamic analysis and special materials, and engine components group Pietro Rosa.
Kineton’s main contribution to the program will be to develop software to support human-machine interfaces and flight plan management. The company has extensive experience in developing advanced engineering solutions in sectors including aerospace and automobiles.
Pantecnica and Powerflex, which like Kineton are based in Italy, will support design development and testing for the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/manta-ann">ANN aircraft</a>. They will also contribute anti-vibration and acoustic shielding systems.
Work on the propulsion system for the ANN vehicles will now be supported by Pietro Rosa, which specializes in producing air foils and blades for aero engines. Other program partners named by Manta include air traffic management automation specialist Skyroads (formerly D3 Technologies) and composites supplier Ycom.
Since conducting an initial flight with a one-third scale model of the ANN2 aircraft in December 2020, the Manta team has frozen the design and has been conducting wind tunnel testing. It now expects to have a full-scale prototype built by the end of next summer, as it aims to complete type certification for the two-seat model under EASA’s new special conditions VTOL rules in 2025. 
The company is also working on a four-seater called the ANN4 and a high-performance drone. When operating in STOL mode from runways as short as 650 feet, the aircraft are expected to offer&nbsp;a range of up to 900 km (559&nbsp;miles) and a cruise speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), with the objective of supporting flights between hundreds of small airfields and other suitable landing sites in cities across Europe. In addition to personal transportation and commercial air taxi and scheduled regional air mobility services, Manta envisages roles for the ANN family such as logistics deliveries, law enforcement, infrastructure surveillance, and emergency medical support. 
So far, the program has been supported by initial seed investments and a Series A funding round supported by a group of European entrepreneurs. The company expects to close a Series B round before the end of 2022.
The all-composite ANN aircraft features a V-shaped tail, a fixed-wing, and a forward canard. A hybrid propulsion system consists of an unspecified turbine generator that can run on Jet-A fuel or bio-diesel and electric motors driving eight ducted fans, four of which are installed in the wing, with four more in the fuselage.
Manta’s founders have extensive experience in the automotive and yacht-building businesses, and CEO and CTO Lucas Marchesini has worked with Pilatus Aircraft, which builds the popular PC-12 and PC-24 business aircraft. The company, which also has a subsidiary in Italy,&nbsp;intends to employ rapid&nbsp;prototype development techniques used in the world of Formula 1 car racing. It is being advised by Giuseppe Orsi, the former chairman and CEO of Italy’s Leonardo aerospace group.
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Charles Alcock

The two-seat ANN2 is part of a family of hybrid-electric V/STOL aircraft being developed by European start-up Manta Aircraft. (Image: Manta)

Manta Boosts ANN V/STOL Aircraft Program with New Partners

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