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

Textron Aviation is to electrify its Cessna Grand Caravan utility aircraft using ZeroAvia’s 600-kW hydrogen-electric propulsion system. Under a development agreement announced on September 29, the companies will work together to obtain an FAA supplemental&nbsp;type certificate to retrofit the turboprop aircraft using the ZA600 powertrain.
California-based ZeroAvia aims to complete certification of the ZA600 system by 2025. Its work will now be supported by Textron’s engineers, who will provide data and certification support.
The U.S. manufacturer has already delivered more than 2,400 Grand Caravans worldwide, giving the partners a large potential retrofit market. According to ZeroAvia, the aircraft’s high-wing design makes it suitable for mounting hydrogen fuel tanks under the wings, without limiting space for passengers or freight.&nbsp;
Textron has created an&nbsp;eAviation division to advance plans for electric-powered aircraft. This year it acquired electric aviation pioneer Pipistrel.
Meanwhile, ZeroAvia is continuing ground testing of a converted<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-05-06/zeroavia-converts-second-dornier-228-hydrogen-propulsion-flight-testing"> Dornier 228 aircraft </a>and says that within the next few weeks it will be ready to start test flights from its facility at Cotswold Airport in the UK. The company, which earlier this year raised an <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-07-20/zeroavia-raises-additional-30-million-series-b-funding-round">additional $30 million</a>,&nbsp;wants to convert nine- to <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-08-04/american-airlines-commits-hydrogen-powered-regional-fleet-zeroavia">19-seat regional airliners </a>to hydrogen power using the same ZA600 system. It is also working on a more powerful 2.5-MW ZA2000 system for <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-05-23/zeroavia-advances-hydrogen-regional-jet-plans-mitsubishi">40- to 80-seat aircraft</a> that it says could be ready to enter commercial service in 2027.
Other companies, such as <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-04-26/ampaire-seeks-new-funding-hybrid-electric-plans-surf-air-acquisition">Ampaire</a>, are working on plans to convert the Grand Caravan to electric propulsion. It is developing a conversion program for what it calls the EcoCaravan.
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Charles Alcock

According to Textron and its new partner ZeroAvia, the Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft is well suited to being converted to hydrogen propulsion with fuel tanks installed under its high wing. (Image: ZeroAvia)

Textron Partners with ZeroAvia to Convert Grand Caravan Aircraft to Hydrogen Propulsion

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