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

VoltAero this week completed a €32 million ($32 million) Series B funding round to support its plans to develop its <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/cassio">Cassio family</a> of hybrid-electric aircraft. The round was led by strategic investor Tecnologie e Servizi Innovativi (TESI), which will manufacture the prototype for the five-seat Cassio 330 model, which is expected to make its first flight in 2023.
Italy-based TESI specializes&nbsp;in the production and integration of metallic structures and assemblies, as well as mechanical parts. The company says it has&nbsp;experience in aviation manufacturing with clients including Leonardo, PiaggioAero, and Boeing.
In July, VoltAero selected <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-07-22/voltaero-partners-safran-and-thales-its-cassio-hybrid-electric-aircraft">Safran’s EngineUs 100</a> electric motor and announced that it is partnering with Thales to implement&nbsp;airborne data collection and computing solutions for the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/cassio">Cassio</a> aircraft.&nbsp;The French start-up’s propulsion system will use the motors for all-electric power during taxi, takeoff, primary flight, and landing. 
The hybrid feature—using an internal combustion engine—serves as a range extender, recharging the batteries while in flight. It also provides&nbsp;a backup in case&nbsp;of a problem with the electric propulsion.
VoltAero plans to produce three configurations of its hybrid-electric Cassio aircraft and earlier this year proposed a <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-05-19/voltaero-offers-fractional-shares-hybrid-electric-cassio-aircraft">fractional ownership business model</a> for them. Its initial prototype, a converted Cessna 337 Skymaster aircraft known as Cassio 1, has already logged more than 10,000 kilometers (6,000 miles) in test flights since 2019. The Cassio 1 testbed has two EngineUs 45 electric motors&nbsp;that are rated at 45 kilowatts of continuous power.&nbsp;
In addition to the Cassio 330, VoltAero plans to develop a six-seat Cassio 480 (480 kilowatts)&nbsp;and a&nbsp;10-seat Cassio 600 (600 kilowatts). The Cassio aircraft, which&nbsp;feature a forward fixed canard and an aft-set wing with twin booms that support a high-set horizontal tail, are designed for various general aviation and business applications, including air taxi services. 
The aircraft will be certified under EASA's CS23 certification specifications for single-engine, general aviation aircraft. Each Cassio aircraft will have a range of about 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) and a cruise speed of around 230 mph (370 km/h).&nbsp;
“We have been impressed by VoltAero’s highly intelligent approach with Cassio, applying its dual-source electric-hybrid propulsion concept for regional aviation that will be both sustainable and operationally safe,”&nbsp;stated TESI’s chief executive, Luigi Punzo.
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Charles Alcock

Three versions of VoltAero's Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft are in the works, seating up to 10 passengers. (Image: VoltAero)

VoltAero Secures €32 Million and Production Partner for Hybrid-electric Cassio Aircraft

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