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

GKN Aerospace will provide the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) for Lilium’s six-passenger eVTOL aircraft. In a January 31 announcement, Lilium said that it will work with the aircraft systems group to design, build, and integrate the low- and high-voltage wiring for the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/lilium-jet">Lilium Jet</a>.&nbsp;The final&nbsp;assembly of the first production-conforming aircraft is due to start this year.
The EWIS hardware sets will be manufactured at GKN’s facility in the Netherlands. The company will support Lilium with on-site installation work at the German company’s factory at Oberpfaffenhofen.
GKN is joining a network of suppliers already appointed by Lilium for its eVTOL vehicle’s propulsion system, battery cells, energy management system, electric motors, landing gear, charging equipment, cabin interiors, and aerostructures. These partners include <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-05-30/lilium-selects-partners-propulsion-flaps-and-lithium-battery-technology">Aernnova</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-06-29/astronics-will-provide-power-distribution-systems-lilium-jet">Astronics</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-06-09/lilium-selects-honeywell-supply-fly-wire-flight-controls-and-avionics-evtol">Honeywell</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-05-23/honeywell-and-denso-join-forces-make-electric-motors-lilium-jet">Denso</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-06-15/lilium-looks-new-seats-big-weight-reduction-evtol-aircraft">Expliseat</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-10-12/abb-develop-megawatt-charging-points-lilium-jets">ABB</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-02-22/lilium-eyes-production-phase-choosing-aciturri-aerostructures-supplier">Aciturri</a>, <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2020-07-16/toray-provide-composites-lilium-evtol">Toray</a>, and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-07-28/lilium-selects-customcells-provide-silicon-anode-batteries">CustomCells</a>.
“We’re proud to have brought another outstanding aerospace player onto the Lilium Jet team,” commented chief operating officer Yves Yemsi. “GKN Aerospace has enormous experience developing certifiable EWIS systems and impressed us with their dedicated offering for the Lilium Jet.”
GKN Aerospace is also partnered with eVTOL aircraft developer <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-09-17/gkn-will-make-wings-and-wiring-verticals-evtol-aircraft">Vertical Aerospace</a> to produce wings and wiring for its VX4 model. The group, which is also active in developing hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for larger aircraft, provided the wings, empennage, and wiring for Eviation’s <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-06-03/gkn-supplies-first-wings-empennage-and-wiring-eviation-alice-aircraft">Alice</a> all-electric aircraft.
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Charles Alcock

GKN Aerospace will develop the electrical wiring interconnection system for the Lilium Jet. (Image: Lilium)

GKN Aerospace To Develop Wiring System for Lilium Jet

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