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

Avions Mauboussin has flown a subscale model of its planned Alérion M1h two-seat fixed-wing aircraft. The French start-up intends to develop a hybrid-electric version of the model before following up with a hydrogen-powered version.
The flight with a battery-electric M1h model happened on February 23 but was not reported by Avions Mauboussin until this week. The company is conducting tests at the Montbéliard-Courcelles airfield near its headquarters at Belfort in eastern France.
According to president David Gallezot, his team expects to have a hydrogen propulsion system ready for use by the end of this year. This is being developed in-house, as is&nbsp;the initial hybrid-electric propulsion system, which is called the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-02-16/french-government-backs-zephyr-hydrogen-propulsion-project-covid-grant">Zéphyr</a>.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center">
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 <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/M1h0.138.png" width="1760" height="1122" alt="Avions Mauboussin's Alérion M1h aircraft." title="Avions Mauboussin's two-seat Alérion M1h aircraft will be powered by hybrid-electric or hydrogen propulsion systems. (Image: Avions Mauboussin)">

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 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Avions Mauboussin's two-seat Alérion M1h aircraft will be powered by hybrid-electric or hydrogen propulsion systems. (Image: Avions Mauboussin)</div>
 
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<figcaption>Hybrid-electric or hydrogen propulsion systems will power&nbsp;Avions Mauboussin's two-seat Alérion M1h aircraft. (Image: Avions Mauboussin)</figcaption>
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The powerplant is based on a turbine engine because the company believes this is more compatible with the switch to hydrogen as a fuel source than a piston engine. It intends for the aircraft to be operated in so-called "flex-fuel"&nbsp;mode so that users could refuel with either gasoline or hydrogen, depending on which is more readily available. The plan is to maintain the serial hybrid propulsion option for early examples of the aircraft to support initial&nbsp;customers who may feel discouraged by difficulties in getting hydrogen fuel.
The propulsion system is dispersed, with the electric motor in the front, leaving space for hydrogen and/or conventional fuel tanks in the wider center section of the fuselage, and the batteries in the wings. Multiple firewalls separate these elements to ensure safety. The motor drives a pair of coaxial propellers installed on the wingtips.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2020-12-02/avions-mauboussin-heads-back-future-new-hybrid-hydrogen-duo">Avions Mauboussin</a> is also working on&nbsp;a five-passenger design called the Alcyon M3c that would be certified a couple of years later than the Alérion’s targeted service entry date of 2024. Both aircraft are expected to have short takeoff and landing capability, allowing them to access small airfields for applications that could include air taxi services and medical support, with an anticipated range of up to around 800 nmi (900 miles) and a cruise speed of 200 knots (230 mph).
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 <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/futureflight/import/3.png" width="1920" height="1080" alt="Avions Mauboussin's Alcyon M3C six-seat aircraft." title="Avions Mauboussin's Alcyon M3C six-seat aircraft is expected to have a range of up to around 800 nmi (900 miles).">

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 <div class="field field--name-field-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Avions Mauboussin's Alcyon M3C six-seat aircraft is expected to have a range of up to around 800 nmi (900 miles).</div>
 
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<figcaption>Avions Mauboussin's Alcyon M3C six-seat aircraft is expected to have a range of up to around 800 nmi.</figcaption>
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Gallezot, who is an aeronautical engineer,&nbsp;founded the current iteration of Avions Mauboussin in 2013 as an homage to the original enterprise, which was founded in 1928 by famous French aircraft maker Pierre Mauboussin, who later developed the Fouga Magister jet trainer. The company’s core activity has been providing consultancy services, and this has generated cash&nbsp;flow to cover work on the new aircraft that started in 2016. The company&nbsp;also has experience&nbsp;supporting owners of vintage aircraft.
In 2021, the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-01-14/aviation-gets-voice-new-french-government-hydrogen-council">French government </a>awarded further funding to Avions Mauboussin. It has also been seeking European Union support and backing from private investors for an approach that Gallezot describes as&nbsp;“the renaissance of modern aviation.”
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Charles Alcock

Avions Mauboussin has flown a sub-scale model of its planned Alérion M1h aircraft. (Image: Avions Mauboussin)

Avions Mauboussin Flies Subscale Model of Alérion M1h Light Aircraft

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