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

Supernal is preparing to integrate real-time weather data into its efforts to bring an eVTOL aircraft into commercial service in 2028. The Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary announced that it is making a minority investment in TruWeather Solutions so that it can leverage its V360° software-as-a-service weather data analytics and forecasting technology to support planned advanced air mobility flights<a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-03-01/supernal-becomes-latest-evtol-developer-plan-services-miami"> in cities such as Miami</a>.
The manufacturer will use the V360° system with its in-development, four-passenger vehicle to collect and integrate real-time distributed sensor weather data. According to <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-10-16/supernal-selects-evtol-aircraft-flight-deck-and-flight-control-partners">Supernal</a>, this will give its operational teams a comprehensive view of low-altitude weather and allow them to more accurately assess and predict conditions at critical locations and along flight paths. The company plans to operate eVTOL air taxi services itself in the early stages of service entry for the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/supernal-s-a1">SA-1 vehicle</a>.
According to TruWeather Solutions, its technology will give eVTOL aircraft operators a 360-degree view of wind and weather updates every 15 minutes at a resolution of “within tens of meters” at and around vertiports. It said that along flight corridors, the model can present a clear view of wind flow, which will be an important factor in safely operating around urban environments where buildings can disrupt wind flow. The company claims its technology can achieve a resolution of one kilometer or better along flight paths, stating that this compares with a best-available resolution of 2.5 kilometers in current commercial aviation applications. 
<h3 class="subheading">Micro-Weather Could Be Critical to Safe Advanced Air Mobility</h3>
Over the past five years, TruWeather has developed its capability to support the advanced air mobility sector by conducting research and development at uncrewed aircraft systems test ranges in four locations across the U.S. The FAA has sanctioned this work as part of wider efforts to achieve micro-weather precision forecasting and real-time data.
TruWeather is also working with other partners to support advanced air mobility development, including <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-02-15/how-traffic-management-collaboration-and-data-sharing-could-unlock">air traffic management service provider Skyway</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-02-17/varon-adds-weather-prediction-its-air-mobility-infrastructure-plan">Varon Vehicles</a>. In January, it announced a partnership with AeroX, which is a not-for-profit group working to facilitate new air services, including drones, in North Carolina.&nbsp;

Charles Alcock

TruWeather Solutions is providing its 360-degree weather data analytics and forecasting software to eVTOL aircraft developer Supernal to support advanced air mobility operations in urban areas. (Image: TruWeather Solutions)

Supernal Taps Weather Data and Forecasting Technology To Prepare for eVTOL Aircraft Operations

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