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

Savback Helicopters is looking to meet the fast-evolving needs of European militaries by agreeing to buy 300 of Mayman Aerospace’s Speeder P100 uncrewed air vehicles. The Swedish company is Mayman’s distributor in the Nordic countries, where governments are reviewing defense capabilities with an eye on Russian aggression.
According to California-based Mayman, which has backing from the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-02-23/uae-backs-maymans-plans-speeder-vtol-air-utility-vehicle">UAE government</a>, the P100 will use artificial intelligence to operate within a modern battlefield management environment alongside other assets. It has a 100-pound payload and a maximum speed of Mach 0.75. Mayman plans to add larger models, including the P400 and&nbsp;P1000, which have payloads of 400 and 1,000 pounds, respectively.
The letter of intent signed this week covers prospective orders valued at more than $120 million, implying a price tag of $400,000 per P100. Savback plans to take deliveries between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2027 and already has an undisclosed customer lined up for the first units.
Under a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, Mayman is tasked with developing and certifying the Speeder family of UAVs. It expects to start conducting high-speed tests with the P100 in the third quarter of this year.
“We are delivering an aircraft ready for integration into the next-generation, AI-managed battlefield,” said Mayman Aerospace CEO and founder David Mayman. “The Speeder system delivers essential value for defense applications through its ease of deployment, reduced operational cost, and extensive capabilities.”

Charles Alcock

Mayman Aerospace's Speeder P100 UAV is intended for multiple defense applications. (Image: Mayman)

Savback Commits to 300 of Mayman's Speeder UAVs for European Defense Applications

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