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

Ampaire has completed ground tests with its hybrid-electric propulsion system running on 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Dimensional Energy produced the ASTM D7566 fuel using a process involving electricity and carbon dioxide.
According to Ampaire, running its AMP-H570 AMP Drive powertrain on 100 percent SAF will act as a force multiplier in decarbonizing flights&nbsp;while offering the superior payload and range of a hybrid-electric system, as opposed to a battery-electric propulsion system. Both companies have received investments from Elemental Excelerator, and this connection led to the use of Dimensional Energy’s e-fuels with Ampaire’s technology in a move they say doubles the efficiency of SAF. The companies said the test results exceeded their expectations.
Los Angeles-based Ampaire conducted the ground testing with its <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2023-12-13/ampaire-claims-record-12-hour-hybrid-electric-flight">Eco Caravan hybrid-electric aircraft.</a> The company said its propulsion system will deliver a 50 to 70 percent reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions compared with current Pratt &amp; Whitney engines that power the Cessna Caravan aircraft it is now working to convert to hybrid-electric power.
Houston-based Dimensional Energy was founded in 2016 to exploit technology with the potential to decarbonize while adding value in new ways. Among these is developing e-fuels sourced from renewable resources.
“By combining Dimensional Energy e-fuels with Ampaire’s aircraft technology that can reduce the amount of fuels combusted during flight, we quicken the pace up the steep curve of energy transition and reduce the need for [carbon] extraction faster,” said Dimensional Energy CEO Jason Salfi.

Charles Alcock

Ampaire's EcoCaravan aircraft has been ground tested with 100 percent pure sustainable aviation fuel produced in a process using electricity and carbon. (Image: Ampaire)

Ampaire Runs Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System on 100 Percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

In this article

Ampaire

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN