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

Charles Alcock

JetZero now has a complete set of partnership arrangements with flight control system suppliers for its planned blended-wing-body (BWB) demonstrator aircraft. On November 5, Thales became the latest strategic supplier selected by the California-based start-up, with the French aerospace group set to provide its fly-by-wire flight control system.
According to JetZero, confirmation of the key systems suppliers clears the way for it to complete construction of a technology demonstrator it aims to start flight testing in 2027. Launching the BWB design at the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-06-19/aviation-chases-carbon-cutting-quantum-leap">2023 Paris Air Show</a>, the company said the 250-seat airliner could enter service in the early 2030s with an intercontinental range of about 5,000 nm.
BAE Systems has committed to providing sidestick controls and actuation controllers, while Moog is to supply flight control actuation. Safran Electronics &amp; Defense is responsible for pilot controls, including the throttle quadrant, rudder brake pedal, speedbrake, and flap control lever. Woodward is providing the trim control panel.
Initially, JetZero indicated that the airliner would come to market with a pair of current-technology engines, such as Pratt &amp; Whitney’s Geared Turbofan. However, in September, it launched a partnership with low-cost carrier EasyJet that called for a switch to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-06/easyjet-teams-jetzero-blended-wing-body-airliners">hydrogen propulsion</a>.
The program has received some support from a $235 million U.S. Air Force technology development contract awarded in 2023. The Pentagon is interested in possible replacements for military airlifters and air-to-air refueling platforms.
In October, JetZero rival Natilus unveiled its planned Horizon BWB airliner, promising a 50% reduction in emissions and 30% less fuel burn than current aircraft. According to California-based start-up Natilus, the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2024-10-23/natilus-reveals-plan-200-seat-blended-wing-body-airliner">planned Horizon model </a>will carry 200 passengers on intercontinental routes such as Los Angeles to Boston and transatlantic sectors such as New York to London.

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