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

Vertical Aerospace has started powered ground testing with its second VX4 eVTOL prototype aircraft in preparations for flight tests that will begin once the UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued the required permit to fly. The UK company announced on Tuesday that completed tests already include propeller balancing and spinning, with testing of the electric powertrain and batteries set to start in the next few days.
For those tests, Vertical will anchor the aircraft to the ground to prevent liftoff and then run the 1.4-megawatt powertrain at various power levels to measure thrust output, system integration, and structural integrity. The propeller balancing and spinning tests measure the&nbsp;weight distribution of each propeller blade to ensure vibrations are minimized for smooth, stable flying.
Next, the Vertical engineering team will start tethered flights with the aircraft hovering just a few feet above the ground before progressing to low-speed untethered flights after the permit to fly has been issued.
Vertical unveiled the latest version of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-07-18/vertical-reveals-second-evtol-prototype-ahead-flight-testing">VX4 last week</a>, announcing that it will feature a 20% greater power-to-weight ratio than the first prototype and be able to cruise at 130 knots on flights of up to around 87 nm. On the second prototype of the four-passenger aircraft, 60% of the technology and components have come from program partners including GKN Aerospace, Hanwha, Honeywell, Leonardo, Molicel, and Synesqo.
“These tests are a crucial step forward in our mission to certify the VX4 and make a cleaner, quieter, and safer way of making air mobility a reality,” said Vertical’s chief engineer, David King. “Every day we are seeing amazing progress from the team at our Flight Test Centre, each test providing valuable insights to help shape the next.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Vertical Starts Ground Tests With Second VX4 eVTOL Prototype

Flight tests will start when the UK Civil Aviation Authority issues a permit to fly

Vertical Aerospace is ground testing its more powerful VX4 four-passenger eVTOL prototype, with untethered flight testing expected to start soon.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Jet shipments fell by one unit,  to 30, but revenues soared 12%

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News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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PC-12 fleet logged 316,328 takeoffs in the U.S. between August 2023 and July 2024

Pilatus PC-12 Fleet Takes Top Flying Honors in U.S.

Technology is being deployed from across the European aerospace group for the program

CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL Prototype Starts Flight Testing in Germany

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

U.S. air ambulance operator looks to electrify its fleet

Aeromed Operator Metro Orders 20 Beta Alia 250 eVTOLs

Public flight took place on November 2 against the backdrop of Mount Fuji in Japan

Joby Demonstrates Its eVTOL Aircraft For the First Time Outside the U.S.

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Certified in 2019, the GB1 is an aerobatic airplane that is comfortable for flying longer distances

Game Composites Delivers 100th Aerobatic GameBird

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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Thales joins a group of suppliers including BAE Systems, Safran, Moog, and Woodward

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