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

China’s Shenyang Aviation Industries Group is investing in European hybrid-electric aircraft developer Manta under a partnership to jointly produce the six-seat Ann Plus model. The exact terms of the investment were not specified in the companies’ joint announcement on October 28, but Manta co-founder and COO Michael Mesaric indicated to AIN&nbsp;that the funding is sufficient to achieve type certification.
Shenyang Aviation is a subsidiary of the state-backed Aviation Industries of China group. It has been involved in multiple Chinese military aircraft programs and has also contributed to civil airliner programs like the ARJ21, as well as general aviation models such as a Chinese derivative of the Russian Yak-12 utility aircraft.
In late 2007, Textron announced plans for Shenyang Aviation to produce the Cessna 162 light sport aircraft for the China market. However, production ended in January 2014 after 192 of this model had been sold.
At an event held in Shenyang in northern China on October 26, the companies unveiled a full-scale mock-up of the Ann 2 Plus. This aircraft will be exhibited at the China Airshow in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17.
Manta and Shenyang Aviation said they will conduct joint research and development activity, and produce a pair of full-scale prototypes to be used for type certification through the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
According to Manta, the Ann Plus will have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers (544 nm) when operating from a “semi-prepared” landing strip of around 886 feet in length. Operating in VTOL mode, range would be limited to around 163 nm.
Manta is also working on plans for a two-seat Ann 2 version of the design, which features a fixed wing and canard. It said the scalable design will be attractive for multiple missions, including <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-06-12/private-flight-booking-platform-evaluates-mantas-vtol-stol">passenger transportation</a>&nbsp;and various logistics and public service applications.
<h2>Marketing VTOL/STOL Aircraft in China and Asia</h2>
The agreement with Shenyang Aviation includes marketing rights, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, for China and South Asian countries. The partners said they are being supported by Baoding Kaiborui Technology Co., but it is not clear what role that company will play.
According to Mesaric, it could take between a year and 18 months from when the full-scale prototypes are built to when they achieve type certification, which Manta is targeting for 2027. He said discussions with the CAAC have begun and that the type certification process in China is expected to be quicker than in Europe.
In October 2023, China's EHang became the first eVTOL manufacturer in the world to achieve type certification when its autonomous EH216-S two-seater was approved by the CAAC. Other <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-16/lower-costs-political-momentum-favor-chinese-advanced-air">Chinese advanced air mobility pioneers</a> include AutoFlight, Aerofugia, Xpeng HT Aero, and Volant.
The Ann family’s hybrid-electric propulsion system consists of commercially available turbogenerators and batteries. Manta said the electric motors will be developed for the aircraft, without specifying whether this will be done with Shenyang Aviation or by some other supplier or partner. Manta is in contact with avionics suppliers to discuss options for the Ann’s flight deck.
Mesaric said Shenyang Aviation’s involvement will give the program access to a strong and compact supply chain. Manta wants to source components locally to avoid supply chain difficulties that have hindered the aerospace sector in recent years.
In May, Manta—which is based at Sesto Calende in northern Italy—announced a partnership with <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-03/manta-taps-altairs-computational-intelligence-ann-aircraft">IT engineering group Altair</a>. The U.S. company will assist Manta’s team in areas such as digital engineering, artificial intelligence, and the use of digital twin technology.

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.

Manta Turns to China's Shenyang Aviation To Advance Ann VTOL/STOL Aircraft

Hybrid-electric aircraft will operate in VTOL or STOL modes with range of up to around 544 nm

Chinese aerospace group Shenyang Aviation is investing in Europe-based Manta's plans to develop the Ann family of hybrid-electric VTOL/STOL aircraft.

Manta Turns to China's Shenyang Aviation To Advance VTOL/STOL Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

An average of seven Vision Jets per month were delivered during the first three quarters of this year

Cirrus Delivers 600th Vision Jet Since 2016 EIS

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

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Latest prototype of the two-seater now features improved rotors 

Volocopter Makes Final Push Toward eVTOL Aircraft Type Certification

Hanneke Weitering

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

Agreement covers up to 12 of the Alia-250 model and is Beta's second sale in New Zealand

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

AmyWilder

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.

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Jessica Reed

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

More In Aircraft

Cirrus Delivers 600th Vision Jet Since 2016 EIS

An average of seven Vision Jets per month were delivered during the first three quarters of this year

Volocopter Makes Final Push Toward eVTOL Aircraft Type Certification

Latest prototype of the two-seater now features improved rotors

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service Orders Beta's eVTOL Aircraft

Agreement covers up to 12 of the Alia-250 model and is Beta's second sale in New Zealand

Archer Completes Georgia eVTOL Factory

Midnight eVTOL aircraft production begins in 2025

Piper M700 Fury Secures UK CAA Nod

Deliveries of the turboprop single can now start in the UK

Hermeus Completes Quarterhorse Demonstrator Ground Tests

Testing on Quarterhorse Mk 1 was completed in 21 days

Dave Yip To Take Over as Acting CEO of Metrojet

Leadership changes will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025

U.S. Start-up Nimbus Flies Electric Bizjet Demonstrator

N1000-XSS1 technology demonstrator achieves first test flight

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN