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

EcoPulse, the distributed hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator aircraft developed jointly by Daher, Safran, and Airbus, has completed its flight test campaign. During a press conference in France on Tuesday, the partners reported that the project has provided “crucial insights” into the potential design, certification, production, and operation of such an aircraft.
Since its first flight from Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in the southwest of France on Nov. 29, 2023, the EcoPulse demonstrator accumulated 100 flight hours in around 50 sorties. The last of the flights was in July, and since then the partners have been assessing the data collected.
The propulsion system generated a network voltage of about 800 volts DC and a power output of 350 kilowatts. According to engineers involved in the work, the flight tests demonstrated “unprecedented onboard electric power levels for distributed electric propulsion.”
One example of the tests demonstrated that the synchro-phasing of the six sets of propellers driven by Safran’s electric motors reduced noise levels inside the aircraft, which was based on Daher’s TBM single turboprop model.
The EcoPulse’s flight control computer, which was primarily designed to maneuver the aircraft, replaced traditional control surfaces by instead adjusting the distribution of electric power between the so-called ePropellers.
The EcoPulse project was supported by France’s Civil Aviation Research Council (CORAC) and jointly funded by DGAC, the country’s civil aviation authority. Safran provided the powertrain consisting of a turbogenerator in combination with the electric motors, while Airbus supplied a high-voltage battery pack.
All three partners indicated that they will continue work on possible electric and hybrid-electric technology as a part of wider efforts to decarbonize aviation. They indicated that the work had identified obstacles to bringing new green aircraft to market, including factors such as the role of pilots, airworthiness criteria, optimizing weight and noise, and managing technical complexity.
“This EcoPulse campaign allows us to advance certain hybrid-electric technologies, such as high voltage batteries, and integrate them into future aircraft, helicopters, and air mobility solutions,” said Jean-Baptiste Manchette, head of propulsion of tomorrow at Airbus. “With distributed electric propulsion, we achieved our goal of modeling flight physics and energy management at the aircraft level, key elements for sharing the next generation of aircraft.”

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

EcoPulse Partners Report on End of Hybrid-electric Aircraft Flight Testing

Technology demonstrator based on TBM aircraft logged 100 flight hours

Safran, Daher, and Airbus have concluded the EcoPulse hybrid-electric aircraft demonstration, saying that the learnings will guide future decarbonization work.

EcoPulse Partners Report on Hybrid-electric Flight Tests

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

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.

Location incorporates upgraded former NAS equipment at Cecil Airport

Hermeus Brings the HEAT with Hypersonic Test Facility

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

Textron eAviation subsidiary has long been deep into propulsion R&D

Pipistrel Advances Hydrogen, Hybrid, and Electric Power Options

Mark Huber

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.

A range of traditional and new technologies are in the works for a variety of capabilities

New-generation Engines Driving Future of Aircraft

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Hydrogen fuel prospects spark engine innovations

Fueling the Future: Engine Makers Bet on Hydrogen Power

No major business aviation OEMs have yet committed to hydrogen propulsion

French Start-up Beyond Aero Gets Backing for Hydrogen Bizjet

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

More In Engines

Hermeus Brings the HEAT with Hypersonic Test Facility

Location incorporates upgraded former NAS equipment at Cecil Airport

Pipistrel Advances Hydrogen, Hybrid, and Electric Power Options

Textron eAviation subsidiary has long been deep into propulsion R&D

New-generation Engines Driving Future of Aircraft

A range of traditional and new technologies are in the works for a variety of capabilities

Fueling the Future: Engine Makers Bet on Hydrogen Power

Hydrogen fuel prospects spark engine innovations

French Start-up Beyond Aero Gets Backing for Hydrogen Bizjet

No major business aviation OEMs have yet committed to hydrogen propulsion

Elfly Will Distribute Electric BR23 Training Aircraft in Nordic Countries

BR23 Energic is an electric version of the piston-powered two-seater

Serbia's Green Power Certifying Small Turboprop Engine

Low-cost turboprop engine could be suitable replacement for pistons

MagniX and NASA Complete Electric Propulsion Ground Tests

Magni650 electric propulsion unit simulated flight at 30,000 feet on a testbed aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN