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 testing with its Hybrid Propulsion Evaluation Rig (HYPER) as part of its work to develop a hybrid-electric version of its Valo VTOL aircraft. In a program update released on Tuesday, the UK company also said it produced the first battery manufactured at the assembly line it opened in March at the Vertical Energy Centre in Bristol.
The HYPER facility is being used to integrate and validate all the systems that will form part of the new powertrain, which consists of a turbine engine, a generator, and associated electrical systems. Testing is being conducted at Vertical’s flight test center at Cotswold Airport in the west of England.
Vertical has yet to release projected performance data for the powertrain. However, it has said it is targeting a 10-fold increase in range over the all-electric Valo, at up to around 870 nm. The company also expects to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-05-13/vertical-confirms-plans-longer-range-hybrid-electric-vtol">deliver a payload</a> of up to 1,100 kilograms (2,420 pounds) that would increase the passenger count from four to six, or allow for increased cargo capacity.
According to Vertical, it is now working with several undisclosed partners to integrate a gas turbine capable of running on sustainable aviation fuel with an electric generator. While the all-electric Valo model is expected to complete type certification in 2028, the hybrid-electric version will likely not follow before 2030.
<h2>Batteries Produced In-house</h2>
The 15,000-sq-ft facility has been used for battery testing since 2024 with units that have flown on the earlier VX4 eVTOL prototype. In December 2025, Vertical announced a substantial redesign when it unveiled a model of the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-12-09/vertical-unveils-redesigned-valo-evtol-aircraft-london">Valo aircraft</a>.
Early prototypes of the batteries Vertical intends to use for production examples of the Valo will go through extensive environmental and operational testing. Some of the battery packs now being produced in-house will be installed on aircraft being used for certification test flights with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and EASA.
“Hybrid capability complements our all-electric Valo platform and unlocks a broader range of civil and defense applications,” commented Vertical CEO Stuart Simpson. “At the same time, advancing our battery technology and manufacturing capability is critical to certification and scaling production. Together, these milestones demonstrate the strength and breadth of our technology platform.”

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

Vertical Tests Hybrid-electric Powertrain and Produces Its First Batteries 

Hybrid version of Valo VTOL aircraft will have longer range and more payload

Vertical Aerospace has started testing with its Hybrid Propulsion Evaluation Rig and has also produced the first batteries at its UK facility.

Vertical Starts Tests with Hybrid-electric Powertrain

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.

RTX business expects to create 200 new jobs by 2030

P&WC Opens Morocco Engine Parts Manufacturing Facility

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Air-cooled MagniAIR poised to benefit from MOSAIC rule

MagniX Debuts Electric Motor for Light Aircraft

Jessica Reed

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

Satheeshkumar Kumarasingam will succeed Maria Della Posta when she retires June 1

Kumarasingam Named President of Pratt & Whitney Canada

Charlotte Bailey

 Support from France 2030 will help enable series production of propulsion system

French Funding Backs Ascendance’s Hybrid Propulsion System

Amy Wilder

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.

Dallas provider marks 10th year with expanded engine coverage

EAP Adds PW535E, Tay 611 to Maintenance Program

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Validation testing enables compatibility with Pro Line Fusion avionics

Blackhawk Expands XP67A Eligibility for King Airs

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.

Hydrogen-electric powertrain developer progresses toward certification

FAA Finalizes Special Conditions for ZeroAvia's Electric Engine

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

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.

More In Engines