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

Vertical Aerospace is reporting sustained progress towards the first flight of its VX4 eVTOL prototype through key steps such as the recent delivery and installation of the aircraft electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) by program partner GKN Aerospace. The equipment includes the high-voltage&nbsp;interconnection system that runs power from the batteries to electric propulsion units developed for the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/aircraft-program/vertical-vx4?model=va-x4">VX4</a> by aircraft engines group Rolls-Royce.
The milestone was one of a flurry of announcements made by UK-based <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2021-09-17/gkn-will-make-wings-and-wiring-verticals-evtol-aircraft">Vertical Aerospace</a> during last week’s Farnborough International Airshow. In addition, it&nbsp;signed an&nbsp;agreement with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, which will develop electric mechanical actuators for the four-passenger eVTOL model. Hanwha is also a key backer and partner for U.S-based Overair, which is developing a similar-sized eVTOL called the Butterfly.
The EWIS unit is based on GKN’s extensive experience in producing wiring systems for large airliners and was developed at the group’s facility at Hoogerheide in the Netherlands. The equipment was integrated with the VX4 airframe at GKN’s Global Technology Centre, which is located in Bristol where Vertical Aerospace is headquartered.
During the Farnborough show, Vertical Aerospace also announced a partnership with flight training group CAE. The Montreal-based group will train pilots for eVTOL aircraft at its facilities around the world.
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Charles Alcock

GKN has installed electrical wiring on Vertical Aerospace's VX4 prototype aircraft. (Image: Vertical Aerospace)

Vertical Approaches eVTOL First Flight as GKN Installs VX4 Wiring

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