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

Rolls-Royce’s work to develop a hydrogen fuel system for aircraft propulsion has provided a new opportunity for Tata Consultancy Services to deploy its IT expertise to address complex aerospace challenges. On Monday, the Mumbai-based group said it is expanding its partnership with the engine maker to support its efforts to demonstrate the viability of hydrogen fuel, initially on a Pearl engine demonstrator.
According to Anupam Singhal, TCS’s president of manufacturing, the company has worked with Rolls-Royce since 2010, supporting the design of components, systems integration, and supply chain management. It also has engaged in manufacturing engineering, control systems, and software, as well as improving aftermarket product support.
Ongoing supply chain difficulties throughout the aerospace and defense sectors have prompted TCS to apply its skills to help companies boost resiliency with its new Supply Chain Navigator platform.
“We can help them to access the issues they face and assess what inventory model they should apply to meet future needs,” Singhal told AIN. “We can assess both structured and unstructured information covering everything that could impact the supply chain, using artificial intelligence to understand the implications of local conditions that could include weather or political events.”
Increasingly, the TCS team is applying AI and quantum computing to support airlines, too, with tasks such as managing maintenance, repair and overhaul of fleets, and improving customer interactions. The company’s Smart Journeys tool provides synthetic data for pilots so that they have full visibility of weather conditions that could result in turbulence.
TCS also is focused on designing lightweight composite materials that could reduce aircraft weight and, by extension, fuel consumption. It is working on a proof of concept for this approach with an undisclosed aircraft manufacturer.

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

Tata Applies AI and Quantum Computing to Crack Tough Aerospace Challenges

India-based group expands its work with Rolls-Royce on hydrogen fuel systems

Rolls-Royce is one of several aerospace manufacturers supported by Tata Consultancy Services with advanced IT, along with a number of major airlines.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Farnborough Airshow 2024

More In Engines

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

EcoPulse Partners Report on Hybrid-electric Flight Tests

Technology demonstrator based on TBM aircraft logged 100 flight hours

MagniX and NASA Complete Electric Propulsion Ground Tests

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

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