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

Latest news about Textron's eAviation division.

Textron eAviation will conduct flight testing of the full-scale technology demonstrator for its Nexus eVTOL aircraft at Salina Regional Airport in Kansas. The manufacturer announced on October 7 that this part of the planned flight test program will follow initial flight testing due to begin in 2025 at the National Institute of Aviation Research in Wichita.
Construction of the first Nexus airframe is now advancing at one of Textron’s facilities in Wichita, which is 90 miles south of Salina. The company is aiming to have the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-09-24/nexus-evtol-progressing-textron-eaviation">four-passenger piloted eVTOL model</a> ready to enter service in the 2030s.
Salina Regional Airport is home to extensive testing of various uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and recently hosted beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations as part of the FAA’s Integration Pilot Program and Beyond projects. It is also the headquarters for Kansas State University’s Applied Aviation Research Center, which is active in UAS research and operations.
In remotely piloted flight tests with the Nexus at Salina, the Textron eAviation team will evaluate the aircraft’s performance in multiple conditions, simulating anticipated eVTOL operational scenarios.
“Kansas boasts a rich aviation history, and we’re proud to work alongside the Salina Airport Authority to test these emerging technologies close to home,” said Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron eAviation. “The support and facilities provided by the Salina Airport Authority are vital as we advance towards bringing the Nexus eVTOL to market.”

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Textron eAviation Will Flight Test Nexus eVTOL Aircraft at Salina in Kansas

Remotely piloted flights will start in 2025 as manufacturer works towards service entry in the 2030s

Textron eAviation has chosen Salina Regional Airport near its Wichita headquarters as the base for flight testing of its four-passenger Nexus eVTOL aircraft.

Textron Will Flight Test Nexus eVTOL Aircraft at Salina 

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