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

Safran Electrical &amp; Power and Pyroalliance have agreed to work together to develop a system to guard against the risk of fire in electric propulsion systems for aircraft. The two French companies intend to introduce technology that could react in a millisecond to protect against the threat of an electric arc on electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. 
In an announcement today, the partners said that they aim to be ready to demonstrate a prototype of the pyrotechnic electrical shutdown system in 2022 and to have&nbsp;it ready for commercial use in 2023. France’s DGAC civil aviation authority is providing 50 percent of the project's undisclosed budget&nbsp;under the government’s French Recovery Plan.
Safran, which makes aircraft engines as well as electronic systems and cabin interiors, has developed the Engineus range of electric motors, which have already been selected by aircraft manufacturers such as Bye Aerospace (which uses them&nbsp;for its eFlyer family). Based on its experience working with high-power aeronautical electrical networks with voltages ranging from 800 to 1,200 volts, the group has been working on high-voltage circuit breakers to provide instantaneous protection from electric arcs.
Pyroalliance has half a century of experience in developing pyrotechnic control technology for a wide variety of aeronautics, defense, and space applications. It is part of the Ariane group.
At least two electric aircraft prototypes have been damaged in fires that broke out during maintenance work on the ground. These include the Lilium Jet eVTOL aircraft and Eviation’s Alice nine-seat fixed-wing model.

Charles Alcock

Safran Electrical & Power is working on new technology to provide instant protection against fire risks from electric arcs in the propulsion systems of eVTOL aircraft. (Image: Safran)

Safran Plans Fire Protection System for Electric Aircraft

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