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

Electra expects to start ground testing a reduced-scale technology demonstrator for its planned eSTOL aircraft later this year as it prepares to start flight testing in 2022. Last week, the program received a boost&nbsp;when the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime team awarded the Virginia-based company a Phase II small business innovation research contract to support the development of a&nbsp;hybrid-electric aircraft that is expected to be able to take off and land in distances as short as 100 feet.
The technology demonstrator will carry two people and be powered by Electra’s first 150-kW electric propulsion system, consisting of a small gas turbine, a generator, a gearbox, a rectifier, and a control system. The turbogenerator will power eight wing-mounted electric motors and charge a battery system during flights.
In early June, Electra unveiled the series production design configuration for the aircraft. It is deploying "blown lift" technology through which the electric motor-driven propellers blow air over the entire span of the wings and flaps.&nbsp;
Electra aims to complete FAA Part 23 certification of a larger version of the aircraft by 2026. This will carry a pilot and up to seven passengers and is projected to have a range of 500 miles. It&nbsp;is expected to be able to operate from less than 150 feet of runway with a landing speed of just 30 mph.
The company foresees the as-yet-unnamed eSTOL aircraft operating&nbsp;in urban and regional air passenger services, as well as for applications such as “middle mile” cargo logistics and emergency medical support.
Through Agility Prime, the USAF is evaluating a wide variety of new aircraft and their supporting technologies for possible military applications. “We look forward to exploring the unique capabilities of this design while continuing to accelerate the electric aviation industry,” commented the program’s deputy lead, Major John “Wasp” Tekell.

Charles Alcock

Electra unveiled the serious production configuration for its planned eSTOL aircraft in early June 2021. (Image: Electra)

USAF Contract Boosts Electra's eSTOL Aircraft Program

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