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

GKN Aerospace and Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada are joining forces to develop the high-voltage, high-power electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) for the hybrid-electric flight demonstrator project led by Raytheon Technologies. The overall program&nbsp;seeks&nbsp;to achieve a 30 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions compared with current regional airliners.
The propulsion system to be used for the <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-05-19/h55-supply-battery-system-pratt-whitneys-hybrid-electric-regional-aircraft">demonstrator system</a> combines a one-megawatt&nbsp;electric motor developed by Collins Aerospace with an as-yet-unspecified Pratt &amp; Whitney engine. Both companies are part of the Raytheon Technologies group, and the project is based in Montreal.
A Netherlands-based GKN team is leading the work on the EWIS. After the design phase is complete, the company will be responsible for building the hardware and installing it on a demonstrator aircraft, which is expected to be ready to start flight testing in 2024. The tests are expected to use a Dash 8 twin turboprop aircraft as a flying test bed for the propulsion system.
GKN and several partners are also involved in the SWITCH hybrid-electric propulsion project, which is backed by the European Union’s <a href="https://www.futureflight.aero/news-article/2022-11-29/funding-approved-develop-hybrid-electric-turbofan-narrowbody-airliners">Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking</a>. The group is also involved in separate work to explore various options for hydrogen propulsion. It has also developed wiring systems for new eVTOL aircraft, including those being developed by Lilium and Vertical Aerospace.
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Charles Alcock

The Raytheon Technologies-led hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator project is expected to use a Dash 8 aircraft for flight testing due to start in 2024. (Image: Raytheon Technologies)

GKN and Pratt & Whitney Collaborate on Hybrid-electric Demonstrator Project

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