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

Safran Helicopter Engines will supply its TG600 turbogenerator as a key element in Electra’s in-development EL9 Ultra Short hybrid-electric aircraft. The 600-kilowatt generator, which is based on Safran’s Arrano turboshaft, will operate in conjunction with the Evolito electric motors that <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-10-13/electra-selects-evolito-power-el9-hybrid-electric-aircraft">Electra selected last year</a>.
The companies announced their partnership on Wednesday, building on an earlier memorandum of understanding, with Electra agreeing to buy an initial 250 examples of the TG600. The turbogenerator combines a gas turbine with a pair of GENeUs electric generators made by Safran’s Electrical &amp; Power business unit.
Earlier this month, Safran Helicopter Engines carried out its first bench test on the TG600 at its facility in Bordes, France. This turbogenerator is being prepared for the start of flight testing with the EL9, which is <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2026-06-02/electra-completes-first-urban-demonstration-flight">expected in 2027</a>.
On July 10, the FAA granted Electra the G-1 issue paper that establishes the certification basis for the nine-passenger EL9 aircraft as the company works toward completing Part 23 type certification by the end of 2029. Electra applied for the issue paper seven months ago and has now established the regulatory foundation for technologies including the hybrid-electric propulsion system, its blown-lift wing for takeoffs and landings in just 150 feet, and fly-by-wire controls.
According to Electra, the EL9 will enable new air routes that could replace thousands of road journeys in markets including the U.S. The Virginia-based company’s recent Direct Aviation Market Outlook identified potential demand for between 12,000 and 16,000 aircraft in this regional air service sector over the next 10 years.

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

Safran Turbogenerator Will Power Electra’s Hybrid-electric EL9 Aircraft

Electra recently received FAA G-1 issue paper defining certification path

Safran Helicopter Engines will supply the TG600 turbogenerator that, with Evolito’s electric motors, will power Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short regional aircraft. 

Safran Turbogenerator Will Power Electra Hybrid Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Claims the new process is more efficient, with less operational disruption

Pratt & Whitney Adds AI To Borescope Inspections

Charlotte Bailey

Open-fan narrowbody architecture on track to achieve predetermined efficiency milestones 

All RISE for Increasing Focus on Durability 

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.

New initiative focused on commercial applications for electric hydrogen fuel cell engines

Airbus and MTU Launch Hydrogen Propulsion Venture 

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.

UK engineering center of excellence is focused on ElecTRAS improvements 

Collins Advances Electric Thrust Reverser Technology

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.

Fully digital system makes business aviation debut with Pearl 15 

Bombardier, Rolls-Royce Expand Engine Health Monitoring

A simple explanation of how hydrogen fuel cells work for aircraft.

How Hydrogen Can Generate Electricity To Power Aircraft

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

In this article

Safran Helicopter Engines

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UK engineering center of excellence is focused on ElecTRAS improvements

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Engine maker says it is now preparing to start flight testing

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Electric ducted fans provide vertical lift without tilting

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