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

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is helping Electra Aero to accelerate development of its hybrid-electric EL9 ultra-short take-off and landing aircraft. On June 19 at the Paris Air Show, the U.S. defense group, which is an investor in the Virginia-based start-up, signed a memorandum of understanding to support the program.
The Lockheed Martin advanced technology unit will help Electra with tasks including digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and sustainment preparations, and global business development. The Skunk Works and Electra teams will also jointly assess opportunities to work on programs of record with the U.S. Department of Defense and foreign military agencies.
The EL9 is being developed for both defense and commercial applications that could include regional air services, last-mile logistics, emergency response and mobile power generation. According to Electra, it will be able to takeoff and land in 150 feet and from unprepared surfaces and with a range of over 1,000 miles. The airplane’s projected payload is around 1,000 pounds.
“Lockheed Martin’s breadth of manufacturing, supply chain and military customer expertise is the perfect complement to Electra’s EL9 commercialization strategy,”&nbsp;said Marc Allen, CEO of Electra.&nbsp;“This relationship will accelerate our speed to market to bring the EL9’s transformative capabilities to our military customers.”&nbsp;&nbsp;
In 2022, Lockheed Martin Ventures invested in Electra’s Series A funding round. 
&nbsp;

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.

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Backs Electra's EL9 Ultra-Short Aircraft

Partnership will explore opportunities to be involved in U.S. defense programs 

Lockheed Martin will support Electra with digital engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and sustainment preparations, and global business development.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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

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.

Aernnova will provide the D328eco's empennage and Garmin is supplying its avionics suite

Deutsche Aircraft Names Key Suppliers For D328eco Airliner

David Donald

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.

Breaking news from Paris Airshow 2025

Paris 2025 Newsbriefs Day 4

Hanneke Weitering

Motor will power hybrid-electric flight demonstrators

Collins Aerospace Goes Bigger with Megawatt Motor

Kerry Lynch

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

ATR had its strongest first half in the past several years

JSX To Launch ATR Service as OEM Sees Overall Market Growth

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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.

Already a major player in Europe, BDS foresees considerable expansion in the continent

Boeing Defense Grows Business in Europe

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Paris Air Show 2025

More In Aircraft

Deutsche Aircraft Names Key Suppliers For D328eco Airliner

Aernnova will provide the D328eco's empennage and Garmin is supplying its avionics suite

Paris 2025 Newsbriefs Day 4

Breaking news from Paris Airshow 2025

Collins Aerospace Goes Bigger with Megawatt Motor

Motor will power hybrid-electric flight demonstrators

JSX To Launch ATR Service as OEM Sees Overall Market Growth

ATR had its strongest first half in the past several years

Boeing Defense Grows Business in Europe

Already a major player in Europe, BDS foresees considerable expansion in the continent

U.S. eVTOL Pioneers Warn against Parochial Approach

Industry leaders addressed a roundtable discussion organized by the state of Ohio

Airbus Widebody, Rotorcraft Order Book Grows

MNG, Starlux, Egyptair sign agreements for A350-1000s and -900s, and A350Fs

Embraer Scores Airliner and Military Deals

Skywest’s $3.6 billion deal could include up to 110 E-175s

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN