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

Rolls-Royce has completed a $1 billion upgrade to its manufacturing, assembly, and test center in Indiana. The company has modernized the manufacturing capability at its Indianapolis campus, as well as expanded test capabilities, including a new altitude test facility at the nearby West Lafayette site.
The main focus of what has been a decade-long investment program is to enhance Rolls-Royce propulsion contributions to key defense platforms, including the BR725-derivative turbofan being developed for the U.S. Air Force’s re-engined B-52 bomber and the AE 1107F turboshaft for the U.S. Army’s Bell MV-75 Cheyenne II tiltrotor. The company also makes engines for the current V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, as well as the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray drone and the C-130J transport aircraft.
According to Rolls-Royce, the completed works represent the UK-based group’s largest investment to date in the U.S. The company directly employs 3,500 people in Indianapolis, with thousands more jobs forming part of its local supply chain in Indiana.
The Indianapolis campus also houses Rolls-Royce’s LibertyWorks advanced-research organization, which is focused on the development of high-temperature materials and propulsion systems. The manufacturer has committed $75 million to joint research and development work with Purdue University.

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

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Indianapolis Engine Site Upgrade 

Improved engine production and test facilities are mainly focused on military programs

Engine maker Rolls-Royce has made its largest investment to date in its U.S. manufacturing and test facilities in the Indianapolis area.

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Engine Site Upgrade

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

Lack of Funding Shuts Hydrogen Propulsion Pioneer Stralis

Matt Thurber

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 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.

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

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 information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Charlotte Bailey

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration 

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.

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

Cristofer Slotoroff

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.

More In Engines

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

Lack of Funding Shuts Hydrogen Propulsion Pioneer Stralis

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

EASA Issues Type Certificate for AW09 Arriel 2K Engine

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

BOC Aviation Locks In Engines for Narrowbody Orders

Lessor books up to 520 powerplants

Emerald Airlines Signs P&WC Engine Mx Deal

Agreement covers engine maintenance for the Aer Lingus Regional operator’s ATR 72-600 fleet through 2030

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