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

Wright Electric is preparing to start ground testing prototypes of the 2-megawatt WM2500 electric propulsion system (EPS) it is developing for commercial airliners. This week, the company reported that it now has a test stand to install at its facility in New York State with a view to expanding the scope of tests in the next few months.
The test stand has been constructed with the support of Polish company REA Space and the Rzeszow University of Technology. It incorporates a 7,000-pound-thrust Lycoming LF507-1 turbofan engine donated by Executive Jet Support, since this is representative of the propulsion loads required for regional jets.
With support from CFS Aeroproducts and Avalon Aero, Wright has converted the engine into a single-stream configuration that is compatible with electric motors. Initial testing with Wright’s first-generation EPS will be conducted with thrust settings limited to 500 kilowatts, but once the second-generation version is built, testing will be extended to full power.
Wright recently completed high-altitude chamber testing with the first example of the WM2500 using NASA’s ground-based Electric Aircraft Testbed. The test simulated operations at an altitude of 40,000 feet.
“We’re continuing testing different simulated flight conditions using our in-house dyno in our laboratory in Malta, New York,” said Jeff Engler, Wright Electric’s CEO. “Then we’ll shift to propulsion testing on the new stand, and after that we’ll shift to ground and flight testing on an aircraft.”
Initial plans envisage the WM2500 being used for 100-seater airliners, with the potential for the propulsion system to be scaled up for larger aircraft. Wright has received financial support for earlier work from the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E ASCEND program.
According to Engler, it has had interest for possible applications of the EPS from three areas. These include large turboprop aircraft, such as the C-130 military transport; medium-sized regional airliners like the ATR72; and regional jets of the size of the BAe 146 family. The propulsion system is designed to work with either ducted fans or propellers.

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

Wright Set To Expand Regional Airliner Electric Propulsion System Tests

Thrust test stand has been manufactured and is being installed in New York

Wright Electric will soon begin ground testing with an initial prototype for the 2-megawatt WM2500 electric propulsion system it is developing for airliners.

Wright Prepares To Expand Electric Propulsion System Tests

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Principals in motorcycle engine design make sense for aviation.

Kawasaki’s Clean-sheet Aero Engine Design Draws on Motorcycle Engineering Expertise

Kerry Lynch

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.

 HTF7000 turbofan fleet hit 10 million flight hours last year

StandardAero Takes 1,500th HTF7000 for Heavy Mx 

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 and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Meanwhile, eVTOL aircraft developer Volocopter is being integrated by new owner Diamond

Diamond Aircraft Leads Hydrogen-electric Hybrid Propulsion Project

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Boom moves into Reaction Engines’ former hypersonic test facility

Boom Picks Supersonic Engine Test Site in Colorado

Matt Thurber

After five years, Harbour Air's eBeaver is about to achieve its 100th flight

MagniX Electric Aircraft Engine Notches Key Milestones

Amy Wilder

Collaboration, hydrogen fuel potential drives Kawasaki engine effort

Kawasaki Targets 2030 for Piston Engine Certification

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

More In Engines

Kawasaki’s Clean-sheet Aero Engine Design Draws on Motorcycle Engineering Expertise

Principals in motorcycle engine design make sense for aviation.

StandardAero Takes 1,500th HTF7000 for Heavy Mx

HTF7000 turbofan fleet hit 10 million flight hours last year

Diamond Aircraft Leads Hydrogen-electric Hybrid Propulsion Project

Meanwhile, eVTOL aircraft developer Volocopter is being integrated by new owner Diamond

Boom Picks Supersonic Engine Test Site in Colorado

Boom moves into Reaction Engines’ former hypersonic test facility

MagniX Electric Aircraft Engine Notches Key Milestones

After five years, Harbour Air's eBeaver is about to achieve its 100th flight

Kawasaki Targets 2030 for Piston Engine Certification

Collaboration, hydrogen fuel potential drives Kawasaki engine effort

Hydrogen Pioneer Says First Aircraft Will Be in Service by 2030

H2Fly co-founder says availability of renewable energy to produce hydrogen fuel is critical

Igniter Deal Boosts C&L’s Engine Support

Deal expands ignition parts support for regional jets

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN