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

Honeywell Aerospace and partners have completed the integration of the subsystems composing the hydrogen-electric propulsion system they are developing under European Union-backed Project Newborn. On September 17, the U.S.-based group reported that its engineering team in Brno, Czech Republic, has established a functional hydrogen power source capable of generating and supplying electricity for an aircraft.
Project Newborn is targeting development of a megawatt-class propulsion system for a future aircraft certified under EASA’s Part CS-23 rules. The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2025-10-06/project-newborn-team-targets-hydrogen-flights-2028">program</a>, funded by the EU Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, aims to support flight tests with a demonstrator aircraft in 2028.
According to Honeywell, the hydrogen fuel cells are now fully integrated with other subsystems, and engineers have verified that the electrical power source functions correctly. The next stage of the project will involve a ground demonstration of the complete propulsion system in which the hydrogen power source and batteries will supply electricity to an electric motor driving an aircraft propeller.&nbsp;
The integrated power source system will be transferred to Gorizia in Italy for testing that will culminate in the full integration of other parts of the propulsion system that Honeywell is developing with Textron Aviation subsidiary Pipistrel and the UK’s University of Nottingham. The fuel cell power source will be connected to batteries provided by Pipistrel, which has already brought the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-26/pipistrel-delivers-first-electric-trainer-us-flight-school">Velis Electro</a> two-seat electric training aircraft to market.
For hydrogen fuel cell testing, Honeywell built a platform that replicates a range of aircraft functions and is using it to expand the power range and evaluate the system’s stability and resilience. This installation, which includes an independent power source, fluid distribution, electrical and heat-rejection systems, and a control room, is operated at a site near Prague by program partner&nbsp;ÚJV Řež.
Project Newborn involves 18 companies and organizations that also include PowerCell, Fraunhofer, and Test-Fuchs for the development of the electrical power source and related equipment. Modeling, simulations, and integration studies have involved Siemens Industry Software, KU Leuven, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, and the Italian aerospace research agency CIRA.

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

Honeywell Integrates Power Source for Hydrogen Propulsion Trials

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The hydrogen propulsion system being developed by Honeywell and Project Newborn partners now has a functioning power source and is ready for further tests.

Honeywell Integrates Hydrogen Propulsion Power Source 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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