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

GE Aerospace has completed ground testing of a megawatt-class hybrid-electric propulsion system developed as part of NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project. The engine maker announced the milestone on June 2 and said it is now preparing for flight tests that will involve a converted Saab 340 twin turboprop regional airliner.
According to GE, the latest tests were the first that evaluated a fully integrated system that includes motor/generators it has developed, as well as controllers and power converters and inverters. The group’s Dowty and Avio Aero divisions, respectively, provided propellers plus a gearbox and a CT7 turboprop engine. The hardware also includes batteries supplied by BAE Systems, and Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences provided the nacelle.
The test campaign at GE’s Peebles Test Operation in Ohio simulated various flight phases, such as taxi, takeoff, climb, and cruise. The electric powertrain powered the propeller and generated power to the batteries.
For the latest phase of a testing program that has spanned more than a decade, GE used flight-worthy components with higher safety and reliability requirements in order to get closer to a commercial-grade hybrid-electric propulsion system. Last year, the company concluded earlier ground testing with a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2026-01-27/ge-completes-hybrid-electric-engine-demonstrator-ground-test">modified Passport business jet engine</a>.
<h2>Powering Future Airliners</h2>
“Step by step, we’re proving hybrid-electric engine technology for next-generation commercial aircraft,” said GE Aerospace v-p for the future of flight Arjan Hegeman. “This latest ground test of a complete hybrid-electric powertrain positions GE Aerospace to have the technologies ready to meet customer needs for greater durability, efficiency, and range of future propulsion systems.”
GE has signaled its intention to apply hybrid-electric technology for propulsion applications using new fuels and also for new engine architectures like its Open Fan design. Building on its work with NASA—including the EPFD project for which it was contracted in 2021—the manufacturer is seeking to apply more-electric engine applications through the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program it is conducting through its CFM International joint venture with Safran. This is targeting 20% reductions in carbon emissions through improved fuel efficiency.
Last year, GE invested in electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies and launched a joint program to co-develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for advanced air mobility applications. Announcing the initiative in September, the partners said the new powertrain could be based on existing GE engines, such as the CT7 or T700.

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

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As part of long-running work with NASA for future airliner propulsion systems, GE has completed ground testing with a megawatt-class hybrid-electric powertrain.

GE Completes Hybrid-electric Powertrain Ground Tests

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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