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

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Bombardier Global Express, XRS, 5000, 5500, 6000, and 6500

Charles Alcock

Bombardier is flight testing the first of three Global 6000s being configured for signals intelligence roles with the German army. At an event in Wichita on Wednesday with program partners Hensoldt and Lufthansa Technik, the manufacturer confirmed the first aircraft has been flying since mid-September as it is prepared for delivery next year to Hamburg, where it will be fitted with Hensoldt’s Kalaetron Integral Sigint system.
The Global aircraft is the chosen platform for the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (Pegasus) program. Systems integrator Lufthansa Technik Defense is expected to conduct flight trials with all the installed equipment in Germany in 2025 or 2026.
According to Bombardier Defense v-p Steve Patrick, the first Global 6000 will continue to be evaluated at the Canadian airframer’s Wichita Flight Test Center. Two more aircraft are being built and will begin missions testing once they are delivered to the German Army.
“This successful first flight is the result of strong collaboration and shared knowledge between Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defense, Bombardier Defense, and our suppliers to get the modified, high-performing Global 6000 for the Pegasus program in the air,” Patrick said. “With flight testing regularly underway from Bombardier’s Wichita base, the aircraft continues to gather essential certification data to improve and perfect the platform before it moves to the next stage.”

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.

Global 6000 Starts Flight Tests for German Army Surveillance Role

Flight testing on the first of three Bombardier jets is being conducted in Wichita

Bombardier Defense is partnered with Lufthansa Technik and Hensoldt to develop a signals intelligence platform for the German army based on the Global 6000 jet.

Global Starts Flight Tests for German Army Surveillance Role

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

The super-midsize jet was first announced in September

Gulfstream’s G300 Takes to the Sky

Swiss start-up has published a photo of its latest 1:9 scale demonstrator

Jekta Prepares to Fly Second Sub-Scale Electric Seaplane

Jennifer Meszaros

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.

Yivtol was one of several eVTOL aircraft developers at the Aero Asia show 

Chinese Start-up Offers Ultralight Personal eVTOL Aircraft

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.

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.

eVTOL aircraft pioneers were prominent at the show in Zhuhai

Aero Asia Show Highlights Advanced Air Mobility Ambitions

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Five different VIP cabin interiors available for derivative of C909 airliner

China’s Comac Offers Alternative to Western Business Jets

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

In this article

Global 5000 and 6000 Series

Lufthansa Technik

Hensoldt

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