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

Australian start-up V-Star Powered Lift Aviation plans to buy up to 100 of Horizon Aircraft’s in-development Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft. The letter of intent signed by the companies at the Farnborough Airshow on Tuesday covers five firm orders and options for another 95.
Adelaide-based V-Star is preparing to launch medical emergency air services with the six-passenger Cavorite, which is expected to have a range of 432 nm and a top speed of about 250 knots. Canada-based Horizon plans to start flying a full-scale prototype in 2027.
V-Star has been founded by Tony Laws, who also runs Airmid Training Solutions in Australia. “Flying at nearly twice the speed of helicopters, the addition of Cavorite X7s to our fleet will be a critical advantage to help people in need when minutes matter,” he commented. “V-Star is committed to delivering leading powered-lift technologies across Australia to improve outcomes on critical missions, and this letter of intent with Horizon Aircraft brings us one step closer to a new standard for emergency services operations and cost-effective transport solutions in regional Australia.”
The deal was valued at $600 million, which implies a purchase price of $6 million per aircraft.

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.

Australian Medevac Operator V-Star Commits for Horizon’s Cavorite X7 VTOL

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Australia’s V-Star Commits for Horizon’s Cavorite X7 VTOL

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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 about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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.

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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.

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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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