Vertical Flight Society Award Recipients
Igor I. Sikorsky International Trophy
The Igor I. Sikorsky International Trophy, created by Sikorsky Aircraft in 1961, honors the memory of a true pioneer in aeronautics, an extraordinary engineer, designer, entrepreneur, and occasional test pilot, responsible for transforming the helicopter from the realm of the experimental to the reality of the production line. The award is given to the company or consortium that designs and builds a helicopter establishing an official world record during the preceding year in the official E-1 categories prescribed by the rules of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
2024
No Award Presented
2023
No Award Presented
2022
No Award Presented
2021
No Award Presented
2020
No Award Presented
2019
No Award Presented
2018
No Award Presented
2017
No Award Presented
2016
No Award Presented
2015
No Award Presented
2014
No Award Presented
2013
No Award Presented
2012
Gamera Team
University of Maryland
On July 13, 2011, the human powered helicopter Gamera achieved lift-off and hovered for 11.4 seconds, setting a new U.S. national duration record. Additionally the flight was also a record for duration of a human powered helicopter flown by a woman. These records were certified by the FAI
University of Maryland
On July 13, 2011, the human powered helicopter Gamera achieved lift-off and hovered for 11.4 seconds, setting a new U.S. national duration record. Additionally the flight was also a record for duration of a human powered helicopter flown by a woman. These records were certified by the FAI
2011
No Award Presented
2010
No Award Presented
2009
AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland
On August 18, 2008, a factory standard AgustaWestland Grand helicopter, flown by pilots Scott Kasprowicz and Steve Sheik, set a new world speed record for circling the globe in only 11 days and seven hours.
AgustaWestland
On August 18, 2008, a factory standard AgustaWestland Grand helicopter, flown by pilots Scott Kasprowicz and Steve Sheik, set a new world speed record for circling the globe in only 11 days and seven hours.
2008
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
Bell Helicopter Textron won the Society’s Igor I. Sikorsky International Trophy for this mission. The Sikorsky Trophy is given to the company which is the designer and builder of a pure helicopter establishing an official world record during the preceding calendar year in the official class E-1 categories established by the rules of the Federation Aeronautique International for maximum speed, altitude, distance or payload, speed over a closed circuit distance (pole to pole) and or around the world speed.
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
Bell Helicopter Textron won the Society’s Igor I. Sikorsky International Trophy for this mission. The Sikorsky Trophy is given to the company which is the designer and builder of a pure helicopter establishing an official world record during the preceding calendar year in the official class E-1 categories established by the rules of the Federation Aeronautique International for maximum speed, altitude, distance or payload, speed over a closed circuit distance (pole to pole) and or around the world speed.
2007
No Award Presented
2006
Eurocopter
Production of its AS350B3 – piloted by test pilot Didier Delsalle – established a new altitude record on May 14, 2005 by landing on ths summit of Mt. Everest.
Production of its AS350B3 – piloted by test pilot Didier Delsalle – established a new altitude record on May 14, 2005 by landing on ths summit of Mt. Everest.
2005
No Award Presented
2004
No Award Presented
2003
No Award Presented
2002
No Award Presented
2001
No Award Presented
2000
No Award Presented
1999
No Award Presented
1998
No Award Presented
1997
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., the designer and manufacturer of the Bell 430 helicopter won for the flight piloted by Ron Bower and John Williams which established a new, around-the-world record for helicopters. Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., was first awardee of Sikorsky International Trophy this year.
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., the designer and manufacturer of the Bell 430 helicopter won for the flight piloted by Ron Bower and John Williams which established a new, around-the-world record for helicopters. Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., was first awardee of Sikorsky International Trophy this year.
Bruno Guimbal
The second awardee Mr. Bruno Guimbal was honored for setting a new world distance record in Category E-1(a) for light piston helicopters. Mr Guimbal designed and manufactured the Cabir helicopter which he flew from Paris to valence establishing a new FAI-certified world distance record of 481.23.
The second awardee Mr. Bruno Guimbal was honored for setting a new world distance record in Category E-1(a) for light piston helicopters. Mr Guimbal designed and manufactured the Cabir helicopter which he flew from Paris to valence establishing a new FAI-certified world distance record of 481.23.
1996
No Award Presented
1995
Bell Helicopter Textron - Canada
Bell Helicopter Textron Company
For a new world speed record for pure helicopters, set by Ron Bower at the Controls of a Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger. Bower completed the mission in 229.2 hours in 24 days, 4 hours and 36 minutes without any unscheduled maintenance.
Bell Helicopter Textron Company
For a new world speed record for pure helicopters, set by Ron Bower at the Controls of a Bell 206B3 Jet Ranger. Bower completed the mission in 229.2 hours in 24 days, 4 hours and 36 minutes without any unscheduled maintenance.
1994
Global Helicopter Technology and LHTEC
For setting two world records in a modified Bell US-1H helicopter.
For setting two world records in a modified Bell US-1H helicopter.
1993
Andrew Logan
Vice President, Commercial Programs
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems
For the MDHS 520N NOTAR speed record.
Vice President, Commercial Programs
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems
For the MDHS 520N NOTAR speed record.
1992
Eurocopter France
1991
Robinson Helicopter Co.
For the second year in a row for establishing three more world records.
For the second year in a row for establishing three more world records.
1990
Robinson Helicopter Co.
In recognition of the clean sweep of all Class E-la light helicopter records now held by the Robinson R22.
In recognition of the clean sweep of all Class E-la light helicopter records now held by the Robinson R22.
1989
No Award Presented
1988
No Award Presented
1987
Westland Helicopters Ltd.
1986
No Award Presented
1985
No Award Presented
1984
No Award Presented
1983
H. Ross Perot, Jr. and Jay W. Coburn
Perot and Coburn were honored in recognition of their completion of the first ever around the world helicopter flight, which demonstrated their courage and skill as pilots and the durability and versatility of the helicopter.
Perot and Coburn were honored in recognition of their completion of the first ever around the world helicopter flight, which demonstrated their courage and skill as pilots and the durability and versatility of the helicopter.
1982
Sikorsky Aircraft
In recognition of the twelve class records, one of which was an official Class E-1 record which includes all helicopters, set by their S-76 helicopter.
In recognition of the twelve class records, one of which was an official Class E-1 record which includes all helicopters, set by their S-76 helicopter.
1981
No Award Presented
1980
No Award Presented
1979
No Award Presented
1978
No Award Presented
1977
No Award Presented
1976
No Award Presented
1975
No Award Presented
1974
No Award Presented
1973
No Award Presented
1972
Sikorsky Aircraft Division
United Aircraft Corp.
For the World Altitude Record in Horizontal Flight without Payload 36,122 ft. established on November 5, 1971, by the CH-54B Helicopter.
United Aircraft Corp.
For the World Altitude Record in Horizontal Flight without Payload 36,122 ft. established on November 5, 1971, by the CH-54B Helicopter.
1971
Sikorsky Aircraft
For the 15/25 Km. speed record at 220.8 MPH taken by the S-67 Blackhawk helicopter which officially makes this aircraft the fastest pure helicopter in the world.
For the 15/25 Km. speed record at 220.8 MPH taken by the S-67 Blackhawk helicopter which officially makes this aircraft the fastest pure helicopter in the world.
1970
Mikhail L. Mil Design Team
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
For the establishment of an F.A.I. Category E-1 World Record "Greatest Load carried to an altitude of 2000 meters" of 40,204.5 kgs. (88,634 lbs.) on August 6, 1969.
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
For the establishment of an F.A.I. Category E-1 World Record "Greatest Load carried to an altitude of 2000 meters" of 40,204.5 kgs. (88,634 lbs.) on August 6, 1969.
1969
No Award Presented
1968
No Award Presented
1967
Aircraft Division
Hughes Tool Company
In recognition of outstanding achievement in the advancement of the helicopter art by the establishment of an official world record.
Hughes Tool Company
In recognition of outstanding achievement in the advancement of the helicopter art by the establishment of an official world record.
1966
Aircraft Division
Hughes Tool Co.
As designer and builder of the U. S. Navy SH-3A, which established a new F.A.I. World Helicopter Record for Distance in a Straight Line of 2,105.4 miles, piloted by Cdr. James R. Williford and Lt. David A. Beil.
Hughes Tool Co.
As designer and builder of the U. S. Navy SH-3A, which established a new F.A.I. World Helicopter Record for Distance in a Straight Line of 2,105.4 miles, piloted by Cdr. James R. Williford and Lt. David A. Beil.
1965
No Award Presented
1964
Sud Aviation, Jean Boulet
Test Pilot
Sud Aviation
For the establishment of the 15/25 kilometer world speed record (FAI category E-1) of 350.4 KM/ HR (217.7 MPH) on July 23, 1963.
Test Pilot
Sud Aviation
For the establishment of the 15/25 kilometer world speed record (FAI category E-1) of 350.4 KM/ HR (217.7 MPH) on July 23, 1963.
1963
Lt. Robert W. Crafton, Capt. Louis K. Keck
US Navy, US Marine Corps, and Naval Air Test Center
For the establishment of the 15/25 kilometer speed record on 5 February, 1962; 339 KPH (210.6 MPH).
US Navy, US Marine Corps, and Naval Air Test Center
For the establishment of the 15/25 kilometer speed record on 5 February, 1962; 339 KPH (210.6 MPH).
1962
Mikhail L. Mil Design Team
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
For the establishment of the 15/25 kilometer speed record on 28 September, 1961; 320 KPH (198.8 MPH).
Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
For the establishment of the 15/25 kilometer speed record on 28 September, 1961; 320 KPH (198.8 MPH).
1961
No Award Presented
Cached June 18, 2026 11:10:24 PM CDT