Vertical Flight Society Award Recipients
Harry T. Jensen Award
Since 1986, the Society has given the Harry T. Jensen Award for an outstanding contribution to the improvement of vertical flight aircraft reliability, maintainability, and/or safety through improved design brought to fruition during the preceding year. Established by Sikorsky Aircraft, the award honors Harry Jensen’s contributions to enhance helicopter qualification, structural reliability and safety.
2026
Chinook Airframe MSG-3 Team
The Boeing Company
For pioneering MSG-3 maintenance optimization for military rotorcraft.
The Boeing Company
For pioneering MSG-3 maintenance optimization for military rotorcraft.
2025
Enhanced Maintenance Analysis Tool (EMAT) Team
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
Enhanced Maintenance Analysis Tool (EMAT) team (EMAT) uses AI and natural language processing to convert unstructured maintenance data into actionable insights, helping reduce downtime, identify failure trends, and enhance aircraft reliability across the enterprise.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
Enhanced Maintenance Analysis Tool (EMAT) team (EMAT) uses AI and natural language processing to convert unstructured maintenance data into actionable insights, helping reduce downtime, identify failure trends, and enhance aircraft reliability across the enterprise.
2024
S-92 Tail Rotor Bearing Monitoring team
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For the development, certification, and fielding of a more capable monitoring system that reduces maintenance and gives vastly increased notification time of potential bearing degradation thereby increasing the reliability, maintainability, and safety of the S-92 helicopter.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For the development, certification, and fielding of a more capable monitoring system that reduces maintenance and gives vastly increased notification time of potential bearing degradation thereby increasing the reliability, maintainability, and safety of the S-92 helicopter.
2023
Sikorsky's 5G Radar Altimeter Team
Sikorsky, A Lockheed Martin Company
The team made several breakthrough innovations toward mitigating the 5G altimeter interference issue; this has contributed to the continued safe operation of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in US airspace.
Sikorsky, A Lockheed Martin Company
The team made several breakthrough innovations toward mitigating the 5G altimeter interference issue; this has contributed to the continued safe operation of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in US airspace.
2022
Sikorsky Usage and Load Monitoring Team
For its development of world-class fleet usage monitoring capabilities, which have proven invaluable through multiple fleet sustainment needs and investigations related to safety, reliability, logistics and maintainability for the S-92, H-60 and CH-148 fleets.
For its development of world-class fleet usage monitoring capabilities, which have proven invaluable through multiple fleet sustainment needs and investigations related to safety, reliability, logistics and maintainability for the S-92, H-60 and CH-148 fleets.
2021
Joint US Army/Sikorsky H-60 Flight Safety Parts Program
US Army, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
This year, the joint US Army/Sikorsky H-60 Flight Safety Parts Program is being recognized. Initiated in the 1980s, the H-60 FSPP reached a major milestone this year: 20 million flight hours with no fatal accidents related to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) flight safety parts, demonstrating that it is a comprehensive and effective program for control of items directly affecting operational safety.
US Army, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
This year, the joint US Army/Sikorsky H-60 Flight Safety Parts Program is being recognized. Initiated in the 1980s, the H-60 FSPP reached a major milestone this year: 20 million flight hours with no fatal accidents related to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) flight safety parts, demonstrating that it is a comprehensive and effective program for control of items directly affecting operational safety.
2020
Leonardo TH-119 Certification Team
Leonardo
This year’s award is given to the Leonardo TH-119 Certification Team, the first single-engine helicopter approved for instrument flight rules (IFR) in the US since the 1990s. In photo, Leonardo TH-119 Development and Certification Lead, headed by Enzo Galli, center.
Leonardo
This year’s award is given to the Leonardo TH-119 Certification Team, the first single-engine helicopter approved for instrument flight rules (IFR) in the US since the 1990s. In photo, Leonardo TH-119 Development and Certification Lead, headed by Enzo Galli, center.
2019
CH-53K Flight Control System Team
Naval Air System Command and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team developed and successfully flight-demonstrated a low-speed control system that significantly reduces pilot workload while operating in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE).
Naval Air System Command and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team developed and successfully flight-demonstrated a low-speed control system that significantly reduces pilot workload while operating in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE).
2018
The Combat Tempered Platform Demonstration Team
Sikorsky and US Army's ADD
For bringing to fruition an integrated suite of safety and reliability technologies that can be realistically implemented together that exemplifies both operational durability and total survivability.
Sikorsky and US Army's ADD
For bringing to fruition an integrated suite of safety and reliability technologies that can be realistically implemented together that exemplifies both operational durability and total survivability.
2017
Sikorsky-Army-Navy Operations & Sustainment (O&S) Technology Development Team
Sikorsky Aircraft; US Army; US Navy
Sikorsky Aircraft; US Army; US Navy
2016
S-92 Program
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For an unprecedented one million hour safety record due to stringent transport category helicopter safety requirements developed by U.S. and international regulatory authorities, groundbreaking safety features, an extraordinary commitment to safety by operators, and Sikorsky's continued safety enhancements and fleet support
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For an unprecedented one million hour safety record due to stringent transport category helicopter safety requirements developed by U.S. and international regulatory authorities, groundbreaking safety features, an extraordinary commitment to safety by operators, and Sikorsky's continued safety enhancements and fleet support
2015
V-22 Structural Appraisal of Fatigue Effects (SAFE) Team
Bell-Boeing
A joint US Navy/Bell Boeing effort to improve V-22 safety, reliability and maintainability through a data-based determination of fatigue life expended on critical components. Some structural components are seeing a three-fold increase in life
Bell-Boeing
A joint US Navy/Bell Boeing effort to improve V-22 safety, reliability and maintainability through a data-based determination of fatigue life expended on critical components. Some structural components are seeing a three-fold increase in life
2014
S-92A Main Rotor Hub Life Extension Team
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
The award was given for the team's outstanding development and implementation of a methodology that extends component life through individual aircraft usage credits
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
The award was given for the team's outstanding development and implementation of a methodology that extends component life through individual aircraft usage credits
2013
Apache AH-64E Composite Tailboom Development Team
The team was successful in bringing composite design and manufacturing technology to military rotorcraft through successful completion of a live-fire test at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. This new technology application greatly increases reliability, durability and maintainability with improved strength, lower weight and lower recurring cost than the current Apache metallic tailboom
The team was successful in bringing composite design and manufacturing technology to military rotorcraft through successful completion of a live-fire test at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. This new technology application greatly increases reliability, durability and maintainability with improved strength, lower weight and lower recurring cost than the current Apache metallic tailboom
2012
COL Gregory Masiello
V-22 Joint Program Manager
US Marine Corps
Recognized for his efforts leading to outstanding reductions in operating costs, significant improvements in safety records and the exceedingly low mishap rate of a complex rotorcraft system
V-22 Joint Program Manager
US Marine Corps
Recognized for his efforts leading to outstanding reductions in operating costs, significant improvements in safety records and the exceedingly low mishap rate of a complex rotorcraft system
2011
Boeing Active Crash Protection System Development Team, consisting of The Boeing Company, the US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Honeywell, General Dynamics Ordnance and the University of Maryland
For developing new technologies which greatly increase the effectiveness of rotorcraft crash protection systems and significantly improve rotorcraft crash survivability.
For developing new technologies which greatly increase the effectiveness of rotorcraft crash protection systems and significantly improve rotorcraft crash survivability.
2010
Blackhawk Survivability Suite Team
US Army, Army Utility Program Office, DARPA, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, and Raytheon BBN
This team successfully achieved an innovative solution that directly addresses the primary threats to the safety and lives of US warfighters in Afghanistan and Iraq.
US Army, Army Utility Program Office, DARPA, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, and Raytheon BBN
This team successfully achieved an innovative solution that directly addresses the primary threats to the safety and lives of US warfighters in Afghanistan and Iraq.
2009
Apache Health Monitoring Team
US Army, The Boeing Company
This team, led by Dr. Jon Keller of the US Army Aviation Engineering Directorate, developed an innovative condition indicator that detects faults in the AH-64 main transmission.
US Army, The Boeing Company
This team, led by Dr. Jon Keller of the US Army Aviation Engineering Directorate, developed an innovative condition indicator that detects faults in the AH-64 main transmission.
2008
ALERTS/Appareo Systems and Bristow Group
Appareo Systems, LLC; and Bristow Group
This year the award is presented to Appareo Systems, LLC, and Bristow Group. This team has improved helicopter safety through a new product called ALERTS, Aircraft Logging and Event Recording for Safety and Training.
Appareo Systems, LLC; and Bristow Group
This year the award is presented to Appareo Systems, LLC, and Bristow Group. This team has improved helicopter safety through a new product called ALERTS, Aircraft Logging and Event Recording for Safety and Training.
2007
MDS-PRAD Technologies Corp.
MDS-PRAD Technologies Corp.
This year the award is presented to MDS-Prad Technologies Corp. This -Prince Edward Island, Canada-based corporation produces an ER-7 erosion resistant coating for the General Electric T-64 engine that powers the CH-53E Super Stallion, the MH-53E Sea Dragon and the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters.
MDS-PRAD Technologies Corp.
This year the award is presented to MDS-Prad Technologies Corp. This -Prince Edward Island, Canada-based corporation produces an ER-7 erosion resistant coating for the General Electric T-64 engine that powers the CH-53E Super Stallion, the MH-53E Sea Dragon and the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters.
2006
Joint Advanced Health and Usage Monitoring System Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration Team
The team developed the first even HUMS In-Flight Reporting System on operational military HUMS-equipped aircraft.
The team developed the first even HUMS In-Flight Reporting System on operational military HUMS-equipped aircraft.
2005
UH-60M Automatic Flight Control Team
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
This team developed and flight tested an enhanced, coupled flight director for the Black Hawk which reduces pilot workload and advances helicopter safety in approach, hover, landing and departures.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
This team developed and flight tested an enhanced, coupled flight director for the Black Hawk which reduces pilot workload and advances helicopter safety in approach, hover, landing and departures.
2004
Damage Tolerance Technology Team
NRTC/RITA
For their efforts on the NRTC/RITA Damage Tolerance Technology Team.
NRTC/RITA
For their efforts on the NRTC/RITA Damage Tolerance Technology Team.
2003
NRTC/RITA and ARL-VTD Team
Army Research Laboratory Vehicle Techlogy Directorate, BellHelicopter Textron Inc., NASA Langley Research Center, National Rotorcraft Technology Center, Rotorcraft Industry Technology Association, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., The Boeing Co.
For "Multi-Terrain Impact Safety".
Army Research Laboratory Vehicle Techlogy Directorate, BellHelicopter Textron Inc., NASA Langley Research Center, National Rotorcraft Technology Center, Rotorcraft Industry Technology Association, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., The Boeing Co.
For "Multi-Terrain Impact Safety".
2002
Cockpit Air Bag Systems Project Team
Air Crew Integrated Systems, US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Simula Safety Systems
For the successful introduction of air bag systems in helicopter cockpits.
Air Crew Integrated Systems, US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Simula Safety Systems
For the successful introduction of air bag systems in helicopter cockpits.
2001
NRTC/RITA Crash Safety & Navy Water Impact SBIR Teams
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., The Boeing Company, Sikorsky Aircraft, Simula, Dynamic Response, Inc., NAVAIR, Army - Yuma Proving Ground and the FAA
This team made significant contributions to improving helicopter crash safety for the soft soil and water impact scenarios that constitute 80 percent of helicopter crashes.
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., The Boeing Company, Sikorsky Aircraft, Simula, Dynamic Response, Inc., NAVAIR, Army - Yuma Proving Ground and the FAA
This team made significant contributions to improving helicopter crash safety for the soft soil and water impact scenarios that constitute 80 percent of helicopter crashes.
2000
The Boeing Mesa Longbow Integrated Maintenance Support System Team
Boeing-Mesa
The system provides an unprecedented capability for on-aircraft storage of maintenance and safety data as well as off-aircraft tools for data retrieval and analysis to aid the aircraft maintainer to be more accurate and efficient when performing maintenance.
Boeing-Mesa
The system provides an unprecedented capability for on-aircraft storage of maintenance and safety data as well as off-aircraft tools for data retrieval and analysis to aid the aircraft maintainer to be more accurate and efficient when performing maintenance.
1999
Apache Longbow IETM Team
The Boeing Company
The Boeing Company
1998
The MH-47E Structural Usage Monitoring Systems Team
For their original work on improving cargo helicopter reliability, maintainability and safety.
For their original work on improving cargo helicopter reliability, maintainability and safety.
1997
Sikorsky Cost Reduction Team
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For their original work on reducing helicopter operating, support and direct maintenance costs.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For their original work on reducing helicopter operating, support and direct maintenance costs.
1996
No Award Presented
1995
Technical Support Services Team
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
The Harry T. Jensen Award 1995 awarded to Sikorsky Aircraft Technical Support Services Team led by Richard E. Weich for its development of an interactive electronic technical manual.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
The Harry T. Jensen Award 1995 awarded to Sikorsky Aircraft Technical Support Services Team led by Richard E. Weich for its development of an interactive electronic technical manual.
1994
Aviation Technical Test Center
US Army
On accomplishments with its "Lead-the-Fleet" program.
US Army
On accomplishments with its "Lead-the-Fleet" program.
1993
The Teams of Bristow Helicopters/Westland Helicopters Ltd./ Helikopter Service A/S/Stewart Hughes Ltd.
Bristow Helicopters; Westland Helicopters, Ltd.; Helikopter Service A/S and Steward Hughes, Ltd.
In recognition of their development of the Helicopter Health and Usage System.
Bristow Helicopters; Westland Helicopters, Ltd.; Helikopter Service A/S and Steward Hughes, Ltd.
In recognition of their development of the Helicopter Health and Usage System.
1992
Joseph P. Cribbins
1991
James W. Turnbow, Ph.D.
For his three decades of contributions to the field of crashworthy engineering.
For his three decades of contributions to the field of crashworthy engineering.
1990
James D. Cronkhite
Bell Helicopters Textron
Bell Helicopters Textron
1989
Roy Fox
Bell
Bell
1988
Intelligent Fault Locator Team
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., US Army, ARTA, and AATD
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., US Army, ARTA, and AATD
1987
Thomas P. Dixon
1986
CH-46 Team
NAVAIR and Boeing Vertol Co.
Given for the first time, the Jensen Award recognizes work on safety, reliability and maintainability. The NAVAIR/Vertol team was honored for its work on the H-46 program.
NAVAIR and Boeing Vertol Co.
Given for the first time, the Jensen Award recognizes work on safety, reliability and maintainability. The NAVAIR/Vertol team was honored for its work on the H-46 program.
Cached June 18, 2026 11:10:08 PM CDT