Vertical Flight Society Award Recipients
Robert L. Pinckney Award
The Robert L. Pinckney Award is given for a notable achievement in manufacturing research and development for vertical flight aircraft or components brought to fruition in the preceding year. The Award was created by Boeing in 1995 to honor the memory of Robert L. Pinckney, an eminent manufacturing engineer.
2026
Airbus Helicopters Rotor Blade Team
Airbus Helicopters
For industrializing a breakthrough infusion-based manufacturing process for the H145 five-bladed rotor system.
Airbus Helicopters
For industrializing a breakthrough infusion-based manufacturing process for the H145 five-bladed rotor system.
2025
Automated Blade Sanding Team
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team developed and implemented a robotic blade sanding system that improves quality, increases production throughput and eliminates ergonomic risks. Now in full production, the system also delivers significant cost savings and is adaptable for future aircraft models.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team developed and implemented a robotic blade sanding system that improves quality, increases production throughput and eliminates ergonomic risks. Now in full production, the system also delivers significant cost savings and is adaptable for future aircraft models.
2024
AFO Operator-Assisted Robotic FOD Verification
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team successfully completed the development of a complex FOD verification solution, comprised of a Cobot-based, operator-initiated autonomous verification system and a handheld Camera on a Stick (COAST) that is operated by represented personnel.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team successfully completed the development of a complex FOD verification solution, comprised of a Cobot-based, operator-initiated autonomous verification system and a handheld Camera on a Stick (COAST) that is operated by represented personnel.
2023
Data Collection Electronic Logging System (DCELS) Deployment Team
The Boeing Company
The team successfully developed and implemented DCELS software to connect an advanced torque tool, measurement system and other hand tools directly to a records keeping system. The streamlined process facilitated significant time savings and the removal of a second inspector, saving the Apache program nearly $700,000 annually.
The Boeing Company
The team successfully developed and implemented DCELS software to connect an advanced torque tool, measurement system and other hand tools directly to a records keeping system. The streamlined process facilitated significant time savings and the removal of a second inspector, saving the Apache program nearly $700,000 annually.
2022
The 3D Printed Aircraft Parts Team
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
he team successfully developed and implemented 3D printed parts on H-60 production aircraft, as well as the company’s Raider X competitive prototype.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
he team successfully developed and implemented 3D printed parts on H-60 production aircraft, as well as the company’s Raider X competitive prototype.
2021
Raider X Main Rotor Blade (MRB) Spar Team
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
This year’s award is given to Sikorsky’s Raider X Main Rotor Blade (MRB) Spar Team, Eric Dunn and Keith Schenone, who developed novel tooling strategies, leveraging additive manufacturing and the digital thread, to rapidly implement robust manufacturing methods for a complex high-performance rigid main rotor blade spar to meet the demands of US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
This year’s award is given to Sikorsky’s Raider X Main Rotor Blade (MRB) Spar Team, Eric Dunn and Keith Schenone, who developed novel tooling strategies, leveraging additive manufacturing and the digital thread, to rapidly implement robust manufacturing methods for a complex high-performance rigid main rotor blade spar to meet the demands of US Army’s Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.
2020
Assembly and Flight Operations (AFO) Laser Ablation Team
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team led the first successful implementation of a Class 4 Laser system for use in a production facility on military aircraft. Over the last four years, is has proven a 95% reduction in labor when compared to traditional paint removal methods.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
The team led the first successful implementation of a Class 4 Laser system for use in a production facility on military aircraft. Over the last four years, is has proven a 95% reduction in labor when compared to traditional paint removal methods.
2019
FARDS Demonstration Gear Box Development Team
US Army ADD and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company
This year’s recipient was the Future Advanced Rotorcraft Drive System (FARDS) Demonstration Gear Box Development Team. The team demonstrated the ability to develop drive system technologies with the performance and cost characteristics necessary to enable the Army’s Future Vertical Lift and Black Hawk Upgrade platforms.
US Army ADD and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company
This year’s recipient was the Future Advanced Rotorcraft Drive System (FARDS) Demonstration Gear Box Development Team. The team demonstrated the ability to develop drive system technologies with the performance and cost characteristics necessary to enable the Army’s Future Vertical Lift and Black Hawk Upgrade platforms.
2018
CH-53K Drive System Development Team
US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)/Sikorsky
The team developed the largest helicopter main gearbox in the Western world.
US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)/Sikorsky
The team developed the largest helicopter main gearbox in the Western world.
2017
Advanced Blade Erosion Program Team
Bell Helicopter Textron; The Boeing Company; Hayden Corporation; US Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR)
For its RotorShield flame spray coating which doubles erosion performance on the V‑22 Osprey.
Bell Helicopter Textron; The Boeing Company; Hayden Corporation; US Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR)
For its RotorShield flame spray coating which doubles erosion performance on the V‑22 Osprey.
2016
V-280 Wing Development Team
Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin
From innovative product design to next generation composite materials and fabrication processes, the V-280 wing design results in greater than 50% nonrecurring savings and 57% recurring savings over legacy tiltrotor wings with a raw material utilization improvement of 25%
Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin
From innovative product design to next generation composite materials and fabrication processes, the V-280 wing design results in greater than 50% nonrecurring savings and 57% recurring savings over legacy tiltrotor wings with a raw material utilization improvement of 25%
2015
S-97 Raider Helicopter Fuselage Development Team
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For demonstrating the viability of designing, tooling, manufacturing and assembling a rotorcraft fuselage that is 70% composite (by weight) in a rapid prototyping environment
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For demonstrating the viability of designing, tooling, manufacturing and assembling a rotorcraft fuselage that is 70% composite (by weight) in a rapid prototyping environment
2014
H-1 Pourable Foam Stiffened Structure (PFSS) Team
Bell Helicopter and US Navy (NAVAIR)
For the development of a unique elevator design utilizing carbon/epoxy skin laminates and urethane foam core.
Bell Helicopter and US Navy (NAVAIR)
For the development of a unique elevator design utilizing carbon/epoxy skin laminates and urethane foam core.
2013
V-22 Large Cell Composite Core Flaperon Team
Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopter Co.
For its focus on cost-reduction initiatives, reliability and maintainability
Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopter Co.
For its focus on cost-reduction initiatives, reliability and maintainability
2012
CH-53K Virtual Design Team
NAVAIR and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For its use of virtual design tools to improve design and manufacturing efficiencies. The team successfully implemented and used the system to vastly reduce design and manufacturing costs during preliminary and critical design phases
NAVAIR and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For its use of virtual design tools to improve design and manufacturing efficiencies. The team successfully implemented and used the system to vastly reduce design and manufacturing costs during preliminary and critical design phases
2011
No Award Presented
2010
The PROMETAL RCT/Sikorsky Digital Casting Team
PROMETAL RCT and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For developing and producing defect-free magnesium sand castings from digital molds with a 50 percent reduction in lead time.
PROMETAL RCT and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For developing and producing defect-free magnesium sand castings from digital molds with a 50 percent reduction in lead time.
2009
RDS-21 (Face Gear) Development Team
US Army (AATD) and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
The team is recognized for developing an additional gear concept that reduces the number of stages in transmission systems, reduces overall gearbox weight and height requirements, and significantly improves designs that require high ratio reductions in an individual stage.
US Army (AATD) and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
The team is recognized for developing an additional gear concept that reduces the number of stages in transmission systems, reduces overall gearbox weight and height requirements, and significantly improves designs that require high ratio reductions in an individual stage.
2008
Survivable Affordable Repairable Airframe Program (SARAP) Virtual Prototype and Validation Development Team
US Army and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
This year’s recipient is the US Army / Sikorsky Survivable Affordable Repairable Airframe Program (SARAP) Virtual Prototype and Validation Development Team. The team is recognized for validating the innovative design and manufacture of advanced composite structures to achieve aggressive weight reduction and recurring and non-recurring cost reductions.
US Army and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
This year’s recipient is the US Army / Sikorsky Survivable Affordable Repairable Airframe Program (SARAP) Virtual Prototype and Validation Development Team. The team is recognized for validating the innovative design and manufacture of advanced composite structures to achieve aggressive weight reduction and recurring and non-recurring cost reductions.
2007
Paul Oldroyd and Tricia Hiros
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
This year’s recipients are Paul Oldroyd, Chief Manufacturing R & D and Tricia Hiros of Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. They led a process development team at the coupon level, sub-component level, and were key participants in the flight-demo yoke program which demonstrated the Fiber-Placed yoke concept and validated the benefit. Subsequently, they were the principle drivers during the development and implementation of the Fiber-Placed yoke concept on the Bell Model 429.
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
This year’s recipients are Paul Oldroyd, Chief Manufacturing R & D and Tricia Hiros of Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. They led a process development team at the coupon level, sub-component level, and were key participants in the flight-demo yoke program which demonstrated the Fiber-Placed yoke concept and validated the benefit. Subsequently, they were the principle drivers during the development and implementation of the Fiber-Placed yoke concept on the Bell Model 429.
2006
No Award Presented
2005
The Sikorsky Composite Tailcone/Stabilator Development Team
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
This year’s recipient is the Sikorsky Composite Tailcone/Stabilator Development Team comprised of Sikorsky Aircraft, Israeli Aircraft Industries, GKN Aerospace, and the Army ManTech organization. This team is recognized for demonstrating the economic viability of incorporating composite structures on mature production helicopter airframes.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
This year’s recipient is the Sikorsky Composite Tailcone/Stabilator Development Team comprised of Sikorsky Aircraft, Israeli Aircraft Industries, GKN Aerospace, and the Army ManTech organization. This team is recognized for demonstrating the economic viability of incorporating composite structures on mature production helicopter airframes.
2004
The Complex Composite Structural Concepts (CCSC) Team
The Boeing Company, US Army AATD, and the US Army Aviation & Missile Command
This year's recipient is the Complex Composite Structural Concepts (CCSC) Team, which includes The Boeing Company, U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, and the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command Manufacturing Science & Technology Division.
The Boeing Company, US Army AATD, and the US Army Aviation & Missile Command
This year's recipient is the Complex Composite Structural Concepts (CCSC) Team, which includes The Boeing Company, U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, and the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command Manufacturing Science & Technology Division.
2003
NRTC/RITA Bell-Sikorsky High-Speed Machining of Titanium Team
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Manufacturing Labs Inc., University of Florida, University of North Carolina, NRTC, Remelle Engineering and RITA
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Manufacturing Labs Inc., University of Florida, University of North Carolina, NRTC, Remelle Engineering and RITA
2002
Sikorsky Rotary Wing Structures Technology Demonstration Program
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, The Boeing Co.
This program selected, matured and demonstrated technologies that will reduce the weight, manufacturing labor, and non-recurring development costs for helicopter airframes by 15%, 26% and 39%, respectively.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, The Boeing Co.
This program selected, matured and demonstrated technologies that will reduce the weight, manufacturing labor, and non-recurring development costs for helicopter airframes by 15%, 26% and 39%, respectively.
2001
609 Wing Torque Integrated Product Team
Bell-Agusta
Bell-Agusta
2000
Split Torque Transmission Team
Boeing-Mesa, Derlan Aerospace Canada, DARPA, and NASA Glenn Research Center
For recognition of notable achievement in manufacturing research and development for rotorcraft or rotorcraft components brought to fruition in recent years.
Boeing-Mesa, Derlan Aerospace Canada, DARPA, and NASA Glenn Research Center
For recognition of notable achievement in manufacturing research and development for rotorcraft or rotorcraft components brought to fruition in recent years.
1999
The S-92 Development Team
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
1998
The Tandem Rotor Program Producibility Team
For notable achievement in manufacturing research and development for rotrorcraft or rotorcraft components brought to fruition in recent years.
For notable achievement in manufacturing research and development for rotrorcraft or rotorcraft components brought to fruition in recent years.
1997
V-22 Airframe Integrated Product Team
Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopter Co.
Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopter Co.
1996
RAH 66 Comanche Precision Manufacturing Team
Boeing-Sikorsky
For notable achievement in manufacturing research and development for rotorcraft or rotorcraft components brought to fruition in recent years.
Boeing-Sikorsky
For notable achievement in manufacturing research and development for rotorcraft or rotorcraft components brought to fruition in recent years.
Cached June 18, 2026 11:09:34 PM CDT