Vertical Flight Society Award Recipients
Supplier Excellence Award
Created in 1995, the VFS Supplier Excellence Award is given to a supplier who, through the quality, innovativeness and cost-effective technology of its products, has made a notable contribution to improving the state of the art of vertical flight aircraft.
2026
Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc. (ART)
Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc. (ART)
VFS 2026 Supplier Excellence Award is won by Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc. (ART) for its transformative impact on rotorcraft modeling and simulation.
Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc. (ART)
VFS 2026 Supplier Excellence Award is won by Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc. (ART) for its transformative impact on rotorcraft modeling and simulation.
2025
Alpha Q, Inc. (AQI)
Alpha Q, Inc.
For more than 15 years of delivering critical flight safety components with zero-defect quality and on-time performance. As an ELITE supplier to Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems, AQI has consistently demonstrated innovation and collaboration, particularly in high-priority production efforts.
Alpha Q, Inc.
For more than 15 years of delivering critical flight safety components with zero-defect quality and on-time performance. As an ELITE supplier to Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems, AQI has consistently demonstrated innovation and collaboration, particularly in high-priority production efforts.
2024
Dayton T. Brown
Dayton T. Brown Inc.
For their engineering and assembly teams' work on large-scale and complicated test programs for Sikorsky.
Dayton T. Brown Inc.
For their engineering and assembly teams' work on large-scale and complicated test programs for Sikorsky.
2023
Elbit Systems of America
Elbit Systems of America
For Elbit's support and partnership with The Boeing Company on Apache production and fielding of their products, as well as development and support of new products on other vertical lift programs and efforts, has been exemplary.
Elbit Systems of America
For Elbit's support and partnership with The Boeing Company on Apache production and fielding of their products, as well as development and support of new products on other vertical lift programs and efforts, has been exemplary.
2022
RedViking
RedViking
RedViking’s transmission testing capabilities supported the design and build of Sikorsky’s 1.2-million-pound (545-metric-ton) Production Engineering Test Stand (PETTS) for larger helicopter transmissions. RedViking was recognized for its drive for continuous improvement and investments in its infrastructure to better support its customers.
RedViking
RedViking’s transmission testing capabilities supported the design and build of Sikorsky’s 1.2-million-pound (545-metric-ton) Production Engineering Test Stand (PETTS) for larger helicopter transmissions. RedViking was recognized for its drive for continuous improvement and investments in its infrastructure to better support its customers.
2021
Survival Systems International (SSI)
Survival Systems International (SSI)
Through the quality, innovativeness and cost-effective technology of its products, SSI has made a notable contribution to improving the state of the art of vertical flight aircraft. SSI’s contribution and support to Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor blade development and their recent creation of expanded polypropylene ballistic panels used on the US Navy’s CMV-22 Osprey variant exemplifies their commitment and dedication to the support of their customers advancing vertical flight.
Survival Systems International (SSI)
Through the quality, innovativeness and cost-effective technology of its products, SSI has made a notable contribution to improving the state of the art of vertical flight aircraft. SSI’s contribution and support to Bell’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor blade development and their recent creation of expanded polypropylene ballistic panels used on the US Navy’s CMV-22 Osprey variant exemplifies their commitment and dedication to the support of their customers advancing vertical flight.
2020
Eagle Aviation Technologies
Eagle Aviation Technologies
Virginia-based Eagle Aviation Technologies is an industry leader in the design, analysis and manufacture of rotorcraft systems and components. Over the last 15 years, Eagle has made enormous contributions to the vertical flight industry, including developing the rotor blades for the Sikorsky X2 and S-97 Raider demonstrators.
Eagle Aviation Technologies
Virginia-based Eagle Aviation Technologies is an industry leader in the design, analysis and manufacture of rotorcraft systems and components. Over the last 15 years, Eagle has made enormous contributions to the vertical flight industry, including developing the rotor blades for the Sikorsky X2 and S-97 Raider demonstrators.
2019
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited
For providing the quality, innovativeness and cost-effective technology of its products, has made a notable contribution to improving the state of the art of vertical flight aircraft.
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited
For providing the quality, innovativeness and cost-effective technology of its products, has made a notable contribution to improving the state of the art of vertical flight aircraft.
2018
Rossell Techsys
The Boeing Company
Rossell Techsys, based in Bengaluru, India, is one of Boeing’s elite “Gold” rated suppliers and a past Supplier of the Year, providing wiring harnesses and related electrical work packages for Boeing’s rotorcraft programs.
The Boeing Company
Rossell Techsys, based in Bengaluru, India, is one of Boeing’s elite “Gold” rated suppliers and a past Supplier of the Year, providing wiring harnesses and related electrical work packages for Boeing’s rotorcraft programs.
2017
LORD Corporation
For its integral part in the flight‑demonstrate the Zero‑Vibe system on AATD UH‑60M Black Hawk team.
For its integral part in the flight‑demonstrate the Zero‑Vibe system on AATD UH‑60M Black Hawk team.
2016
The Triumph Group
For outstanding performance on development programs at Sikorsky, specifically the design and build of the S-97 Raider landing gear and the build of the S-97 Raider transmission
For outstanding performance on development programs at Sikorsky, specifically the design and build of the S-97 Raider landing gear and the build of the S-97 Raider transmission
2015
KUKA Systems Corporation Aerospace Group
For extraordinary performance as the tooling integrator for the assembly of the Bell 525 Relentless
For extraordinary performance as the tooling integrator for the assembly of the Bell 525 Relentless
2014
Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation
For the extraordinary performance in the fabrication and delivery execution of forty two S-92 helicopter cockpits in 2013
For the extraordinary performance in the fabrication and delivery execution of forty two S-92 helicopter cockpits in 2013
2013
Aurora Flight Sciences
For flawless execution of main rotor pylon design and nacelle fabrication for the Sikorsky Aircraft/U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K
For flawless execution of main rotor pylon design and nacelle fabrication for the Sikorsky Aircraft/U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K
2012
Garmin International, Inc.
Given for the G1000H integrated flight deck, the first Garmin integrated avionics system to be modified, installed and certified to meet the helicopter environment and vibration requirements
Given for the G1000H integrated flight deck, the first Garmin integrated avionics system to be modified, installed and certified to meet the helicopter environment and vibration requirements
2011
GKN Aerospace
For displaying "best in class" performance on the Sikorsky Aircraft CH-53K program as Airframe Supplier Lead.
For displaying "best in class" performance on the Sikorsky Aircraft CH-53K program as Airframe Supplier Lead.
2010
Aero Vodochody
Aero Vodochody
For producing the complete S-76 helicopter airframe for Sikorsky Aircraft which is ready for installation of dynamic components upon arrival at Sikorsky.
Aero Vodochody
For producing the complete S-76 helicopter airframe for Sikorsky Aircraft which is ready for installation of dynamic components upon arrival at Sikorsky.
2009
Sikorsky Aerospace Services
Sikorsky Aerospace Services
From material distribution, field services, and overhaul and repair, to personalized fleet management solutions and customized training, SAS demonstrated in 2008 an ability to design a sophisticated life-cycle management solution that leverages its wide range of capabilities and specialties offered through its component companies, Helicopter Support Inc., Derco Aerospace, Composite Technology, Sikorsky-Helitech, and Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance.
Sikorsky Aerospace Services
From material distribution, field services, and overhaul and repair, to personalized fleet management solutions and customized training, SAS demonstrated in 2008 an ability to design a sophisticated life-cycle management solution that leverages its wide range of capabilities and specialties offered through its component companies, Helicopter Support Inc., Derco Aerospace, Composite Technology, Sikorsky-Helitech, and Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance.
2008
No Award Presented
2007
The H-53 Engine Team
GE Aviation
This year the distinction goes to The H-53 Engine Team, GE Aviation for distinguishing themselves by their efforts to deliver improved T64 engines components, establish improved T64 engine logistics support processes, and become the engine provider for the new CH-53K heavy lift helicopter.
GE Aviation
This year the distinction goes to The H-53 Engine Team, GE Aviation for distinguishing themselves by their efforts to deliver improved T64 engines components, establish improved T64 engine logistics support processes, and become the engine provider for the new CH-53K heavy lift helicopter.
2006
Electronic Systems Business Unit
Honeywell Aerospace
For developing the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) to improve pilot's situational awareness and helicopter safety.
Honeywell Aerospace
For developing the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) to improve pilot's situational awareness and helicopter safety.
2005
The Protective Materials Co.
The Protective Materials Company of Miami Lakes, Florida was nominated for this award by NAVAIR’s Program Manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter, Colonel Paul Croisetier.
The Protective Materials Company of Miami Lakes, Florida was nominated for this award by NAVAIR’s Program Manager for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopter, Colonel Paul Croisetier.
2004
Goodrich Corporation -Fuel and Utility Systems
Goodrich Corporation
Goodrich Corporation
2003
Rolls Royce AE1107C Liberty Propulsion System Team
Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce
2002
Helicopter Support, Inc.
HSI
For notable contributions in the vertical flight industry.
HSI
For notable contributions in the vertical flight industry.
2001
The Purdy Corporation
The Purdy Corporation
For 54 years, the company has been supplying transmissions, gearbox components and kits with a superb performance record.
The Purdy Corporation
For 54 years, the company has been supplying transmissions, gearbox components and kits with a superb performance record.
2000
Martin-Baker Aircraft Company
The company has been an outstanding contributor to the helicopter crew comfort and safety with seat designs.
The company has been an outstanding contributor to the helicopter crew comfort and safety with seat designs.
1999
No Award Presented
1998
No Award Presented
1997
Hamilton Standard
For leadership in the development and manufacture of flight controls.
For leadership in the development and manufacture of flight controls.
1996
Lord Corporation
Lord is the first recipient of this award as an industry leader in the design and manufacture of helicopter and tiltrotor vibration isolation and damping systems, including elastomeric bearings and dampers.
Lord is the first recipient of this award as an industry leader in the design and manufacture of helicopter and tiltrotor vibration isolation and damping systems, including elastomeric bearings and dampers.
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