Vertical Flight Society Award Recipients
Paul E. Haueter Award
The Paul E. Haueter Award was instituted in 1966 and is given for an outstanding technical contribution to the field of vertical take-off and landing aircraft development other than a helicopter or an operational vertical flight aircraft. The award honors an aeronautical engineer, devoted public servant, and VFS officer who was instrumental in fostering the early development of VTOL aircraft in the United States.
2026
Jason Satira
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For leading the development and flight testing of the innovative Rotor Blown Wing (RBW) aircraft concept.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For leading the development and flight testing of the innovative Rotor Blown Wing (RBW) aircraft concept.
2025
Jim Tighe
Chief Technology Officer
Wisk Aero - a Boeing Company subsidiary
Tighe’s leadership and technical expertise have significantly advanced the electric VTOL / advanced air mobility (AAM) industry.
Chief Technology Officer
Wisk Aero - a Boeing Company subsidiary
Tighe’s leadership and technical expertise have significantly advanced the electric VTOL / advanced air mobility (AAM) industry.
2024
No Award Presented
2023
Alex Stoll
Joby Aviation
Alex Stoll, a pioneer of electric flight and low-noise propulsion, developed a comprehensive system optimization model that resulted in the Joby electric VTOL air taxi designs. Stoll was a co-inventor on 21 patents, a co-author of numerous technical papers, and an active officer of the VFS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
Joby Aviation
Alex Stoll, a pioneer of electric flight and low-noise propulsion, developed a comprehensive system optimization model that resulted in the Joby electric VTOL air taxi designs. Stoll was a co-inventor on 21 patents, a co-author of numerous technical papers, and an active officer of the VFS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.
2022
Dr. Martine Rothblatt
Founder and Chair
United Therapeutics
Dr. Martine Rothblatt has instigated multiple earth-shattering innovations that have transformed society for the better in the fields of communication, medicine and electric aviation.
Founder and Chair
United Therapeutics
Dr. Martine Rothblatt has instigated multiple earth-shattering innovations that have transformed society for the better in the fields of communication, medicine and electric aviation.
2021
John W. Piasecki
President and CEO
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
Over his 35-year career, John Piasecki has led the company’s many innovative projects, most of which have been focused on novel VTOL research, development and flight demonstration programs to extend VTOL performance and capabilities beyond that of conventional helicopters.
President and CEO
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
Over his 35-year career, John Piasecki has led the company’s many innovative projects, most of which have been focused on novel VTOL research, development and flight demonstration programs to extend VTOL performance and capabilities beyond that of conventional helicopters.
2020
Gwen Lighter
CEO
GoFly
Gwen Lighter, the CEO of GoFly, was honored with the prestigious Paul E. Haueter Award for creating and executing the inspiring GoFly Prize International Competition. Over the past five years, Lighter has been a “force of nature” — formulating and inspiring others with her vision of personal flying devices, securing over $2M in sponsorships, and launching an international competition that drew 3,800 innovators participating on 854 teams (100+ university teams) from 103 countries on six continents.
CEO
GoFly
Gwen Lighter, the CEO of GoFly, was honored with the prestigious Paul E. Haueter Award for creating and executing the inspiring GoFly Prize International Competition. Over the past five years, Lighter has been a “force of nature” — formulating and inspiring others with her vision of personal flying devices, securing over $2M in sponsorships, and launching an international competition that drew 3,800 innovators participating on 854 teams (100+ university teams) from 103 countries on six continents.
2019
Dr. Benjamin Tigner
Karem Aircraft, Inc.
For his contributions to and leadership in the development of the optimum speed tiltrotor for military and civil applications, including all-electric urban air mobility applications.
Karem Aircraft, Inc.
For his contributions to and leadership in the development of the optimum speed tiltrotor for military and civil applications, including all-electric urban air mobility applications.
2018
JoeBen Bevirt
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Joby Aviation Inc
For successfully demonstrating the world’s first high-speed multi-passenger electric VTOL aircraft.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Joby Aviation Inc
For successfully demonstrating the world’s first high-speed multi-passenger electric VTOL aircraft.
2017
Mark D. Moore
Engineering Director of Aviation at Uber Technologies
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); Uber Technologies
For contributions to the advancements of transformative vertical flight research and electric propulsion through his 30 year career at NASA and today as Engineering Director of Aviation at Uber Technologies.
Engineering Director of Aviation at Uber Technologies
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); Uber Technologies
For contributions to the advancements of transformative vertical flight research and electric propulsion through his 30 year career at NASA and today as Engineering Director of Aviation at Uber Technologies.
2016
COL Mike Nyalko
US Marine Corps (Ret.)
For contributions to the advancements of vertical flight throughout his distinguished career as project test pilot, Director of the DARPA/Navy Advanced Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) Advanced Development Program Office, and the first Director of Systems Engineering for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST)/ Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program
US Marine Corps (Ret.)
For contributions to the advancements of vertical flight throughout his distinguished career as project test pilot, Director of the DARPA/Navy Advanced Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (ASTOVL) Advanced Development Program Office, and the first Director of Systems Engineering for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST)/ Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program
2015
Ron Kisor
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For technical contributions and leadership, over a career spanning more than a quarter century, that have been instrumental in the success of the tiltrotor
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For technical contributions and leadership, over a career spanning more than a quarter century, that have been instrumental in the success of the tiltrotor
2014
Jay Carter, Jr.
President, CEO and Principal Design Engineer
Carter Aviation Technologies
For his achievements in slowed-rotor compound aircraft designs capable of providing unprecedented improvements in rotorcraft operational flexibility, efficiency, speed and safety
President, CEO and Principal Design Engineer
Carter Aviation Technologies
For his achievements in slowed-rotor compound aircraft designs capable of providing unprecedented improvements in rotorcraft operational flexibility, efficiency, speed and safety
2013
Richard Spivey
Former Director
US Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate
For more than 50 years of tireless efforts that resulted in the fielding of tiltrotor aircraft and the advancement of other innovative VTOL technologies
Former Director
US Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate
For more than 50 years of tireless efforts that resulted in the fielding of tiltrotor aircraft and the advancement of other innovative VTOL technologies
2012
Ross Menger
609 Program Director
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For leadership instrumental in implementing aerodynamic and performance solutions to the V-22 and development of the 609.
609 Program Director
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For leadership instrumental in implementing aerodynamic and performance solutions to the V-22 and development of the 609.
2011
No Award Presented
2010
No Award Presented
2009
Philip J. Dunford
Vice President and General Manager
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems
He is recognized for leadership of the V-22 Osprey operations and flight test efforts at the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, where he led a combined Government / Bell-Boeing Team which was instrumental in the V-22's return to flight and the aircraft's eventual deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Vice President and General Manager
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems
He is recognized for leadership of the V-22 Osprey operations and flight test efforts at the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, where he led a combined Government / Bell-Boeing Team which was instrumental in the V-22's return to flight and the aircraft's eventual deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2008
Dr. John Zuk (posthumously)
Formerly Chief/Manager
NASA Ames
This year, the Haueter Award will be given to the late Dr. John Zuk of NASA Ames Research Center. John was the former chief of NASA’s Advanced Tiltrotor Technology Office and Manager of the NASA Short Haul Civil Tiltrotor Project and studies focusing on “runway independent aircraft,” which provided the underpinnings for much of NASA’s tiltrotor research.
Formerly Chief/Manager
NASA Ames
This year, the Haueter Award will be given to the late Dr. John Zuk of NASA Ames Research Center. John was the former chief of NASA’s Advanced Tiltrotor Technology Office and Manager of the NASA Short Haul Civil Tiltrotor Project and studies focusing on “runway independent aircraft,” which provided the underpinnings for much of NASA’s tiltrotor research.
2007
No Award Presented
2006
No Award Presented
2005
Tommie L. Wood
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For his leading role in the development of the tiltrotor including the XV-15, the V-22 and the BA609.
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For his leading role in the development of the tiltrotor including the XV-15, the V-22 and the BA609.
2004
Paul M. Bevilaqua
Manager for Advanced Development Programs
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Manager for Advanced Development Programs
Lockheed Martin Corporation
2003
Harold J. Rosenstein
Phantom Works Site Manager for Advanced Army Programs
The Boeing Company
For his contribution to VSTOL development ranging from tilt-wings to tiltrotors to highly innovative concepts such as folding rotors and vectors thrust fixed-wing aircraft.
Phantom Works Site Manager for Advanced Army Programs
The Boeing Company
For his contribution to VSTOL development ranging from tilt-wings to tiltrotors to highly innovative concepts such as folding rotors and vectors thrust fixed-wing aircraft.
2002
Major General Michael A. Hough
Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation
US Marine Corps
For his continuing and tireless efforts on behalf of VTOL aircraft.
Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation
US Marine Corps
For his continuing and tireless efforts on behalf of VTOL aircraft.
2001
Michael A. McVeigh
Senior Technical Fellow
The Boeing Company
For his contributions advancing the technology of tiltwing and tiltrotor aircraft.
Senior Technical Fellow
The Boeing Company
For his contributions advancing the technology of tiltwing and tiltrotor aircraft.
2000
Dr. James A. Franklin
Dr. James A. Franklin has been a guiding force in the development of hovering and low speed flying qualities over the last 30-years.
Dr. James A. Franklin has been a guiding force in the development of hovering and low speed flying qualities over the last 30-years.
1999
Allen H. Schoen
1998
David H. Snyder
Director of Engineering
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
Has made significant contributions to the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft other than helicopters.
Director of Engineering
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
Has made significant contributions to the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft other than helicopters.
1997
John Sprague
Design Engineer
Pratt & Whitney
For his significant contributions to the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft other than helicopters.
Design Engineer
Pratt & Whitney
For his significant contributions to the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft other than helicopters.
1996
Harold R. Alexander
For his significant contributions to the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft other than helicopters.
For his significant contributions to the development of vertical take-off and landing aircraft other than helicopters.
1995
Cypher Unmanned Vehicle Program Team
Sikorsky Aircraft
Sikorsky Aircraft
1994
Dr. Richard M. Carlson
1993
No Award Presented
1992
Charles W. Ellis (posthumously) and Stanley Martin Jr.
1991
MG Harold W. Blot
US Marine Corps
For his work as program manager of the Harrier AV-8B and V-22 Osprey programs.
US Marine Corps
For his work as program manager of the Harrier AV-8B and V-22 Osprey programs.
1990
V-22 Team
and NAVAIR
and NAVAIR
1989
Troy Gaffey
Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter
1988
Richard Stansbury
Bell
For initial test flying on the Bell XV-3 tilt rotor.
Bell
For initial test flying on the Bell XV-3 tilt rotor.
1987
William Quinlan
Bell Helicopters Textron
Bell Helicopters Textron
1986
LTC Russel M. Stromberg
US Marine Corps
Lt. Col. Russel M. stromberg, USMC, was selected for his work as operation test director and officer in charge for the operational evaluation of the AV-8B Harrier II aircraft.
US Marine Corps
Lt. Col. Russel M. stromberg, USMC, was selected for his work as operation test director and officer in charge for the operational evaluation of the AV-8B Harrier II aircraft.
1985
Gordon M. Lewis
Technical Director
Rolls-Royce Ltd.
For his work with the Pegasus family of vectored thrust engines.
Technical Director
Rolls-Royce Ltd.
For his work with the Pegasus family of vectored thrust engines.
1984
John P. Magee
Manager, Power Lift Technology
NASA Ames Research Center
For his work with the XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft.
Manager, Power Lift Technology
NASA Ames Research Center
For his work with the XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft.
1983
No Award Presented
1982
McDonnell Douglas Corp.
In recognition of their development of the AV-8B Harrier Aircraft System.
In recognition of their development of the AV-8B Harrier Aircraft System.
1981
40' x 80' Wind Tunnel Staff
NASA Ames Research Center
For their instrumental work in the development of VTOL aircraft. The staff has been active in research on rotary wing and other VTOL aircraft since 1953 when they conducted tests on the McDonell XV-1 compound helicopter.
NASA Ames Research Center
For their instrumental work in the development of VTOL aircraft. The staff has been active in research on rotary wing and other VTOL aircraft since 1953 when they conducted tests on the McDonell XV-1 compound helicopter.
1980
Robert M. Williams
X-Wing Program Manager
David W. Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center
In recognition of his leadership in the development of the X-Wing Concept.
X-Wing Program Manager
David W. Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center
In recognition of his leadership in the development of the X-Wing Concept.
1979
LTG Thomas H. Miller, Jr.
US Marine Corps
US Marine Corps
1978
Kenneth G. Wernicke
Chief VTOL Project Engineer
Bell Helicopter Textron
For his 12 years of devoted leadership in tilt-rotor technology and design which made possible the first flight of the XV-15 in 1977.
Chief VTOL Project Engineer
Bell Helicopter Textron
For his 12 years of devoted leadership in tilt-rotor technology and design which made possible the first flight of the XV-15 in 1977.
1977
Mark W. Kelly
Chief of the Large Scale Aerodynamics Branch
NASA Ames research Center
For his contributions in the increasingly- important area of vertical-flight research through the testing of many experimental VTOL concepts, including proprotor, fan-in-wing, ducted fans, vectored thrust, and components in the full-scale wind tunnel at NASA-Ames Research Center.
Chief of the Large Scale Aerodynamics Branch
NASA Ames research Center
For his contributions in the increasingly- important area of vertical-flight research through the testing of many experimental VTOL concepts, including proprotor, fan-in-wing, ducted fans, vectored thrust, and components in the full-scale wind tunnel at NASA-Ames Research Center.
1976
No Award Presented
1975
No Award Presented
1974
No Award Presented
1973
No Award Presented
1972
Robert L. Lichten
Director, Advanced Engineering
Bell Helicopter Company
For his outstanding and remarkable achievement in advanced VTOL design, and in particular his effort on tilt-proprotor concepts.
Director, Advanced Engineering
Bell Helicopter Company
For his outstanding and remarkable achievement in advanced VTOL design, and in particular his effort on tilt-proprotor concepts.
1971
LTG Keith B. McCutcheon
US Marine Corps
For his part in the introduction of the Harrier into Marine Corps forces.
US Marine Corps
For his part in the introduction of the Harrier into Marine Corps forces.
1970
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
For significant contribution to development of vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, other than heli· copters, for their development of the LM as exemplified by its operation to and from the moon.
For significant contribution to development of vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, other than heli· copters, for their development of the LM as exemplified by its operation to and from the moon.
1969
Peter G. Kappus
Consulting Engineer, Group Technical Planning Operation
General Electric Co.
For lift fan and propulsion system concepts applicable to vertical-takeoff-and-Ianding aircraft other than helicopters.
Consulting Engineer, Group Technical Planning Operation
General Electric Co.
For lift fan and propulsion system concepts applicable to vertical-takeoff-and-Ianding aircraft other than helicopters.
1968
John P. Campbell
Associate Chief Flight Mechanics & Technology Division
NASA Langley Research Center
For his personal contributions to and capable direction of NASA Research Programs which have provided a sound technology base for a large number of VTOL configurations.
Associate Chief Flight Mechanics & Technology Division
NASA Langley Research Center
For his personal contributions to and capable direction of NASA Research Programs which have provided a sound technology base for a large number of VTOL configurations.
1967
Hawker-Siddeley Aviation
Hawker-Siddeley Group, Ltd.
For successful development through field operational evaluation of the P.1127 Kestrel Jet V/STOL tactical fighter incorporating the Pegasus 5 vectored-thrust turbofan engine.
Hawker-Siddeley Group, Ltd.
For successful development through field operational evaluation of the P.1127 Kestrel Jet V/STOL tactical fighter incorporating the Pegasus 5 vectored-thrust turbofan engine.
1966
XC-142A Tri-Service
Prime Contractor
LTV Aerospace Corp.
For the design, development and successful testing of the XC-142A tilt-wing V/STOL transport aircraft.
Prime Contractor
LTV Aerospace Corp.
For the design, development and successful testing of the XC-142A tilt-wing V/STOL transport aircraft.
Cached June 18, 2026 11:09:57 PM CDT