Vertical Flight Society Award Recipients
Dr. Alexander Klemin Award
Created in 1951 by industry pioneer Frank Piasecki, the Klemin Award is the highest honor the VFS bestows on an individual for notable achievement in advancing the field of vertical flight aeronautics. The award honors the memory of an eminent aeronautical engineer, educator, author, and outstanding pioneer in rotary wing aeronautics.
2026
Nicholas Lappos
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For more than 50 years of transformative contributions to the vertical flight community as a test pilot, engineer, and industry leader.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
For more than 50 years of transformative contributions to the vertical flight community as a test pilot, engineer, and industry leader.
2025
Dr. Michael Torok
Retired
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
Recognized for his numerous innovative and technical contributions that have greatly advanced vertical flight and significantly strengthened defense capabilities.
Retired
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
Recognized for his numerous innovative and technical contributions that have greatly advanced vertical flight and significantly strengthened defense capabilities.
2024
Darryl Toni
Senior Technical Fellow, Dynamics
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
Recognized for his contributions to the advancement of Vertical Flight, particularly in the areas of Structural Analysis and Rotorcraft Structural Integrity for vertical flight aircraft.
Senior Technical Fellow, Dynamics
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
Recognized for his contributions to the advancement of Vertical Flight, particularly in the areas of Structural Analysis and Rotorcraft Structural Integrity for vertical flight aircraft.
2023
No Award Presented
2022
No Award Presented
2021
William (Bill) Welsh
Senior Technical Fellow
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
William (Bill) Welsh, Senior Technical Fellow, Dynamics at Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, is this year’s honored recipient of the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award, the highest honor the Vertical Flight Society bestows on an individual for notable achievement in advancing the field of vertical flight aeronautics.
Senior Technical Fellow
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company
William (Bill) Welsh, Senior Technical Fellow, Dynamics at Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, is this year’s honored recipient of the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award, the highest honor the Vertical Flight Society bestows on an individual for notable achievement in advancing the field of vertical flight aeronautics.
2020
Dr. Arvind K. Sinha
Defence Aviation Safety Authority for the Australian Department of Defence
Lt. Col (Dr.) Arvind K. Sinha, of the Defence Aviation Safety Authority for the Australian Department of Defence, is this year’s honored recipient of the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award, the highest honor the Vertical Flight Society bestows on an individual for notable achievement in advancing the field of vertical flight aeronautics.
Defence Aviation Safety Authority for the Australian Department of Defence
Lt. Col (Dr.) Arvind K. Sinha, of the Defence Aviation Safety Authority for the Australian Department of Defence, is this year’s honored recipient of the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award, the highest honor the Vertical Flight Society bestows on an individual for notable achievement in advancing the field of vertical flight aeronautics.
2019
Dr. David A. Peters
McDonnell Douglas Professor of Engineering
Washington University in St. Louis
Dr. David A. Peters is world-renowned for his work in inflow theory and rotorcraft aerodynamics, and has contributed significantly to the rotorcraft community as an educator and researcher.
McDonnell Douglas Professor of Engineering
Washington University in St. Louis
Dr. David A. Peters is world-renowned for his work in inflow theory and rotorcraft aerodynamics, and has contributed significantly to the rotorcraft community as an educator and researcher.
2018
Dr. Peter Lorber
Technical Fellow
Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin Company
Lorber is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of aerodynamics, experimental aerodynamics, and flow control, whose abilities have contributed immeasurably to the success of Sikorsky products for more than 30 years.
Technical Fellow
Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin Company
Lorber is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of aerodynamics, experimental aerodynamics, and flow control, whose abilities have contributed immeasurably to the success of Sikorsky products for more than 30 years.
2017
Prof. Peretz P. Friedmann
François-Xavier Bagnoud Professor of Aerospace Engineering
University of Michigan
For his outstanding and lasting original contributions to rotary‑wing aeroelasticity,on blade control of vibration and noise, optimum design of low vibration helicopter rotors, rotorcraft aeromechanics and unsteady aerodynamics during his 45 year career.
François-Xavier Bagnoud Professor of Aerospace Engineering
University of Michigan
For his outstanding and lasting original contributions to rotary‑wing aeroelasticity,on blade control of vibration and noise, optimum design of low vibration helicopter rotors, rotorcraft aeromechanics and unsteady aerodynamics during his 45 year career.
2016
Dr. William G. Warmbrodt
For his ongoing dedication to improving understanding of aeromechanics of rotorcraft both from an analytical and experimental perspective and his legacy mentoring more than 500 college and high school interns into the NASA Aeromechanics branch
For his ongoing dedication to improving understanding of aeromechanics of rotorcraft both from an analytical and experimental perspective and his legacy mentoring more than 500 college and high school interns into the NASA Aeromechanics branch
2015
Franklin D. Harris
Honored as an eminent aeronautical engineer, educator and author, with a half-century of contributions to vertical flight
Honored as an eminent aeronautical engineer, educator and author, with a half-century of contributions to vertical flight
2014
Dr. Wayne R. Johnson
NASA Ames
He is honored for his role as an eminent aeronautical engineer, educator, and author in his 40-plus year career in rotorcraft. Dr. Johnson's seminal contributions to aeromechanics analyses, comprehensive modeling, design tools and wind tunnel testing of fullscale helicopters have had a major influence on the understanding of aeromechanical behavior and the design of modern rotorcraft systems
NASA Ames
He is honored for his role as an eminent aeronautical engineer, educator, and author in his 40-plus year career in rotorcraft. Dr. Johnson's seminal contributions to aeromechanics analyses, comprehensive modeling, design tools and wind tunnel testing of fullscale helicopters have had a major influence on the understanding of aeromechanical behavior and the design of modern rotorcraft systems
2013
No Award Presented
2012
Steven D. Weiner
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Recognized for his 33 year career of designing, building and flight testing aircraft, and his exemplary leadership on numerous platforms such as the RAH-66 Comanche program, the S-76 and the X2
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Recognized for his 33 year career of designing, building and flight testing aircraft, and his exemplary leadership on numerous platforms such as the RAH-66 Comanche program, the S-76 and the X2
2011
Tommie L. Wood
Senior Technical Fellow, Flight Technology & Advanced Design
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For his more than 40-year career dedicated to the design, development, and flight test of new vertical lift solutions.
Senior Technical Fellow, Flight Technology & Advanced Design
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For his more than 40-year career dedicated to the design, development, and flight test of new vertical lift solutions.
2010
Dr. Michael P. Scully
US Army AFDD at NASA Ames, Moffett Field
Recognized for his exceptional career-long leadership and technical contributions to advance rotorcraft design.
US Army AFDD at NASA Ames, Moffett Field
Recognized for his exceptional career-long leadership and technical contributions to advance rotorcraft design.
2009
Professor Inderjit Chopra
Director
Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center
He is recognized for his exceptional career-long leadership and technical contributions to understanding and advancing rotorcraft aeromechanics.
Director
Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center
He is recognized for his exceptional career-long leadership and technical contributions to understanding and advancing rotorcraft aeromechanics.
2008
Abraham Karem
Owner and Chief Engineer
Karem Aircraft Corp.
Mr. Karem is the designer of the “Optimum Speed Rotor” concept, demonstrated by the A160 Hummingbird UAV and the Karem JHL Optimum Speed Tiltrotor conceptual design that greatly improves the efficiency of rotary wing aircraft.
Owner and Chief Engineer
Karem Aircraft Corp.
Mr. Karem is the designer of the “Optimum Speed Rotor” concept, demonstrated by the A160 Hummingbird UAV and the Karem JHL Optimum Speed Tiltrotor conceptual design that greatly improves the efficiency of rotary wing aircraft.
2007
Andrew W. Kerr
Director of the Aeroflightdynamics Directorate
US Army Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (Ret.)
This year's honored recipient of the Dr. Klemin Award, Mr. Kerr began his career at Lockheed-California where he was a key individual in the development of the AH-56 Cheyenne compound helicopter. Subsequently, as the Director of AFDD, Mr. Kerr was responsible for an extensive research program in the areas of aerodynamics, rotorcraft dynamics, handling qualities and flight controls, simulation and human-machine integration in programs performed independently by the Army and jointly with NASA at the Ames Research Center.
Director of the Aeroflightdynamics Directorate
US Army Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (Ret.)
This year's honored recipient of the Dr. Klemin Award, Mr. Kerr began his career at Lockheed-California where he was a key individual in the development of the AH-56 Cheyenne compound helicopter. Subsequently, as the Director of AFDD, Mr. Kerr was responsible for an extensive research program in the areas of aerodynamics, rotorcraft dynamics, handling qualities and flight controls, simulation and human-machine integration in programs performed independently by the Army and jointly with NASA at the Ames Research Center.
2006
Jean-Jacques Philippe
ONERA
Until his retirement in 2005, Mr. Phillippe led all helicopter research activities at ONERA and supervisedresearch cooperation initiatives between the US Army, NASA and ONERA.
ONERA
Until his retirement in 2005, Mr. Phillippe led all helicopter research activities at ONERA and supervisedresearch cooperation initiatives between the US Army, NASA and ONERA.
2005
C. Harry Parkinson
Founder and President
Advanced Technologies Inc. (Ret.)
For his long and distinguished 44-year career starting at the British Aircraft Company, Boeing Vertol, Dynamic Engineering and some 16 years with his own company, Advanced Technologies.
Founder and President
Advanced Technologies Inc. (Ret.)
For his long and distinguished 44-year career starting at the British Aircraft Company, Boeing Vertol, Dynamic Engineering and some 16 years with his own company, Advanced Technologies.
2004
John P. Magee
Technical Director BA-609 Titlrotor
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Ret.)
For contributions to significant advances in rotary-wing technology in his long term involvement of the development of tiltrotor technology in all phases of the maturing process.
Technical Director BA-609 Titlrotor
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Ret.)
For contributions to significant advances in rotary-wing technology in his long term involvement of the development of tiltrotor technology in all phases of the maturing process.
2003
Dean C. Borgman
President
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For his long and distinguished career in helicopter industry.
President
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
For his long and distinguished career in helicopter industry.
2002
Walter G. Sonneborn
Vice President Research & Product Definition
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotory wing aeronautics.
Vice President Research & Product Definition
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotory wing aeronautics.
2001
Dr. Peter G. Hamel
For contributions in rotory and fixed-wing air vehicle flight mechanics and system identification, in rotorcraft wind tunnel testing, and in-flight vehicle airborne simulation.
For contributions in rotory and fixed-wing air vehicle flight mechanics and system identification, in rotorcraft wind tunnel testing, and in-flight vehicle airborne simulation.
2000
Raymond W. Prouty
For his long and distinguished career as an engineer, technical author and consultant.
For his long and distinguished career as an engineer, technical author and consultant.
1999
Troy Gaffey
1998
Francois Legrand
The award is bestowed in recognition of notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics. Francois Legrand was an author, educator, engineer, business manager and a leader in research and development as well as rotorcraft design. He is regarded by many as the "Father" of the modern European Rotorcraft Industry.
The award is bestowed in recognition of notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics. Francois Legrand was an author, educator, engineer, business manager and a leader in research and development as well as rotorcraft design. He is regarded by many as the "Father" of the modern European Rotorcraft Industry.
1997
William W. Walls
Former Vice President for Engineering
Boeing Helicopters
For his 38-year career advancing the rotor craft community.
Former Vice President for Engineering
Boeing Helicopters
For his 38-year career advancing the rotor craft community.
1996
Prof. Alfred Gessow
University of Maryland
For his contributions as the co-author of one of the leading texts on rotorcraft aeronautical engineering and one of the founding fathers of the rotorcraft industry as well as the current professor emeritus of the University of Maryland's Center for Rotorcraft Research.
University of Maryland
For his contributions as the co-author of one of the leading texts on rotorcraft aeronautical engineering and one of the founding fathers of the rotorcraft industry as well as the current professor emeritus of the University of Maryland's Center for Rotorcraft Research.
1995
Dr. Marat N. Tischenko
For his work in developing the Russian helicopter industry including leading the design efforts for the Mil Mi-7, Mi-8, Mi-10, Mi-14, Mi-24, the V-12 and the Mi-26, the largest operational helicopter in the world.
For his work in developing the Russian helicopter industry including leading the design efforts for the Mil Mi-7, Mi-8, Mi-10, Mi-14, Mi-24, the V-12 and the Mi-26, the largest operational helicopter in the world.
1994
Dr. Kenneth M. Rosen
Engineering Vice President
Sikorsky
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics.
Engineering Vice President
Sikorsky
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics.
1993
Franklin D. Robinson
President
Robinson Helicopter Company
Frank Robinson, president, Robinson Helicopter Co., left, accepts the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award from Dean Borgman, Edward Renouard and Frank Piasecki, president, Piasecki Aircraft Corp., right.
President
Robinson Helicopter Company
Frank Robinson, president, Robinson Helicopter Co., left, accepts the Dr. Alexander Klemin Award from Dean Borgman, Edward Renouard and Frank Piasecki, president, Piasecki Aircraft Corp., right.
1992
Leonard M. 'Jack' Horner
1991
Stanley Hiller, Jr.
For his 50 years of dedicated service to the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics.
For his 50 years of dedicated service to the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics.
1990
Dr. Kurt Pfleiderer
For his 30 years of innovative engineering and leadership at MBB.
For his 30 years of innovative engineering and leadership at MBB.
1989
Joseph Mallen
President (Retired)
Boeing Helicopters
President (Retired)
Boeing Helicopters
1988
Charles W. Ellis
1987
Robert Zincone
President
Sikorsky Aircraft, UTC
Recognized for his role on the Board as Board Chairman with AHS.
President
Sikorsky Aircraft, UTC
Recognized for his role on the Board as Board Chairman with AHS.
1986
Jack G. Real
Jack Real was honored for his pioneering role in the industry and his efforts behind the successful development of the AH-64A Apache attack helicopter.
Jack Real was honored for his pioneering role in the industry and his efforts behind the successful development of the AH-64A Apache attack helicopter.
1985
Richard M. Carlson
Director
Aviation Systems Command Research & Technology Laboratories
For benefits to the Army's LHX program from Dr. Carlson's foresight, initiative and innovative program development. His respects for the people have synergistic effects on rotorcraft aeronautics.
Director
Aviation Systems Command Research & Technology Laboratories
For benefits to the Army's LHX program from Dr. Carlson's foresight, initiative and innovative program development. His respects for the people have synergistic effects on rotorcraft aeronautics.
1984
Kenneth Grina
Vice President Engineering
Boeing Vertol
For more than 25 years of work in structural design, analysis and testing, including recent work with composites.
Vice President Engineering
Boeing Vertol
For more than 25 years of work in structural design, analysis and testing, including recent work with composites.
1983
Robert R. Lynn
Senior Vice President, Research & Engineering
Bell Helicopter
For his 35 years of service to the advancement of the helicopter industry.
Senior Vice President, Research & Engineering
Bell Helicopter
For his 35 years of service to the advancement of the helicopter industry.
1982
Wayne Wiesner
Boeing Engineering and Construction
In recognition of his distinguished career, spanning over 40 years in teaching, research, development, and production, involving over 20 major rotary wing projects.
Boeing Engineering and Construction
In recognition of his distinguished career, spanning over 40 years in teaching, research, development, and production, involving over 20 major rotary wing projects.
1981
Charles H. Kaman
President and Chairman of Board
Kaman Corporation
For his innovations and contributions to the helicopter industry - being an eminent aeronautical engineer and pioneer in rotary wing aeronautics advancements since 1945.
President and Chairman of Board
Kaman Corporation
For his innovations and contributions to the helicopter industry - being an eminent aeronautical engineer and pioneer in rotary wing aeronautics advancements since 1945.
1980
Frank N. Piasecki
President
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
For the most notable achievement to the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
President
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
For the most notable achievement to the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1979
Rene Mouille
Deputy Technical Director
Aerospatiale, France
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics. At the 35th Annual Forum Honors Night Banquet, May 22, 1979, Rene Mouille (right) received the award from Raoul Hafner.
Deputy Technical Director
Aerospatiale, France
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics. At the 35th Annual Forum Honors Night Banquet, May 22, 1979, Rene Mouille (right) received the award from Raoul Hafner.
1978
William F. Paul
Senior Vice President Engineering & Development
Sikorsky Aircraft Div. of United Technologies Corp.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Senior Vice President Engineering & Development
Sikorsky Aircraft Div. of United Technologies Corp.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1977
Ralph P. Alex
Sikorsky Aircraft
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Sikorsky Aircraft
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1976
Kenneth B. Amer
Technical Director
Hughes Helicopters
Ken was selected in recognition of his 30 years of contributions to the helicopter field in such areas as handling quality, vibration control, noise reduction, lightweight-design technology. His work has become a significant part of the rotorcraft technical base.
Technical Director
Hughes Helicopters
Ken was selected in recognition of his 30 years of contributions to the helicopter field in such areas as handling quality, vibration control, noise reduction, lightweight-design technology. His work has become a significant part of the rotorcraft technical base.
1975
Edward Woll
For his years of leadership in design and development of jet engines, and his prime influence in overall design of the U.S. Army T700 turbo-shaft engine to power advanced helicopter of the 80s.
For his years of leadership in design and development of jet engines, and his prime influence in overall design of the U.S. Army T700 turbo-shaft engine to power advanced helicopter of the 80s.
1974
Bernard Lindenbaum
Deputy of Studies and Analysis, Prototype Section
USAF Flight Dynamics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB
In recognition of his 30 years of outstanding leadership and contributions to rotary-wing technology, as the principal director of Air Force rotary-wing activity, and for his contributions to all forms of V/STOL aircraft.
Deputy of Studies and Analysis, Prototype Section
USAF Flight Dynamics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB
In recognition of his 30 years of outstanding leadership and contributions to rotary-wing technology, as the principal director of Air Force rotary-wing activity, and for his contributions to all forms of V/STOL aircraft.
1973
Paul F. Yaggy
Director, Dept. of the Army
US Army Air Mobility Research and Development Laboratory
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to helicopter technology and his leadership of the US Army Air Mobility Research and Development Laboratory. His foresight and dedication set the standards for the future of our industry.
Director, Dept. of the Army
US Army Air Mobility Research and Development Laboratory
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to helicopter technology and his leadership of the US Army Air Mobility Research and Development Laboratory. His foresight and dedication set the standards for the future of our industry.
1972
Edward J. Ducayet
Chairman
Bell Helicopter Company
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics and for his leadership in the American Helicopter Society.
Chairman
Bell Helicopter Company
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics and for his leadership in the American Helicopter Society.
1971
Robert A. Wagner
Director of Aeronautical Engineering Division
Hughes Tool Co.,
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics and for his leadership in the American Helicopter Society.
Director of Aeronautical Engineering Division
Hughes Tool Co.,
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics and for his leadership in the American Helicopter Society.
1970
Charles Marchetti
Societe Charles Marchetti
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics as Chief Helicopter Designer and later as Director for Helicopters of Sud Aviation.
Societe Charles Marchetti
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary wing aeronautics as Chief Helicopter Designer and later as Director for Helicopters of Sud Aviation.
1969
LTG William B. Bunker, USA
Deputy Commanding General
US Army
For foresight in establishing standards of performance and utility for Army helicopters and ceaseless insistence upon excellence in all phases of helicopter development.
Deputy Commanding General
US Army
For foresight in establishing standards of performance and utility for Army helicopters and ceaseless insistence upon excellence in all phases of helicopter development.
1968
Rene H. Miller
Slater Professor of Flight Transportation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
For his technical and scientific contributions to Rotary Wing Aerodynamics and Aeroelastic Theory, and his contributions to the application of VTOL aircraft to short haul air transportation.
Slater Professor of Flight Transportation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
For his technical and scientific contributions to Rotary Wing Aerodynamics and Aeroelastic Theory, and his contributions to the application of VTOL aircraft to short haul air transportation.
1967
Dr. Anselm Franz
Vice President and Assistant General Manager
of Avco Corporation
For leading the development of a noteworthy series of gas turbine engines for helicopters and other VTOL aircraft, which have demonstrated their performance and durability in worldwide service.
Vice President and Assistant General Manager
of Avco Corporation
For leading the development of a noteworthy series of gas turbine engines for helicopters and other VTOL aircraft, which have demonstrated their performance and durability in worldwide service.
1966
Irven H. Culver
Advanced Technology Adviser
Lockheed-California Company
For the conception and successful development of a rigid rotor system for helicopters embodying unique control and stabilization elements.
Advanced Technology Adviser
Lockheed-California Company
For the conception and successful development of a rigid rotor system for helicopters embodying unique control and stabilization elements.
1965
Elliot Daland
Director and Engineering Advisor
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
For his continuous contributions to the helicopter industry for more than two decades, particularly in the successful development of the tandem rotor-type helicopter.
Director and Engineering Advisor
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
For his continuous contributions to the helicopter industry for more than two decades, particularly in the successful development of the tandem rotor-type helicopter.
1964
Dr. Kurt H. Hohenemser
Senior Scientist
McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
Senior Scientist
McDonnell Aircraft Corporation
1963
Frederick B. Gustafson
Head, VTOL Branch, Aerospace Mechanics Division
NASA Langley Research Center
For his achievements, dedication, and effort in rotary wing science, research and development and his pioneering in the area of helicopter stability and control. By writing more than twenty-five technical papers, and by contributing to over one hundred NASA publications on rotary wing research, he has established sound technical standards for rotary wing development.
Head, VTOL Branch, Aerospace Mechanics Division
NASA Langley Research Center
For his achievements, dedication, and effort in rotary wing science, research and development and his pioneering in the area of helicopter stability and control. By writing more than twenty-five technical papers, and by contributing to over one hundred NASA publications on rotary wing research, he has established sound technical standards for rotary wing development.
1962
BG Robert R. Williams
Commanding Officer, US Army Aviation Center
US Army
For his leading role in Army helicopter tactical development. His extensive helicopter background coupled with foresight, ability and initiative, was instrumental in formulating long range Army programs for technical helicopter requirements, which established realistic development goals for new helicopters.
Commanding Officer, US Army Aviation Center
US Army
For his leading role in Army helicopter tactical development. His extensive helicopter background coupled with foresight, ability and initiative, was instrumental in formulating long range Army programs for technical helicopter requirements, which established realistic development goals for new helicopters.
1961
Leon L. Douglas
Vice President Engineering, Vertol Division
Boeing Airplane Company
For numerous and important contributions to the development of the Tandem Rotor Helicopter and other VTOL Aircraft.
Vice President Engineering, Vertol Division
Boeing Airplane Company
For numerous and important contributions to the development of the Tandem Rotor Helicopter and other VTOL Aircraft.
1960
V. Keith Putnam
US Army Transportation Corps, Deputy Commander, Aviation Test Activity
Edwards Air Force Base
For achievements in advancing flight test procedures and techniques used in helicopters and other VTOL aircraft.
US Army Transportation Corps, Deputy Commander, Aviation Test Activity
Edwards Air Force Base
For achievements in advancing flight test procedures and techniques used in helicopters and other VTOL aircraft.
1959
Robert L. Lichten
Chief Experimental Project Engineer
Bell Helicopter Corporation
For the development of the tilt-rotor type convertiplane successfully demonstrated by the full conversion flight of the Bell XV-3 on December 18, 1958.
Chief Experimental Project Engineer
Bell Helicopter Corporation
For the development of the tilt-rotor type convertiplane successfully demonstrated by the full conversion flight of the Bell XV-3 on December 18, 1958.
1958
Friedrich L. Von Doblhoff
Helicopter Chief Engineer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Helicopter Chief Engineer
McDonnell Aircraft Corp.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1957
Major Wayne W. Eggert, USAF
Experimental Test Pilot
United States Air Force
Award Presented Posthumously
Experimental Test Pilot
United States Air Force
Award Presented Posthumously
1956
Charles H. Zimmerman
Asst. Chief, Stability Research Division
Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, NACA
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Asst. Chief, Stability Research Division
Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, NACA
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1955
Bartram Kelley
Chief Engineer, Helicopter Division
Bell Aircraft Corporation
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Chief Engineer, Helicopter Division
Bell Aircraft Corporation
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1954
Michael Gluhareff
Chief Engineer
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Chief Engineer
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1953
Raoul Hafner
Chief Designer, Helicopter Department
Bristol Aeroplane Co., Ltd.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Chief Designer, Helicopter Department
Bristol Aeroplane Co., Ltd.
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1952
Louis Breguet
President
S. Ades Ateliers D'Aviations Louis Breguet
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
President
S. Ades Ateliers D'Aviations Louis Breguet
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
1951
Igor I. Sikorsky
Engineering Manager, Sikorsky Aircraft Division
United Aircraft Corporation
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
Engineering Manager, Sikorsky Aircraft Division
United Aircraft Corporation
For notable achievement in the advancement of rotary-wing aeronautics.
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