Aircraft Design Award Open for Nominations 10 November 2024 – 15 January 2025

Award Recipients

2024

• Mr Paul Fontenrose
  Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems

  Awarded

  Award: 2024 AIAA Aircraft Design Award

  AIAA Citation: For the design of the next evolution of the U.S. Air Force strategic bomber fleet and the world's first sixth-generation aircraft to reach the skies.

2023

• Adnan Raghdo
  Boeing

  Awarded

  Award: 2023 AIAA Aircraft Design Award

  AIAA Citation: For leadership of the Boeing MQ-28A design team, a stealth, multirole, UAS, force multiplier aircraft capable of teaming with crewed aircraft and performing autonomous missions.

2022

• Steve Ericson
  Overair

  Awarded

  Award: 2022 AIAA Aircraft Design Award

  AIAA Citation: "For a lifetime of innovative aircraft designs and exceptional skills in configuration design, as well as mentoring young engineers in aircraft design."

2021

• Pipistrel Velis Electro
  Pipistrel Velis Electro

  Awarded

  Award: 2021 AIAA Aircraft Design Award

  AIAA Citation: “For being the world’s first certified electric aircraft leading the marketplace in a new era of green aircraft design and technology”

2020

• Mr Udo Juerss
  Awarded

  Award: 2019 Aircraft Design Award

  AIAA Citation: For being the “father of modern quadcopter” and for working for more than 20 years designing, testing, and improving the premier aircraft of the aircraft design industry.

2019

• Robert W Parks
  none

  Awarded

  Award: 2019 Aircraft Design Award

  AIAA Citation: “For a lifetime of novel and innovative aircraft designs including multiple prototypes and one of the current DARPA X-Planes.”

2018

• Robert Lafontan - A380 Design Team
  Airbus

  Awarded

  Award: 2018 AIAAA Aircraft Design Award

  AIAA Citation: Airbus A380 and its unique double-deck design, was the next step in the development of Very Large Commercial Transport for long range, high density routes.

2017

• Solar Impulse Aircraft Design Team
  Solar Impulse Aircraft Design Team

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the innovative design of a piloted all-electric aircraft with multiple day-night capability, proven by global circumnavigation on solar power, including transoceanic legs.

2016

• Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration Program (UCAS-D) Team
  Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration Program (UCAS-D) Team

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: In recognition and sincere appreciation of the significant advances to the state of the art in autonomous aircraft operations on a carrier and in the aerial refueling environment that have been demonstrated by the Navy X-47B UCAS-D and enabled by this very successful aircraft design.

2015

• Darold B Cummings
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For a career demonstrating exceptional skill and creativity in the configuration and design of aircraft, and inspiring future generations of aircraft designers.

2014

• Boeing 787 Dreamliner Team
  Boeing 787 Dreamliner Team

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the conception, design, and development of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner leading to substantial airliner performance improvements and significant advances in aircraft design and technology.

2013

• Dr Egbert Torenbeek
  TU Delft

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For lifetime achievement in advancing aircraft design education and promoting computer aided techniques in aircraft design.

2012

• Dr Michimasa Fujino
  Honda Aircraft Company

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For pioneering the unique over the wing engine mount configuration and the design and development of the HondaJet light business jet

2011

• Dr Leland M Nicolai
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For four decades of aircraft design leadership, including developing the AGM-129/ACM, redirecting the AGM-158/JASSM into the 21st Century, authoring design textbooks, and teaching aircraft design.

2010

• Dr Daniel P Raymer
  Conceptual Research Corporation

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For a career of teaching, performing, and pioneering aircraft conceptual designs across industry and academia. Your influence through education has helped countless students and professionals, and has left an enduring legacy.

2009

• Joseph John Lusczek Jr
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For over four decades of outstanding contributions and leadership in the design, analysis, and development of unrivaled Air Force aircraft.

2008

• Mr. Richard VanGrunsven
  Van's Aircraft Inc.

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For lifetime achievement in experimental and light sport aircraft design using his “total performance” personal design philosophy.

2007

• Dr Jan Roskam
  DARcorporation

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: “For lifetime achievement in airplane design, airplane design education, configuration design, and flight dynamics education.”

2006

• Robert R Sandusky
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: First named inventor of the F-20 Tigershark and YF-23A Advanced Tactical Fighter Prototype, Chief Engineer of the YF-23 and for significant involvement in the development of the YF-17.

2005

• Dr Robert H Liebeck
  The Boeing Company

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For lifetime achievement in aerodynamics, advanced aircraft development and conceptual design. Specifically the innovative wing designs for the Boeing Condor, Aerovironment Helios, and the blended wing-body approach air liner.

2004

• Charles H Boccadoro
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the design of an aircraft that provided the first-ever in-flight demonstration of sonic boom mitigation using specialized aircraft shaping technology
• Mr. David H Graham
  Northrop Grumman Corporation

  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the design of an aircraft that provided the first-ever in-flight demonstration of sonic boom mitigation using specialized aircraft shaping technology
• Mr. Joseph W Pawlowski
  Northrop Grumman Corporation

  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the design of an aircraft that provided the first-ever in-flight demonstration of sonic boom mitigation using specialized aircraft shaping technology

2002

• Dr Paul M Bevilaqua
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For an innovative tri-service solution next generation strike aircraft demonstrating commonality, carrier approach, and STOVL flight all in a fourth-generation low observable airframe
• Paul H Park
  University of Texas at Arlington

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For an innovative tri-service solution next generation strike aircraft demonstrating commonality, carrier approach, and STOVL flight all in a fourth-generation low observable airframe
• Mr. Brian M Quayle
  Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Systems Company

  Awarded
• Mr. Rick Rezabek
  Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Company

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For an innovative tri-service solution next generation strike aircraft demonstrating commonality, carrier approach, and STOVL flight all in a fourth-generation low observable airframe

2001

• Team Raptor
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For leading Team Raptor which demonstrated excellence by designing the world’s most advanced air dominance fighter representing a significant advance in aircraft design technology

1999

• Mr Hermann M Altmann
  Helm Industries LLC

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For leadership, building and integrating the engineering team while being the tenacious creative driving force behind the design, development, and successful testing of Global Hawk.

1998

• Mr. John C Brizendine
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For distinguished contributions to aviation in his dedicated and creative leadership of the conception, design, development, production, and operation of the DC-10 aircraft and other world class transports

1996

• John V Chenevey
  The Boeing Company

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For evolutionary upgrade of the Navy’s flagship workhorse, the F/A-18E/F, into the next generation ‘Super Hornet’ capable of outstanding performance well into the 21st century
• James B Godwin III
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For evolutionary upgrade of the Navy’s flagship workhorse, the F/A-18E/F, into the next generation ‘Super Hornet’ capable of outstanding performance well into the 21st century
• Dr Brian L Hunt
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For evolutionary upgrade of the Navy’s flagship workhorse, the F/A-18E/F, into the next generation ‘Super Hornet’ capable of outstanding performance well into the 21st century
• Mr. William A Norman
  McDonnell Douglas Corporation

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For evolutionary upgrade of the Navy’s flagship workhorse, the F/A-18E/F, into the next generation ‘Super Hornet’ capable of outstanding performance well into the 21st century

1995

• Mr. Charles N Coppi
  Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership in the design and development of the Gulfstream I,II,III,IV, and V family of aircraft; a leading element in business aviation for a generation

1994

• Mr. Helmuth Heumann
  DIPLING

  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the innovative and original approach, conceptualization, and design of the X-31 aircraft, whose on-going flight test program is successfully demonstrating radically different, high payoff fighter capabilities
• Mr. John B Nix
  Northrop Grumman Corporation

  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the innovative and original approach, conceptualization, and design of the X-31 aircraft, whose on-going flight test program is successfully demonstrating radically different, high payoff fighter capabilities
• Michael R Robinson
  Boeing Defense, Space & Security

  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the innovative and original approach, conceptualization, and design of the X-31 aircraft, whose on-going flight test program is successfully demonstrating radically different, high payoff fighter capabilities
• Mr Hannes G Ross
  IBR Aeronautical Consulting

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the innovative and original approach, conceptualization, and design of the X-31 aircraft, whose on-going flight test program is successfully demonstrating radically different, high payoff fighter capabilities

1993

• Mr. Benson Hamlin
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For serving as preliminary design engineer in defining the initial configuration and integrating the necessary disciplines resulting in the first successful supersonic airplane design

1992

• Mr. Richard Hardy
  The Boeing Co

  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For leading the 3-company team responsible for the design definition, development, and fabrication of the YF-22, a revolutionary air superiority fighter prototype with an unprecedented combination of stealth, agility, and supercruise.
• David R Kent
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For leading the 3-company team responsible for the design definition, development, and fabrication of the YF-22, a revolutionary air superiority fighter prototype with an unprecedented combination of stealth, agility, and supercruise
• Mr. Sherman N Mullin
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For leading the 3-company team responsible for the design definition, development, and fabrication of the YF-22, a revolutionary air superiority fighter prototype with an unprecedented combination of stealth, agility, and supercruise

1991

• Dr Antonio L Elias
  Orbital ATK

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For pioneering contributions to the invention, development, production and operation of the Pegasus air-launched space booster, the world''s first privately-developed space launch vehicle

1990

• Coy R. Cantrell
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the development of the world''s first operational stealth aircraft, the U.S. Air Force F-117A
• Norman Nelson
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the development of the world''s first operational stealth aircraft, the U.S. Air Force F-117A
• Dr Alan C Brown
  Awarded

  Award: 1990 AIAA Aircraft Design Award

1989

• Dr John F Cashen
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the results of their innovative technical and managerial leadership which resulted in the development of the B2 bomber.
• James E Kinnu
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the results of their innovative technical and managerial leadership which resulted in the development of the B2 bomber
• John Patierno
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the results of their innovative technical and managerial leadership which resulted in the development of the B2 bomber
• Mr. Irving T Waaland
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the results of their innovative technical and managerial leadership which resulted in the development of the B2 bomber

1988

• Mr. Michael Pelehach
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For success as Design and Project Director of the F-14 Tomcat carrier-based fighter, and in recognition of a long and distinguished career with leadership contributions to the design of the OV-1 Mohawk, E-2C Hawkeye, A-6 Intruder, EA-6B Prowler and the X-29 Technology Demonstrator Aircraft

1987

• Mr. Lawrence A Smith
  McDonnell Douglas Corporation

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the design, development and engineering management of the AV-8B Harrier II V/STOL Aircraft, and in recognition of a long and distinguished career with contributions tot he design of the and distinguished career with contributions to the design of the F-4 Phantom, F101 Voodoo, F-3H Demon and F-2H Banshee aircraft

1986

• Mr James N Allburn
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For extending the boundaries of aircraft design through technical contributions and leadership in the initiation, design and development of the X-29 forward swept wing aircraft
• Dr Norris Krone Jr.
  University Research Foundation

  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For extending the boundaries of aircraft design through technical contributions and leadership in the initiation, design and development of the X-29 forward swept wing aircraft
• Glenn L Spacht
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For extending the boundaries of aircraft design through technical contributions and leadership in the initiation, design and development of the X-29 forward swept wing aircraft

1985

• Mr. Harry J Hillaker
  Aerospace Consulting Group, Inc.

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For a long and distinguished career in aircraft design during which he performed or directed various phases of the design of five major, technologically advanced aircraft: B-36, B-58, F-111, F-16, and F-16XL

1984

• Philip M Condit
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the managerial and technical leadership they provided to the engineering teams that developed the Boeing 757 and 767 commercial transport aircraft. And, for their dedication to the successful integration of the highest practical standard of aeronautical technologies with commercial and schedule requirements to create two airplanes of outstanding performance and economy.
• Kenneth F Holtby
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the managerial and technical leadership they provided to the engineering teams that developed the Boeing 757 and 767 commercial transport aircraft. And, for their dedication to the successful integration of the highest practical standard of aeronautical technologies with commercial and schedule requirements to create two airplanes of outstanding performance and economy
• Mr. Everette L Webb
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For the managerial and technical leadership they provided to the engineering teams that developed the Boeing 757 and 767 commercial transport aircraft. And, for their dedication to the successful integration of the highest practical standard of aeronautical technologies with commercial and schedule requirements to create two airplanes of outstanding performance and economy

1982

• Dr Paul B MacCready
  AeroVironment Inc

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For imagination, perseverance, and technological genius in development of the Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of human-powered flight, and enhancing the image of the aerospace profession

1981

• Adolph Burstein
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the evolution and design of the delta wing for supersonic flight
• Mr. Frank W Davis
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the evolution and design of the delta wing for supersonic flight.
• Mr. Ralph H Shick
  Awarded-CoRecipients

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the evolution and design of the delta wing for supersonic flight.

1980

• Mr. Elbert L Rutan
  Scaled Composites LLC

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the conception, design, and construction of four superior performance aircraft, the Defiant, Varie-Eze, Quickie and Vari Viggne, including his innovative application of canards, winglets, fiberglass materials, and construction techniques

1979

• Mr. Harold Raiklen
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: In recognition of the knowledge, dedication, perseverance, and leadership with which he integrated diverse technical requirements and concepts to bring about the successful design and development of the B-1 Strategic Aircraft System

1978

• John K Wimpress
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: In recognition of the prescience, knowledge and dedication he applied to the design and development of the YC-14 airplane. By perseverance and leadership he succeeded in converting technical concepts into a novel and practical airplane

1977

• Howard A Evans
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For a long and distinguished career contributing to the design of innovative aircraft representing significant milestones in aviation history; and for inspiration and direction of the engineering teams which accomplished these programs

1976

• Kendall Perkins
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding accomplishments in technical design and engineering management of a wide spectrum of fighter aircraft designs ranging from the original FH-1 Phantom to the F-15 Eagle, and in recognition of this versatility as a leader, and innovations in the field of aircraft design

1975

• Walter E Fellers
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding achievement over the past 30 years in the design and development of fighter aircraft to meet rapidly shifting and expanding requirements of diverse military environments.

1973

• Herman D Barkey
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding contribution during the past 19 years to the initial design and evolutionary development of the highly successful free World Fighter, the F4 Phantom

1972

• Ben R Rich
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the design and development of the inlet and inlet control systems for the YF-12/SR-71 aircraft - the first Mach 3+ aircraft

1971

• Mr. Joseph F Sutter
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the design and technical development of the world's largest commercial transport airplane, the Boeing 747.

1970

• Harrison A Storms
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For direction of the engineering effort that led to the design and development to the XB-70 aircraft

1969

• Harold W Adams
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: In recognition of outstanding contributions to the safety and economic practicality of commercial air transportation during the past 38 years by development of aircraft design principles for high reliability and ease of maintenance