F. E. Newbold V/STOL Award Open for Nominations 10 July 2025 – 1 October 2025

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The F. E. Newbold V/STOL Award is presented to recognize outstanding creative contributions to the advancement and realization of powered lift flight in one or more of the following areas: initiation, definition and/or management of key V/STOL programs; development of enabling technologies including critical methodology; program engineering and design; and/or other relevant related activities or combinations thereof which have advanced the science of powered lift flight.

This award is generally presented every 18 or 30 months in conjunction with the International Powered Lift Conference.

Deadlines:
Accepting Online Nominations: 10 July 2025
Nomination Deadline: 1 October 2025
Endorsement Letters Deadline: 1 November 2025

Award Recipients

2023

  • Dr Lars Blackmore
    Space Exploration Technologies Corporation
    Awarded
    Award: 2023 AIAA F.E. Newbold Award
    AIAA Citation: For vehicle-level design and the development of critical guidance and control technologies to achieve precision vertical landing of space rockets, and advance their viability through full reusability.

2020

  • Mr Justin D Paines
    Joby Aviation
    Awarded
    Award: For his leading role in the development of the revolutionary STOVL Flight Control System for the Joint Strike Fighter

2016

  • Mr. Paul Shumpert
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For four decades of service to advance the propulsion enabling technologies for VTOL, STOL, and STOVL aircraft, with outstanding creative contributions to the advancement of propulsion lift system.

2013

  • William J Lewis
    Rolls Royce LTD
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: “For over 30 years of leadership and advocacy of supersonic V/STOL aircraft within Rolls-Royce and throughout the US/UK aerospace industry.”

2010

  • Dr James A Franklin
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For over 40 years of substantive research contributions to the art and science of the dynamics, control and flying qualities of powered-lift aircraft.

2008

  • Mr. Ralph Hooper
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For developing the initial conceptual design of the P.1127 and leading the design and development effort of the Harrier, the world’s first successful V/STOL aircraft.

2002

  • Dr Barnes W McCormick
    Pennsylvania State University
    Awarded
  • Mr. Samuel B Wilson III
    AVID LLC
    Awarded

2000

  • Troy M Gaffy
    Awarded
  • Richard E Kuhn
    Awarded

1998

  • Gordon Lewis
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: In recognition as one of the world’s most influential figures in aero gas turbines with significant involvement in the development of the Pegasus engine for the Harrier

1996

  • Dr Paul M Bevilaqua
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For 25 years of contributions in V/STOL technology including the invention and large scale demonstration of a new propulsion system for supersonic STOVL aircraft

1993

  • Dr William J Scheuren
    Adv Res Projects Agency
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: For 25 years of major contributions to the AV-8A Harrier aircraft, the V-22 Osprey program and the ARPA STOVL/CTOL CALF Technology Demonstration Program

1990

  • Harold W Blot
    Awarded
    AIAA Citation: Under his determined and insightful leadership, the AV-8B Harrier was introduced into the USMC force structure, and the V22 Osprey tilt rotor technology was developed. His technical and managerial skills uniquely advanced VSTOL flight