Reed Aeronautics Award Open for Nominations 1 June 2025 – 1 September 2025

Award Recipients

2024

• Mark S Miller
  Dynetics, A Leidos Company

  Awarded

  Award: 2024 AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award

  AIAA Citation: In recognition of contributions to engineering advancement of grid fin aerodynamic control technology from seminal research through pervasive technology adoption into flight systems including reusable launch vehicles.

2023

• Dr John S Langford
  Electra.aero

  Awarded

  Award: 2023 AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award

  AIAA Citation: For exemplary achievement as an outstanding aeronautical engineer, visionary leadership in the development of autonomous flight, and relentless advocacy of the future aerospace workforce.

2022

• Prof Peretz P Friedmann
  University of Michigan

  Awarded

  Award: 2022 AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award

  AIAA Citation: “For inventing on-blade control for vibration reduction in rotorcraft and developing aerothermoelastic scaling laws facilitating hypersonic vehicle wind tunnel testing and design.”

2021

• Dr Michimasa Fujino
  Honda Aircraft Company

  Awarded

  Award: 2021 AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award

  AIAA Citation: “For the invention of advanced aerodynamic and structural technologies.”

2020

• Dr Alan C Brown
  Awarded

  Award: 2020 Redd Aeronautics Awards

  AIAA Citation: For his Engineering Leadership of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Team that Designed and Produced the F-117, the First Stealth Fighter/Bomber Aircraft

2019

• Dr Philippe R Spalart
  Boeing Commercial Airplanes

  Awarded

  Award: For contributions in the simulation of complex turbulent flows enabling the prediction and optimization of aerodynamic characteristics of aerospace vehicles.

  AIAA Citation: For contributions in the simulation of complex turbulent flows enabling the prediction and optimization of aerodynamic characteristics of aerospace vehicles.

2018

• Prof Mark Drela
  Massachusettes Institute of Technology

  Awarded

  Award: For unique sustained contributions to a broad range of path-breaking aircraft designs and for development of widely used aircraft design software

  AIAA Citation: For unique sustained contributions to a broad range of path-breaking aircraft designs and for development of widely used aircraft design software

2017

• Prof Edward M Greitzer
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: “For outstanding and sustained contributions to solving real world problems in aerodynamics of propulsion components, systems, and integration, and for the development of successful collaborations with academia, industry and government.

2016

• Prof Earl H Dowell
  Duke University

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For pioneering contributions to aeroelasticity, structural dynamics, and unsteady aerodynamics which have had a tremendous influence on aerospace technology.

2015

• Prof Ramesh K Agarwal
  Washington University in St Louis

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership in aerospace education and research and advancing a wide range of aerospace vehicles through application of computational fluid dynamics.

2014

• Dr Ben T Zinn
  Georgia Institute of Technology

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For extensive and fundamental contributions to aerospace propulsion and power technologies, research, education, literature, and workforce development.

2013

• HON Paul G Kaminski
  Technovation Inc

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding vision and leadership in the development of advanced aeronautical systems to enhance our national security

2012

• Preston A Henne
  Awarded

  Award: 1

  AIAA Citation: For exemplary leadership in the development, design, testing and certification of major airplane programs and significant contributions to supersonic boom mitigation.

2011

• Dr David A Peters
  Washington Univ @ St Louis

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: “For outstanding contributions to the advancement of rotary wing unsteady aerodynamic theory and applications to design.”

2010

• Dr Eugene E Covert
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For lifelong contributions to aeronautics teaching; research through advancements in state-of-the-art wind tunnel testing at subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic speeds; and public service.

2009

• Prof Anatol Roshko
  California Institute of Technology

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For pioneering research in fluid mechanics and the worldwide education of aeronautical scientists and engineers through his seminal textbook with Hans W. Liepmann, Elements of Gasdynamics.

2008

• Mr. Alain Garcia
  Airbus S.A.S.

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding and visionary contributions to aeronautical engineering through the establishment of Engineering Centres for Innovations in the four Airbus corresponding nations.

2007

• Dr Meyer J Benzakein
  The Ohio State University

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For key contributions to the development and application of the CFM-56 and GE-90 families of high-bypass turbofan engines and their impact on the success of several Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

2006

• Dr Holt Ashley
  Stanford University

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For pioneering contributions in the fields of structural dynamics, unsteady aerodynamics, and aeroelasticity that have had a significant impact on the design of today’s aircraft.

2005

• Mr Ralph Heath
  Awarded

  Award: -

  AIAA Citation: For contributions to aeronautics technology development, production, management and strategy exemplified by his work on major programs supporting the air forces of the United States and key allies.

2004

• Dr Heinz Erzberger
  NASA-Ames

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: In recognition of excellence in basic research and vision in transforming this research into products that have been implemented by the FAA to improve the air traffic system

2003

• Mr. Dain M Hancock
  Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Systems Company

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For his career long contributions to military aircraft science, program management, and multi-national cooperation in defense technology. His leadership has been key to the creation and fielding of the next generation of advanced military aircraft, including the F-22, F-35, and advanced F-16 versions - products that will protect the United States and its allies for much of the 21st century

2002

• Mr. Robert A Mitchell
  Northrop Grumman Corporation

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the development and international deployment of the Global Hawk System

2001

• Mr. Elbert L Rutan
  Scaled Composites LLC

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: In recognition of significant contributions and achievements in the field of aeronautical sciences and engineering, as an engineer, designer and builder of aircraft that challenge conventional wisdom, thus opening the door for innovation in aircraft prototyping and stimulation of new ideas and applications to future aerospace endeavors

2000

• Dr Sheila E Widnall
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: In recognition as a noted researcher, engineering educator, Secretary of the United States Air Force, and proponent of streamlining government aerospace procurement

1999

• James "Micky" A Blackwell
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For distinguished contributions and achievements in the engineering development and management of aeronautical systems through the use of the Integrated Product Team/Concurrent Engineering concept and for leading the design and development of the F-22 Raptor program

1998

• Roy V Harris
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For exemplary leadership in aeronautics research and technology development which contributed to the foundations for U.S. supremacy in subsonic, supersonic, hypersonic, high-performance military, and commercial aircraft

1997

• Mr. George G Field
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For engineering/production turnaround on the C-17 Globemaster III and as a leading figure in fielding the DC-10 and MD-11 airliners

1996

• Mr. Alan R Mulally
  Ford Corporation

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For significant, multidimensional contributions to the development and fielding of the Boeing 777 and a lifetime of achievement in commercial aviation

1995

• Wolfgang Herbst
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For innovation in the design of control configured aircraft culminating in the conception and eventual proof of post-stall maneuvering technology through the X-31 Program

1994

• Ben R Rich
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For substantial and creative contributions to the most advanced state-of-the-art aircraft with a special impact on reconnaissance systems and advanced fighter aircraft

1993

• Mr. Charles A Zraket
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For sustained contributions and leadership in pioneering the integration of command, control and communications into military and civil aeronautical systems

1992

• James N Krebs
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For innovations on advanced aircraft engines and engine components including high temperature, high bypass and variable cycle developments

1991

• Mr Richard H Petersen
  Awarded

  Award: -

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding leadership and contributions in aeronautical science and engineering, significantly impacting the scope and direction of the nation''s aeronautical capabilities in the continuing move to hypersonic speeds

1990

• Bernard L Koff
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: Innovative design, systems, and manufacturing concepts for the concepts for the aircraft industry

1989

• John Patierno
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For inspired leadership in over three decades of aeronautics design nominating in the responsibility for the B-2 research and development team, which has pioneered many innovative design, systems, and manufacturing concepts for the concepts for the aircraft industry.

1988

• Mr. Brian H Rowe
  GE Aircraft Engines

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For a lifetime of contributions and leadership in advancing the technology of high performance aircraft gas turbine engines

1987

• Mr. R. R Heppe
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For 40 years of continuous and outstanding contribution to the fields of aircraft design, aerodynamics and dynamics, and for his significant participation in the development of more than 25 military and commercial aircraft, including the supersonic F-104 Starfighter and the L-1011 Tristar wide-bodied jetliner

1986

• Robert J Patton
  RJ Patton & Assoc

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For over three decades of technical contributions in aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems engineering as applied to advanced strategic and tactical aircraft

1985

• Thomas V Jones
  Awarded

  Award: -

  AIAA Citation: For his management of advanced technology for fighter aircraft, combining combat performance, reliability and economy.

1984

• Mr. Frederick T Rall Jr.
  United States Air Force

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For over three decades of leadership in the advancement of combat aircraft for the USAF

1983

• Mr. R. H Widmer
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For over 40 years of exceptional service and contribution to aeronautics and his nation, as design innovator, technical leader and inspiring engineering executive, leading the development of four of the USAF''s advanced aircraft - the B-36, B-58, F-111 and F-16 and pioneering the eras of supersonic cruise and fly-by-wire computerized flight control

1982

• Dr John L McLucas
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For contributions and achievements in the development and management of aeronautical systems and for leadership in major US aviation programs

1981

• William R Sears
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to steady and to unsteady aerodynamic theory; and for long-standing contributions to engineering education

1980

• Mr. Donald Malvern
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For distinguished engineering and scientific achievement in leading the United States Air Force F-15 Eagle Through design, production, and testing into operational status

1979

• Dr Paul B MacCready
  AeroVironment Inc

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the ingenious conception, creative design, and masterly execution of the Gossamer Condor - the first man-powered aircraft capable of sustained flight in all directions under perfect equilibrium and control

1978

• Lt Gen James T Stewart
  Wright Patterson AFB

  Awarded

1977

• Mr. William C Dietz
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For a career of leadership in the engineering development of advanced military aircraft, including the B-36, B-58, F-111 and most recently the YF-16, successful lightweight fighter competitor whose service introduction will embody the first operational application of fly-by-wire control, the extensive use of advanced composites in primary airframe structure, and numerous other technical contributions to air combat capability

1976

• Mr. George A Spangenberg
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For notable contribution to aeronautical design throughout a generation of naval aircraft programs during which he provided a dominant influence in the development of practical naval aeronautical systems

1975

• Antonio Ferri
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For basic supersonic research and continuing advances in air breathing propulsion and airplane design, including imaginative development of the supersonic combustion ramjet, the low Nox combustor and methods for reducing sonic boom signatures

1974

• Mr. Willis M Hawkins
  Awarded

  Award: -

  AIAA Citation: For notable contributions to the design and development of aerospace vehicles including vertical take-off, transport, interceptor, and supersonic fighter types of aircraft and a number of missiles.

1973

• I Edward Garrick
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions in the areas of aeroelasticity, structural dynamics, noise, flutter, and landing dynamics of aerospace vehicles

1972

• Max M Munk
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For enduring contributions to the science of aerodynamics

1971

• Mr. Ira Grant Hedrick
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For technical excellence, design innovation and leadership in the structural development of several generations of aerospace vehicles

1970

• Dr Richard T Whitcomb
  N A S A

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the imaginative use of wind tunnel experimentation for the solution of aerodynamic problems for the improvement of the aerodynamic performance of trans-sonic aircraft

1969

• Prof Rene H Miller
  Massachusetts Inst of Tech

  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For outstanding contributions to the fundamental knowledge, understanding and improvement of the flying qualities and high speed behavior of rotary-wing aircraft

1967

• Adolph Buseman
  Awarded

1966

• Clarence L Johnson
  Awarded

1965

• Mr. Arthur E Raymond
  Awarded

1964

• Dr Abe Silverstein
  Awarded

1961

• Dr A. J Eggers Jr.
  Awarded

1959

• Karel J Bossart
  Awarded

1958

• Victor E Carbonera
  Awarded

1957

• Raymond L Bisplinghoff
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For developing ways to calculate aircraft loads and stresses.

1956

• Clarence L Johnson
  Awarded

1954

• Clark B Millikan
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For contributions to fluid mechanics, airplane, aerodynamics, and wind tunnel technology.

1953

• Ernest G Stout
  Awarded

1952

• Mr. John P Stack
  Awarded

1951

• Edward H Heinemann
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For design and development of experimental aircraft for investigating transonic and supersonic flight phenomena.

1950

• Dr R. R Gilruth
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For the conception and development of new techniques for obtaining transonic and supersonic data using freely flying models.

1949

• Mr. George S Schairer
  Awarded

1948

• George W Brady
  Awarded

1947

• Galen B Schubauer
  Awarded-CoRecipients
• Dr Harold K Skramstad
  Awarded-CoRecipients

1945

• Charles S Draper
  Awarded

1944

• Fred E Weick
  Awarded

1943

• Sanford A Moss
  Awarded

1942

• Igor I Sikorsky
  Awarded

1941

• Theodore von Karman
  Awarded

  AIAA Citation: For development of theory of the influence of curvature on buckling characteristics of aircraft structures.

1940

• Hugh L Dryden
  Awarded

1939

• George J Mead
  Awarded

1938

• Alfred V de Forest
  Awarded

1937

• Eastman N Jacobs
  Awarded

1936

• Edward S Taylor
  Awarded

1935

• Frank W Caldwell
  Awarded

1934

• G. G Rossby
  Awarded