Collier Trophy

2022 – Nasa – Northrop Grumman James Webb Telescope Industry Team

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For revolutionizing the field of astrophysics by successfully commissioning and operating the James Webb Space Telescope, the world’s largest, most powerful and technologically complex space observatory ever built. View Press Release

2021 – The NASA/JPL Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Team

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For the first powered, controlled flight of an aircraft on another planet, thereby opening the skies of Mars and other worlds for future scientific discovery and exploration. View Press Release

202o – Garmin Autoland

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For designing, developing, and fielding Garmin Autoland – the world’s first certified autonomous system that activates during an emergency to safely control and land an aircraft without human intervention.

2019 – The United States Department of the Air Force-Boeing X-37B Team

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For developing and employing the world’s only reusable, autonomous spaceplane, which logged more than 2,865 days in orbit across five missions, changing access to space and serving as the nation’s workhorse in space experimentation and technology.

2018 – Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) Team

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For successfully completing a rapid design, integration, and flight test of critical, lifesaving technology for the worldwide F-35 fleet, expanding the technology for F-16 users and civil aviation, and setting certification standards that marked aviation’s entry into the age of autonomy. Watch Video

2017 – Cirrus Aircraft

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For designing, certifying and entering into service the Vision Jet; the world’s first single-engine general aviation personal jet aircraft that advances safety with a whole-airframe parachute system.

2016 – Blue Origin New Shepard

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For successfully demonstrating rocket booster reusability with the New Shepard human spaceflight vehicle through five successful test flights of a single booster and engine, all of which performed powered vertical landings on Earth.

2015 – NASA/JPL Dawn Mission Team

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In recognition of the extraordinary achievements of orbiting and exploring protoplanet Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, and advancing the nation’s technological capabilities in pioneering new frontiers in space travel.

2014 – Gulfstream

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For the development of the Gulfstream G650 Business Jet, which strengthened business aviation through significant technology advancements in aircraft performance, cabin comfort, and safety.

2013 – Northrop Grumman, The U.S. Navy, And The X-47B Industry Team

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For developing and demonstrating the first unmanned, autonomous air system operating from an aircraft carrier.

2012 – The NASA/JPL Mars Science Laboratory/ Curiosity Project Team

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In recognition of the extraordinary achievements of successfully landing curiosity on Mars, advancing the nation’s technological and engineering capabilities, and significantly improving humanity’s understanding of ancient Martian habitable environments. Watch Video

2011 – The Boeing Company

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For designing, building, certifying, delivering, and supporting the Boeing 787; demonstrating significant advances in the use of materials, technologies, and systems to enhance safety, performance, comfort, and value in commercial aircraft. Watch Video

2010 – Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation & The X2 Technology Demonstrator Team

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For demonstrating a revolutionary 250 knot helicopter, which marks a proven departure point for the future development of helicopters by greatly increasing their speed, maneuverability and utility. Watch Video

 

 

2009 – NASA and the International Space Station Team of the Boeing Company, Draper Laboratory, Honeywell Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, United Space Alliance, and United Technologies Corporation

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For the design, development and assembly in space of the world’s largest spacecraft, an orbiting laboratory, promising new discoveries for mankind and setting new standards for international cooperation in space. Watch Video

2008 – The Commercial Aviation Safety Team

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For achieving an unprecedented safety level in U.S. commercial airline operations by reducing risk of a fatal airline accident by 83 percent, resulting in two consecutive years of no commercial scheduled airline fatalities.

2007 – The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Team of Public and Private Sector Groups

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For conceptualizing, developing, and initially implementing the next generation performance-based air-ground, ground-air, and air-air surveillance system.

2006 – Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Pratt & Whitney, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Corporation, BAE Systems and the United States Airforce

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For designing, testing, and operating the revolutionary F-22 Raptor, providing total air dominance for America’s future.

2005 – Eclipse Aviation

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For innovation in the advancement of general aviation through the design, development and manufacture of the Eclipse 500, the World’s first very light jet.

2004 – Paul Allen, Burt Rutan, Doug Shane, Mike Melville, Brian Binnie, and the entire Spaceship One Team

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For the successful development of the first privately financed, built and flown space vehicle.

2003 – The Gulfstream G550 Team

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For leading edge achievement in designing, testing and building an innovative aircraft while incorporating measurable safety enhancements and far-reaching advances in aerospace technology.

2002 – Skorsky Aircraft Corporation and the S-92 Industry Team

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For designing, manufacturing, testing and introducing into service the S-92 Helicopter, which raised “across-the-board” standards for rotary wing air travel.

2001 – Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems, and the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office

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For designing, developing, and demonstrating the Integrated Lift Fan Propulsion System, the next generation in aviation propulsion performance, efficiency and safety.

2000 – Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon Company, L-3 Communications, United States Air Force, and DARPA

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For designing, building, testing, and operating Global Hawk, the first fully autonomous, operationally demonstrated, and most capable surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle in the world.

1999 – The Boeing Company, GE Aircraft Engines, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Company, and the United States Navy

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For designing, manufacturing, testing and introducing into service the F/A-18E/F multi-mission strike fighter aircraft, the most capable and survivable carrier-based combat aircraft.

1998 – Lockheed Martin Corporation, GE Aircraft Engines, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Air Combat Command of the United States Airforce, and Defence Intelligence Agency

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For designing, manufacturing, and operating the U-2S/ER-2 high altitude, all-weather, multi-functional data collection aircraft, which serves as America’s Sentinel of Peace around the world.

1997 – Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and the Gulfstream V Industry Team

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For successful application of advance design and efficient manufacturing techniques together with innovative international business partnerships, to place into customer service the Gulfstream V, the world’s first ultra-long range business jet.

1996 – CESSNA Aircraft Company and the Citation X Design Team

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For designing, testing, certifying, and placing into service the Citation X, the first commercial aircraft in U.S. Aviation history to achieve a cruising speed of Mach .92

1995 – The Boeing Company and the 777 Team

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For designing, manufacturing, and introducing into service the world’s most advanced commercial airplane transport, the Boeing 777.

1994 – The United States Air Force, The McDonnell Douglas Corporation, The United States Army, and the C-17 Industrial Team of Subcontractors and Suppliers

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For designing, developing, testing, producing, and placing into service the C-17 Globemaster III, whose performance and efficiency make it the most versatile airlift aircraft in aviation history.

1993 – The Hubble Space Telescope Recovery Team

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For outstanding leadership, intrepidity, and the renewal of public faith in America’s space program by the successful orbital recovery and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope.

1992 – The Global Positioning System Team, The United States Air Force, The United States Naval Research Laboratory, The Aerospace Corporation, Rockwell International Corporation, and IBM Federal Systems Company

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For the most significant development for safe and efficient navigation and surveillance of air and spacecraft since the introduction of radio navigation 50 years ago.

1991 – The Northrop Corporation, The Industry Team, and the United States Air Force

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For the design, development, production, and flight testing of the B-2 aircraft, which has contributed significantly to America’s enduring leadership in aerospace and the country’s future national security.

1990 – The Bell Boeing Team

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For the development of the V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor, the world’s first large-scale Tiltrotor aircraft.

1989 – Mr. Benjamin R. Rich, Lockheed Martin Aircraft Corp. And the United States Air Force Team

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For the F-117A stealth aircraft development.

1988 – Rear Admiral Richard H. Truly, USN

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For his assistance for the successful return of America to space.

1987 – NASA Lewis Research Center and the NASA/INDUSTRY Advanced Turboprop Team

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For the development of advanced turboprop propulsion concepts for single rotation, gearless counter rotation, and geared counter rotation inducted fan systems.

1986 – Jeana L. Yeager, Richard G. Rutan, Elbert L. Rutan, and the Voyager Aircraft Team of Volunteers

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For the ingenious design and development of the Voyager aircraft and their skillful execution of the first non-stop, non-refueled flight around the world.

1985 – Russell W. Meyer, Cessna Aircraft Co. and Cessna’s Line of Citation Business Jet Aircraft

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For an unparalleled passenger safety record during the past 14 years since the Citation”s introduction.

1984 – NASA and Martin Marietta Corp

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For the development of the MMUI and the NASA industry satellite rescue team and to Astronaut Bruce McCandless, NASA”s Charles E. Whitsett, Jr., and Martin Marietta”s Walter W. Bollendonk.

1983 – The United States Army, Hughes Aircraft Helicopters and the Industry Team

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For development of the AH-64A Apache advanced technology helicopter weapon system.

1982 – T.A. Wilson and the Boeing Company

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For the private development of two advanced technology transports, 757 and the 767, with the support of the Federal Aviation Administration, industry and the airlines.

1981 – NASA, Rockwell International, Martin Marietta, Thiokol, and the Entire Government/ Industrial Team

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For the improvement of the concept of manned reusable spacecraft, with special recognition to astronauts John Young, Robert Crippen, Joe Engle and Richard Truly.

1980 – The Voyager Mission Team, Represented by its Chief Scientist, Dr. Edward C. Stone

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For the spectacular fly-by of Saturn and the return of basic new knowledge of the solar system.

1979 – Dr. Paul B. Maccready

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For the concept, design, and construction of the Gossamer Albatross, which made the first man-powered flight across the English Channel-with special recognition to Bryan Allen, the pilot.

1978 – Sam B. Williams, Chairman and President, Williams Research Corporation

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For conceiving and developing the world”s smallest, high efficiency turbofan engine which was selected to power U.S. cruise missiles.

1977 – General Robert J. Dixon, Commander, and the Tactical Air Command USAF

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For developing and implementing Red Flag, an unprecedented combat simulated flight training program for aircrews of the U.S. Armed Forces, a significant contribution to national defense.

1976 – The US Airforce/ Rockwell International Corporation and the B-1 Industry Team

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For the highly successful design, development, management, and flight test of the B-1 strategic aircraft system.

1975 – David S. Lewis of General Dynamics Corporation and the F-16 Airforce Industry Team

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For significant advancements in aviation technology leading to innovative fighter aircraft effectiveness.

1974 – Dr. John F. Clark, NASA, and Daniel J. Fink, General Electric Company, Representing NASA/Industry Team Responsible for the Earth Resources Technology Satellite Program, Landsat

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For proving in 1974 the value of U.S. space technology in the management of the Earth”s resources and environment for the benefit of all mankind, with Special Recognition to Hughes Aircraft Company and RCA.

1973 – The Skylab Program, With Special Recognition to William C. Scheider Program Director, and the Three Skylan Astronaut Crews

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For proving beyond question the value of man in future explorations of space and the production of data of benefit to all the people on Earth.

1972 – The Officers and Men of The 7th Air Force and 8th Air Force of the United States Air Force and Task Force 77 of the United States Navy

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For successfully carrying out operation Linebacker II, the air campaign against North Vietnam in December, 1972 which through precise, accurate, and determined attacks on key military targets in the face of unprecedented defenses, brought about a cease fire under terms which attained United States objectives in Southeast Asia.

1971 – Colonel David R. Scott, USAF; Colonel James B. Irwin, USAF, and Lieutenant Colonel Alfred M. Worden, USAF

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For demonstrating superb skill and courage and to Dr. Robert T. Gilruth as representative of the engineering genius of the manned space flight team, culminating in Apollo 15, man”s most prolonged and scientifically productive lunar mission.

1970 – The Boeing Company

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As leader of the industry-airline-government team which successfully introduced the 747 into commercial service with particular recognition to Pratt and Whitney Division of United Aircraft Corporation and to Pan American World Airways. Watch Video

1969 – Neil A. Armstrong; Col. Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., USAF; Col Michael Collins USAF

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For the epic flight of Apollo 11 and the first landing of man on the surface of the Moon, July 20, 1969.

1968 – Col. Frank Borman, USAF; Capt. James A. Lovell, Jr., USN; and Lt. Col. William A. Anders, USAF

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As the crew of Apollo 8 and representing the entire United States space flight team for the successful and flawless execution of the first manned lunar orbit mission in history.

1967 – Lawrence A. Hyland

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Representing the Surveyor Program Team at Hughes Aircraft Company, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and associated organizations that put the eyes and hands of the United States on the Moon.

1966 – James S. McDonnel

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For his leadership and perseverance in advancing aeronautics and astronautics exemplified by the F-4 Phantom aircraft and the Gemini space vehicles.

1965 – James E. Webb and Hugh L. Dryden

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Representing all of the Gemini program teams which significantly advanced human experience in space flight..

1964 – General Curtis E. Lemay

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For development of high performance aircraft, missiles and space systems which in 1964 significantly expanded the frontiers of American aeronautics and astronautics.

1963 – Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson

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For designing and directing the development of the USAF A-11 Mach 3 aircraft.

1962 – LT. COMDR. Malcolm Scott Carpenter, USN; MAJ. L. Gordon Cooper, USAF; LT. COL. John Glenn, Jr. USMC; Major Virgil I. Grissom, USAF; CMDR. Walter M. Schirra, Jr., USN; CMDR. Alan B. Shepard, Jr., USN; Major Donald K. Slayton, USAF

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For pioneering manned space flight in the United States. Watch Video

1961 – Major Robert M. White, USAF; Joseph A. Walker, NASA; A. Scott Crossfield, North American Aviation; and Commander Forrest Petersen USN

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For invaluable technological contributions to the advancement of flight and for great skill and courage as test pilots of the X-15. Video One Video Two

1960 – Vice Admiral William F. Raborn, USN

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Under whose direction the United States Navy, Science and Industry created the operational fleet ballistic missile weapon system Polaris.

1959 – The United States Air Force, The Convair Division of General Dynamics Corporation and Space Technology Laboratories, Inc.

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For developing, testing, producing and putting into operation the Atlas, America’s first intercontinental ballistic missile so vital to the security and space exploration needs of the United States and the free world.

1958 – The United States Air Force and Industry Team Responsible for the F-104 Interceptor: Clarence L. Johnson of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation for the Design of the Airframe; Neil Burgess and Gerhard Nuemann of the Flight Propulsion Division; General Electric Company

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For development of its J-79 turbo jet engines; Major Howard C. Johnson, USAF for establishing a world land plane altitude record of 91,243 Feet; and Captain Walter W. Irwin, USAF, for establishing a world straightaway speed record of 1,404.09 miles per hour.

1957 – Edward P. Curtis

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For his report entitled “Aviation Facilities Planning,” which represented a dramatic advance in the field of long-range planning to meet the complex problems involved in the use by aircraft of our air space.

1956 – Charles J. McCarthy and Associates of Chance-Vought Aircraft. Incorporated and to Vice Admiral James S. Russel & Associates of the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics

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For conception, design, and development of the F-8U Crusader, a carrier-based fighter which is the first operational aircraft capable of speeds exceeding one thousand miles an hour.

1955 – William M. Allen and His Associates at Boeing Airplane Company

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For conception, development and quantity production of America”s first all-jet, long-range bomber, the Boeing B-52 stratofortress.

1955 – General Nathan F. Twining and the U.S. Airforce

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For sponsoring and making it operational in 1955 as a powerful weapon of peace.

1954 – Richard Travis Whitcomb, NACA Research Scientist

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For discovery and experimental verification of the area rule, a contribution to base knowledge yielding significantly higher airplane speed and greater range with same power

1953 – James H. Kindelberger

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For the North American land-based F-100.

1953 – Edward H. Heinemann

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For the Douglas carrier-based F4D.

1952 – Leonard S. Hobbs of United Aircraft Corp.

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For design, development, and production of the J-57 jet engine.

1951 – John Stack and Associates at Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, NACA

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For the conception, development, and practical application of the transonic wind tunnel throat.

1950 – The Helicopter Industry, The Military Services, and the Coast Gaurd

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For development and use of rotary-wing aircraft for air rescue operations.

 

 

 

1949 – William P. Lear

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For development of the F-5 automatic pilot and automatic approach control coupler system.

1948 – The Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics

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For the establishment of a guide plan for the development and implementation of a system of air navigation and traffic control to facilitate safe and unlimited aircraft operations under all weather conditions.

1947 – John Stack, Research Scientist, NACA

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For pioneering research to determine the physical laws affecting supersonic flight, and for his conception of transonic research airplanes.

1947 – Lawrence D. Bell, President, Bell Aircraft Corporation

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For the design and construction of the special research airplane X-1.

1947 – Captain Charles E. Yeager, U.S. Air Force

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For being the first to achieve human flight faster than sound on October 14, 1947 in the X-1.

1946 – Lewis A. Rodert, Chief of the Flight Research Branch at the Cleveland Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics

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For his pioneering research and guidance in the development and practical application of a thermal ice prevention system for aircraft.

1945 – Dr. Luis W. Alvarez

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For his conspicuous and outstanding initiative in the concept of, and his contribution to the construction, adaptation and effective use of the ground control approach system for safe landing of aircraft under all weather and traffic conditions.

1944 – General Carl A. Spattz A.A.F.

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For demonstrating the air power concept through employment of American aviation in the war against Germany.

1943 – Captain Luis De Florez, United States Navy Reserve

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For his contribution to the safe and rapid training of combat pilots and crews.

1942 – General H.H. Arnold, United States Army

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For his organization and leadership of the Army Air Forces throughout the world.

1941 – The Army Air Forces and The Airlines of the United States

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For pioneering world wide air transportation vital to immediate defense and ultimate victory.

1940 – Dr. Sanford A. Moss and the Army Air Corps

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For development of the turbo-supercharger.

1939 – Airlines of the U.S.

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For their high record of safety in air travel, with special recognition to Drs. Walter M. Boothby and W. Randolph Lovelace, II of the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and Captain Harry G. Armstrong of the U. S. Army Medical Corps at Wright Field, for their contribution to this safety record through their work in aviation medicine in general and pilot fatigue in particular.

1938 – Howard Hughes and His Associates

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For their epoch making round the world flight in 91 hours and 14 minutes.

1937 – U.S. Army Air Corps

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For developing, equipping and flying the first successful pressure cabin airplane, the XC-35.

1936 – Pan American Airways

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For the establishment of the trans-Pacific airplane and the successful execution of extended overwater navigation in the regular operation thereof.

1935 – Donald W. Douglas and His Technical and Production Personnel

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For outstanding twin-engined transport airplane.

1934 – Captian A. F. Hegenberger, U.S. Army Air Corps

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For development of a successful blind landing system.

1933 – Hamilton Standard Propeller Company and Frank Walker Caldwell, Chief Engineer

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For controllable pitch propeller.

1932 – Glenn L. Martin

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For development of a high-speed weight-carrying airplane.

1931 – Packard Motor Car Company

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For development of the diesel aircraft engine.

1930 – Harold F. Pitcairn and His Associates

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For development and application of the autogiro.

1929 – National Advisory Committee For Aeronautics

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For development of cowling for radial air-cooled engines.

1928 – Aeronautics Branch, Dept. of Commerce

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For development of airways and air navigation facilities.

1927 – Charles L. Lawrance

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For development of radial air-cooled aircraft engines.

1926 – Major Edward L. Hoffman

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For development of a practical parachute.

1925 – Sylvanus Albert Reed

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For development of the metal airplane propeller.

1924 – U.S. Army Air Service

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For first aerial flight around the world.

1923 – U.S. Air Mail Serice

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For night flying in commercial transportation.

1922 – U.S. Air Mail Serice

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For a year’s operation without a single fatal accident.

1921 – Grover C. Loening

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For his aerial yacht.

1920

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No trophy awarded on account of the war.

1919

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No trophy awarded on account of the war.

1918 – Elmer A. Sperry

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For the Sperry drift indicator.

1915 – W. Starling Burgess

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For Burgess-Dunne hydro-aeroplane.

1914 – Elmer A. Sperry

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For gyroscopic control.

1913 – Orville Wright

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For development of the automatic stabilizer.

1912 – Glenn H. Curtiss

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For the flying boat.

1911 – Glenn H. Curtiss

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For development of the hydro-aeroplane.