Daniel Guggenheim Medal

About the award

The Daniel Guggenheim Medal recognizes contributions to aeronautical research and education, the development of commercial aircraft and equipment, and the application of aircraft to the economic and social activities of the nation. The Medal is jointly sponsored by AIAA, ASME, SAE, and VFS.

Award recipients

2021, Dr Alan C Brown, For Innovation and Technical Leadership of the Design and Production of the F-117, the First Stealth Fighter/Bomber Aircraft.
2020, Ozires Silva, For his leadership in the conception, production, and promotion of commercial aircraft, for founding Embraer S.A., and for his important roles in government and academia.
2019, Dr Sheila E Widnall, In recognition of her outstanding contributions to aerodynamics through research, such as the identification of the Widnall Instability, as well as through education and public service including serving as Secretary of the U.S. Air Force.
2018, Prof Irvin Glassman, “In recognition of his profound impact on the application of combustion science and engineering to propulsion research and the successful development of propulsion systems.”
2017, Dr Paul M Bevilaqua, “For the conception and demonstration of the multi-cycle propulsion system and other technologies enabling the production of the F-35 supersonic V/STOL Strike Fighters.”
2016, Prof Walter G Vincenti, For seminal pioneering supersonic wind tunnel research, education in high temperature gas dynamics, and exceptional contributions to the history of engineering technology.
2015, Dr Antony Jameson, For exceptional contributions to algorithmic innovation and the development of computational fluid dynamic codes that have made important contributions to aircraft design.
2014, Mr. Alan R Mulally, For leadership in the creation, design, development, and manufacture of commercial airplanes, exemplified by the Boeing 777.
2013, Abraham Karem, For a lifetime of innovative fixed and rotary wing unmanned vehicle designs.
2012, Frank Robinson, For conception, design, and manufacture of a family of quiet, affordable, reliable, and versatile helicopters.
2011, Mr. Elbert L Rutan, For a distinguished career of highly innovative and successful flight vehicles ranging from home-built designed to Voyager and SpaceShipOne.
2010, Dr Robert H Liebeck, For distinguished engineering as evidenced by the conception and development of Liebeck airfoils and Blended Wing Body aircraft.
2009, Dr Arthur E Bryson, For a lifetime of seminal contributions to real systems, creating and applying practical optimal control and estimation techniques to airplanes, rotorcraft, and missiles.
2008, Prof Earl H Dowell, For pioneering contributions to nonlinear aeroelasticity, structural dynamics and unsteady aerodynamics which had a significant influence on aeronautics and for contributions to education and public service in aerospace engineering.
2007, Dr Alexander H Flax, For outstanding contributions to aerospace engineering in aeroelasticity, unsteady aerodynamics and flight mechanics, and for exceptional leadership of engineering organizations including service to the U.S. Department of Defense.
2006, Dr Robert G Loewy, For pioneering contributions to rotary-wing aeroelasticity and unsteady aerodynamics which had an enormous influence on rotary-wing technology and his contributions to education and public service in aeronautics.
2005, Dr Eugene E Covert, For exemplary leadership in aeronautics teaching and research, development of significant state-of-the-art aerodynamic testing techniques, and outstanding contributions to public service.
2004, Dr Courtland D Perkins, For outstanding contributions to aeronautics in research and teaching in stability and control and superlative leadership at the national and international levels
2003, Dr Holt Ashley, For pioneering contributions to research, education, and engineering in aeroelasticity, unsteady aerodynamics, and aircraft design
2002, John G Borger, For significant pioneering contributions to aircraft and the airline industry from flying boats to jet aircraft
2001, Dr Richard T Whitcomb, For seminal contributions in aeronautics, including the development of the Area Rule, Supercritical airfoil. And Winglet concept, which are the basis for modern aerodynamic design
2000, Dr William H Pickering, In recognition of a distinguished career that pioneered and shaped the exploration of our solar system and for extraordinary contributions to engineering and space
1999, Prof Frank E Marble, For major fundamental theoretical and experimental contributions to the fields of internal aerodynamics, combustion and propulsion especially with respect to gas turbines and rockets, and educating generations of leaders in industry and academia
1998, Richard Coar, For outstanding leadership and innovative contributions in providing advanced aeronautical and space propulsion systems
1997, Dr Abe Silverstein, For technical contributions and visionary leadership in advancing the technology of aircraft and propulsion performance, and for the foresight in establishing the Mercury and Gemini manner space flight activities
1996, William R Sears, For lifelong contributions to Aeronautics in industry and academia from the aerodynamics of the flying wing to the invention of the adaptive wind tunnel. ”
1995, Mr. Robert C Seamans Jr., For life-long technical contributions and technical leadership in academia, industry and government as NASA deputy administrator during the Apollo program and in several other government positions
1994, Dr Helmut H Korst, For a legacy of developments in aeronautics where none previously existed; for mentoring a cascade of students and colleagues dedicated to the art and science of fluid mechanics and for a lifetime of inspiration and leadership to the international engineering community
1993, Dr Ludwig Boelkow, For visionary leadership and innovation in the design of rotorcraft, light aircraft, missiles and space systems
1992, Bernard L Koff, For continuing leadership in the aircraft gas turbine industry producing many innovative and technological breakthroughs in material and design
1991, Dr Hans P Von Ohain, For pioneering the development of turbo jet propulsion resulting in the first flight of a jet powered aircraft in 1939 and his lifetime achievements in aeronautical propulsion dynamics
1990, Mr. Joseph F Sutter, For outstanding engineering achievement, management, and leadership in the innovative development of three generations of commercial jet aircraft - in particular the 747 - and his contribution to the enhancement of safety in air and space
1989, Fred E Weick, For development of the NACA cowl and the steerable tricycle landing gear which resulted in significant improvement in practical aircraft design and performance
1988, J R D Tata, For a lifetime of significant contributions to aviation, for pioneering work in developing commercial air travel in India and Asia, and for his leadership in establishing Air India as a major international link between Asia and the rest of the world
1987, Dr Paul B MacCready, For his combination of high flying gossamer vision and down to earth engineering skill which made the ancient dream of human powered flight come true and for his contemporary imagination in re-creating the ancient pterdactyl, Quetzalcoatlus Northropi
1986, Prof Hans W Liepmann, For outstanding leadership in fluid mechanics research and education. His influence contributed significantly to the development of a generation of outstanding leaders in the field
1985, Mr. Thornton A Wilson, For a lifetime contribution to the successful development of commercial and military aircraft and for his outstanding leadership and management skills
1983, Prof Nicholas J Hoff, For a lifetime of significant contributions to the theory and practice of aeronautical structures design as an outstanding scholar and educator
1982, David Lewis Jr., For his longstanding contributions to the theory and practice of aeronautical structures design as an outstanding scholar and educator
1981, Clarence L Johnson, For his brilliant design of a wide range of pace-setting commercial, combat, and reconnaissance aircraft and for his innovative management techniques which developed these aircraft in record time at minimum cost
1980, Edward C Wells, For his outstanding contributions to the management concepts for the development of complex aerospace systems, and for his significant personal accomplishment in the design and production of a longline of the world’s most famous commercial and military aircraft.
1979, Mr. Gerhard Neumann, For the development of highly efficient aircraft engines for commercial and military purposes, including creation of one of the first successful turbofan engines which contributed significantly to the efficiency and success of the airline industry
1978, Edward H Heinemann, For outstanding achievement in the innovative design of military airplanes which are noted or longevity of service, versatility of tasks, simplicity of design, light but rugged structure, high performance and elegance of line
1977, Cyrus R Smith, For significant public service of enduring value in development of military and civil air transportation and for his contributions as a dynamic leader and articulate spokesman for U.S. aviation progress
1976, Marcel Dassault, For notable achievement in development, production and marketing of many types of aircraft of high performance and outstanding leadership in world aviation
1975, Dwane L Wallace, For his many engineering, management and leadership contributions in the development of general aviation form a novelty forty years ago to a key part of the world's transportation system today
1974, Floyd L Thompson, For farsighted development of men and facilities, and for decisive leadership of research that provided technological foundations for manned flight beyond the speed of sound, safe re-entry of spacecraft, and successful exploration of space
1972, William C Mentzer, For manifold accomplishments in airline engineering, maintenance and economic disciplines, which accomplishments contributed significantly to the achievement of today's civil air transportation systems
1971, Sir Archibald E Russell, For his personal devotion and many contributions to aircraft engineering and design and particularly for his outstanding leadership of the Bristol team in the development of the Anglo-French "Concorde" Supersonic Transport Aircraft
1970, Jakob Ackeret, For original and outstanding contributions to aerodynamics, aviation, and engineering education
1969, H Julian Allen, For personal contributions to outstanding research and development leading to vastly improved re-entry bodies, missiles, satellites, and spacecraft, and for leadership in directing and inspiring a large group of research men at Ames Laboratory
1968, H M Horner, For his lifelong dedication and significant contributions to the advancement of modern aviation through the development and production of an outstanding series of aircraft power plants and space-craft propulsion engines
1967, Mr. George S Schairer, For his many contributions to the achievement of outstanding progress in sub-sonic flight, and in the promise of supersonic flight, and in the equipment and methods for space exploration
1966, Charles S Draper, For contributions to aeronautical education and significant developments in new fields of aircraft instrumentation, in particular for pioneering inertial guidance techniques making possible in rout navigation independently of earth references; for over twenty-five years of leadership, in the technology of control and guidance of flight vehicle, and with the training of engineers in this vital field of aeronautics and astronautic
1965, Sir Sydney Camm, For over fifty years of continuous dedication to the design of military aircraft, the pioneering of many new concepts and the creation of many successful aircraft representative of the best traditions of British design skill
1964, Robert H Goddard, For pioneering in rocket development and astronautics, including the first liquid propelled rocket flight, and contributions toward aerodynamically applicable reaction engines
1962, James H Kindelberger, For technical and industrial leadership in producing excellent aircraft, and space equipment from early fighters to the X-15 space plane
1961, Mr. Jerome Lederer, For his lifelong dedication to the cause of flight safety and his constant untiring efforts to reduce the hazards of aviation
1960, Grover Loening, Pioneer, engineer, public servant, For a lifetime devoted to the advancement of aeronautics in America
1959, Sir George Edwards, For a life time devoted to the design of military and commercial aircraft culminating in the successful introduction to world-wide commercial service of the first turbine powered propeller driven aircraft
1958, William Littlewood, For leadership and continuous personal participation over a quarter of a century in developing the equipment and operating techniques of air transport
1957, Mr. Arthur E Raymond
1956, Frederick B Rentschler, For a wide range of major achievements throughout a lifetime devoted to aviation with specific reference to his many notable contributions to the vital aircraft engine field
1955, Theodore von Karman, For long continued leadership in the development of aerodynamic theory and in its application to the practical problems of flight in education in the aeronautical sciences and in stimulating international cooperation in aeronautical research
1954, Clarence D Howe, Engineer and statesman, Minister of Trade and Commerce and Minister of Defense Production for initiating and organizing commercial air routes and services, promoting aeronautical research, development and production of aircraft and engines, and advancing the art of aeronautics
1953, Charles A Lindbergh, For pioneering achievements in flight and air navigation
1952, Sir Geoffrey De Havilland, For forty years of pioneering in military and commercial aircraft and the development of long-range jet transport
1951, Igor I Sikorsky, For a lifetime of outstanding contributions to aeronautics, including pioneering with multi-engine airplanes, flying boats, amphibians and helicopters
1950, Hugh L Dryden, For outstanding leadership in aeronautical research and fundamental contributions to aeronautical science
1949, Edward P Warner, For pioneering in research and a continuous record of contributions to the art and science of aeronautics
1948, Leroy R Grumman, For outstanding achievement in successfully advancing aircraft design both for Naval and peacetime use
1947, Lester D Gardner, For outstanding achievement in advancing aeronautics, particularly for his conception and organization of the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences
1946, Sir Frank Whittle, For pioneering the development of turbo-jet propulsion of aircraft
1945, Theodore P Wright, For outstanding contributions to the development of civil and military aircraft, and for notable achievement in assuring the success of our wartime aircraft production program
1944, Lawrence D Bell, For achievement in design and construction of military aircraft and for outstanding contributions to the methods of production
1943, Edmund T Allen, For major contributions to aeronautics leading to important advance in airplane design, flight research, and airline operation, particularly for the presentation of new methods for operational control and for the development of scientific and systematic methods in the flight testing of aircraft for basic design and performance data
1941, Juan T Trippe, For the development and successful operation of oceanic air transport
1940, Glenn L. Martin, For contributions to aeronautical development and the production of many types of aircraft of high performance.
1939, Donald Douglas Jr.
1938, Sir Alfred H Fedden, For contributions to the development of aircraft engine design and for the specific design of the Sleeve Valve aircraft engine
1937, Hugh Eckener, For notable contributions to transoceanic air-transport and to international cooperation in aeronautics
1936, George W. Lewis, For pioneer and creative work in the theory of dynamics.
1934, William E Boeing, For successful pioneering an achievement in aircraft manufacturing and air transport
1933, Jerome Hunsaker, For contributions to the science of aerodynamics, to the science and art of aircraft design, and to the practical construction and commercial utilization of rigid airships
1932, Juan de la Cierva, For development of the theory and practice of the autogiro
1931, Frederick W Lanchester, For contributions to the fundamental theory of aerodynamics
1930, Ludwig Prandtl, For pioneer and creative work in the theory of dynamics
1929, Orville Wright, For the design and construction, with his brother now deceased, of the first successful engine-propelled airplane