SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT’S X2 DEMONSTRATOR TEAM TO RECEIVE 2010 ROBERT J. COLLIER TROPHY

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announces that Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and the X2 Demonstrator Team have been selected as the recipient of the 2010 Robert J. Collier Trophy, “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.”

This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Collier Trophy, which is awarded annually “for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.” The list of Collier winners represents a timeline of air and space achievements, marking major events in the history of flight.

“We had an excellent slate of nominations, covering an impressive and innovative list of aviation and aerospace accomplishments,” states Walter Boyne, Chairman of NAA and Chairman of the Selection Committee. “The Sikorsky team has developed an extremely impressive state-of-the-art prototype which we believe holds great promise for the future of the helicopter industry.”

Jonathan Gaffney, President and CEO of NAA, managed the selection. “I want to particularly thank the Collier Trophy Selection Committee for their commitment to this process. We were honored to have an outstanding group of aviation and aerospace experts participate.”

Other nominees for the 2010 Collier Trophy were:

• Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System

• Fighter Risk Reduction Program Team

• The Boeing Company C-17A Globemaster III Team

• General Aviation: Saving Thousands of Lives in Haiti

• MC-12W Project Liberty Team

• Orion Launch Abort System Development Team

• X-51A WaveRider Team

The Collier Trophy will be formally presented at the 100th Anniversary Robert J. Collier Trophy Dinner on Thursday, May 5, 2011, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. For tickets or more information visit www.naa.aero and click on Events/Events Calendar. For a complete list of previous recipients of the Collier Trophy visit the NAA website at www.naa.aero.