![\"X-47B.jpg\"](\"\/\\wp-content\\uploads\/X-47B.jpg\")
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that the Northrop Grumman, the U.S. Navy, and the X-47B Industry Team has been named as the recipient of the 2013 Robert J. Collier Trophy \u201c\u201c\u2026 for developing and demonstrating the first unmanned, autonomous air system operating from an aircraft carrier.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Collier Trophy is awarded annually “\u201c\u2026 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 recipients represents a timeline of air and space achievements, marking major events in the history of flight. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe array of advancement and achievement in aerospace was on full display in our 7 hours of Collier Selection,\u201d said Walter Boyne, Chairman of NAA and Chairman of the Selection Committee. \u201cThe nominations and presentations were exceptional and the discussions reflected the challenge that we had to select one. I want to congratulate Northrop Grumman, the United States Navy, and their team for the X-47B \u2013 it is a remarkable accomplishment.\u201d
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\nJonathan Gaffney, President and CEO of NAA, managed the selection process. \u201cThe diversity of the nominations as well as the background and expertise of the Selection Committee really reflects the timeless value of the Collier Trophy,\u201d he said. \u201cFor 103 years it has marked the relentless advancement of the aviation and aerospace industry \u2013 and this year continues that history. I am extremely grateful for all the work put into this process by nominees and selection committee members.\u201d <\/p>\n
Other nominees for the 2013 Collier Trophy were:
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The Human-Powered Helicopter Teams Atlas and Gamera
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The NASA Deep Space Network
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The NASA Lunar Laser Communications Demonstration Project Team of NASA,
\nMIT Lincoln Laboratory, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The Orbital Sciences Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program Team
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The Pratt & Whitney PurePower\u00ae Geared Turbofan\u2122 Engine
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The United States Navy P-8A Poseidon
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The Voyager Project Team
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D)
\n\u00c2\u00b7 The X-51A Waverider <\/p>\n
The Collier Trophy will be formally presented at the annual Robert J. Collier Trophy Dinner on Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Arlington, Virginia. For tickets or more information please visit www.naa.aero. For a complete list of previous recipients of the Collier Trophy, please visit the NAA website at www.naa.aero.<\/p>\n