Aviation Week Network Announces Grand Laureates

WASHINGTON, March 02, 2018 -- The Aviation Week Network has announced the Grand Laureate winners for the 61st Annual Laureate Awards, honoring extraordinary achievements in the global aerospace arena.  They were selected from a total of 26 winners of the 2018 Laureate Awards and were announced last night at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, where all of the laureates were honored.

“The Grand Laureates represent winners who embody the spirit of exploration, innovation and vision that will inspire others to strive for broad-reaching progress in aviation, aerospace and defense,” said Aviation Week & Space Technology Editor-in-Chief Joe Anselmo.  Categories included Business Aviation, Commercial Aviation, Defense and Space. 

The Grand Laureate winners are:

DEFENSE
U.S. Missile Defense Agency/Boeing Ground-based Midcourse Defense System
For demonstrating, after decades of development, that the Ground-based Midcourse Defense System could do what was once deemed impossible—intercept a target simulating an ICBM.

SPACE
SpaceX
For demonstrating operational reusability for orbital spaceflight for the first time since the space shuttle program, by reflying used Falcon 9 first stages commercially.

BUSINESS AVIATION
Pilatus PC-24
For beginning deliveries of the PC-24, all new, twin-turbofan light jet able to operate from unpaved landing strips as well as short runways.  The aircraft features a flat-floor cabin, quick-change seats and an oversize cargo door to provide unsurpassed flexibility.

COMMERCIAL AVIATION
Tom Gentile, President & CEO, Spirit AeroSystems
For leading the turnaround of the aerospace industry’s leading aerostructures provider and securing a long-term master contract with Boeing that is critical to the long-term viability of both companies.

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