Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has won the 2011 Robert J. Collier Trophy, one of the aerospace industry’s most prestigious annual awards, by beating out a slate of other noteworthy finalists that included the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy, the Gamera human-powered helicopter, and Pipistrel’s Taurus G4 electric-powered airplane.
“We were very pleased with this year’s slate of nominations,” said Walter Boyne, chairman of the National Aeronautic Association. “All of them were impressive, inspirational, and innovative and certainly represent the future of aviation and aerospace. We congratulate Boeing on their great accomplishment with the 787.”
The NAA awards the prize to the air or space vehicle that represents “the greatest aeronautic achievement in America, the value of which was demonstrated by actual use during the previous year.” The 787 Dreamliner completed flight testing and entered service with ANA of Japan last fall. The Dreamliner wrapped up 2011 by setting two world records in its class, one for speed and one for distance.
Past Collier Trophy winners have included Orville Wright, Howard Hughes, Chuck Yeager, the crew of Apollo 11, Burt Rutan and the International Space Station. The prize was first awarded in 1911.
