ARLINGTON, Va.-- Joining a community that includes iconic figures like aviation pioneer Orville Wright, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and astronomer Carl Sagan, Dr. Thomas Beutner of the Office of Naval Research (ONR) was named a Fellow by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for his distinguished aerospace career.
Beutner leads ONR's Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department and is responsible for science and technology programs in aircraft, air and surface weapons technology.
"Dr. Beutner has spearheaded and managed significant discovery and innovation programs in air platform and weapons research for many years," said ONR Executive Director Dr. Walter Jones. "His efforts have led to enhanced performance, affordability and reliability for future Navy and Marine Corps air systems and platforms. He truly deserves this recognition as an AIAA Fellow."
Beutner, along with 21 other new Fellows, received his award last night at AIAA's 2015 Aerospace Spotlight Awards Gala at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
Since 1934, AIAA has conferred the distinction of Fellow only upon those who have made notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences and technology of aeronautics and astronautics.
Beutner was honored for his career work in areas such as experimental aircraft, directed-energy weapons, rotary-wing aerodynamics, energetic materials, autonomous controls and propulsion, and the development of computational and experimental tools for future engineering design efforts. He has been an AIAA member since 1983, serving in a variety of leadership roles.
"I grew up professionally in AIAA," said Beutner. "When I joined as a college freshman, I was given the opportunity to connect with mentors, publish research in the institute's papers and journals and, most important, nurture friendships that would span three decades.
"I'm extremely proud, grateful and humbled to be named an AIAA Fellow and to be recognized by my peers," he continued, "including people who have known me for decades as a student, researcher, manager and leader."
AIAA is the world's largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession, with 30,000 individual members from 88 countries, as well as 95 corporate members.
ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 55 countries, 634 institutions of higher learning and nonprofit institutions and over 960 industry partners. ONR through its commands including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., employs more than 3,800 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.
Warren Duffie is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.
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