The US National Aeronautics Association (NAA) has listed Garmin's Autoland system as a finalist for the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy.
The Collier Trophy is one of the most prestigious awards in aviation, awarded for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in the year.
Garmin's Autoland system was designed to get passengers safely on the ground at an appropriate airport should the pilot become incapacitated. It is currently available on the Daher TBM 940, Cirrus SF50 Vision and Piper's M600.
We are extremely honored and proud that Autoland has been selected as a finalist for the renowned Robert J. Collier Trophy,” said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president and managing director, aviation. “The extensive history of this award has recognised some of the most impactful achievements in aviation, and we are humbled to have Autoland considered among them.
"Being chosen as a finalist for the greatest aerospace achievement of 2020 would not be possible without the steadfast dedication of the Garmin team, as well as Piper, Daher, and Cirrus, in addition to the regulatory agencies working closely with us to bring this potential life-saving technology to market.”
Several other technologies have won the Collier in the past, including GPS, ATC systems and autopilots.
Autoland is up against Bell's V-280 Valor tilt-rotor, Boeing's Confident Travel Initiative, Reliable Robotics' Remotely Operated Aircraft System (ROAS), SpaceX Falcon 9 & Dragon 2, US Department of the Air Force Green Propellant Infusion Mission Team and Yates Electrospace Corporation’s Silent Arrow cargo delivery drone.
The winner is set to be announced after the judging panel meets in June.