Honeywell Aerospace (NYSE: HON) Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Robert H. Smith has been named an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, research and contributions to the aerospace industry and government.

“Bob epitomizes the values of an AIAA Fellow and embodies the very essence of an innovator,” said Tim Mahoney, president and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace. “From his time working with NASA to his technology leadership at Honeywell, Bob’s exceptional curiosity, passion and constant striving for excellence have fueled numerous innovations that have greatly impacted the safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and connectivity of flight.”

AIAA confers the distinction of Fellow upon individuals in recognition of their notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics and astronautics.

During Smith’s time at Honeywell he has led engineering development and test programs that contributed to the Department of Defense’s successful first flight of the Joint Strike Fighter and NASA’s launch of its Orion deep-space exploration craft. He has overseen aviation technology programs including these developments:

  • The first trans-Atlantic flight using biofuel, Honeywell’s Green Jet Fuel™
  • Honeywell’s SmartView Synthetic Vision System for business aviation aircraft, a 3-D virtual reality-like display system for cockpits that provides pilots with clear, intuitive means of understanding their flying environment
  • A comprehensive, integrated suite of mechanical and avionics products for the Airbus A350 XWB

Before joining Honeywell in 2004, Smith served as executive director at United Space Alliance for Shuttle Upgrades. In that role, he was responsible for leading key projects such as major modifications that replaced the Orbiter’s auxiliary power systems and data handling systems to the development of new Shuttle tiles and landing systems. Smith also worked at The Aerospace Corporation, where he served as guidance, navigation and control analyst, a chief engineer, and program manager for a number of Department of Defense and national security programs.

Smith has lectured at the University of California at Los Angeles, served as co-principal investigator on a Shuttle payload experiment and authored numerous technical publications. He earned advanced degrees in engineering and applied mathematics from Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management, as well as a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas.

“As aerospace engineers, we continue to test the boundaries of technology, and AIAA has consistently been there to aid in that pursuit of excellence,” said Smith. “I am privileged to join the ranks of outstanding AIAA Fellows who have established a legacy of creativity, innovation and exploration for others to follow.”

All recipients of the AIAA Fellow distinction will be honored at the AIAA Aerospace Spotlight Awards Gala onMay 6, 2015, at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

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Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and its turbochargers are used by nearly every automaker and truck manufacturer around the world. The Aerospace business unit develops innovative solutions for more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, safer flying and runway traffic, along with aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services, logistics, and more. The business delivers safer, faster, and more efficient and comfortable transportation-related experiences worldwide. For more information, visitwww.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero and @Honeywell_Turbo.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visitwww.honeywellnow.com.

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