ASC member receives SAE Aerospace Vehicle Design and Development Award

  • Published
  • By Society of Automotive Engineers
WARRENDALE, Pa., --  Joseph J. Lusczek, Jr., of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, is the recipient of Society of Automotive Engineers International's Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson Aerospace Vehicle Design and Development Award. He was presented the award Sept. 19 during the SAE AeroTech Congress & Exhibition in Los Angeles.

This award, established in 1993, recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the innovative design and development of advanced aircraft and/or spacecraft. It honors the memory of Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, the creator of Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works, who played a leading role in the design and development of more than 40 of the world's most advanced aircraft.

Lusczek is Technical Director of Aerospace Systems Design and Analysis in the Capabilities Integration Directorate of the Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He also supports the Air Force Research Laboratory.

During his career, Lusczek has distinguished himself as a significant contributor to the U.S. defense. He has planned and justified the design requirements for most Air Force systems flying today - aircraft which prevailed in conflicts during the last four decades. Lusczek also has contributed to the international advancement of aircraft design and has provided insight to allied governments and U.S. aircraft manufacturers. Lusczek advises engineering curricula at the Air Force Academy and the University of Cincinnati, and he frequently lectures on aircraft design. He has authored and contributed to 29 technical publications.


Lusczek is the recipient of two awards from the U.S. Air Force and a finalist for the Service to America Medal for National Security. He is recognized by Who's Who in Aviation and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. A member of SAE International, Lusczek is also an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, an Honorary Member of the Japanese Test Pilot Society, and a member of the Air Force Association, the American Helicopter Society and the Defense Planning and Analysis Society.


Lusczek holds a bachelor's in aeronautical engineering from Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology at Saint Louis University, and his master's in public policy from the University of New Mexico. He resides in Clayton, Ohio.