European & African Winners Shine in 2025 Vertical Flight Society’s Robert L. Lichten Award

The European Rotorcraft Forum (ERF) is delighted to congratulate Eleonora Giovanardi of Leonardo Helicopters, who graduated from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, for winning the prestigious Robert L. Lichten Award for the Europe-Africa Region.

The Lichten Award, presented by the Vertical Flight Society (VFS), recognizes outstanding technical papers by first-time presenters at VFS meetings.

Eleonora’s paper, titled “Effects of Gyroscopic Phenomena on Tuned Vibration Absorbers Design and Performance,” earned her this honor, and she will present her findings during the Dynamics IV session on Thursday morning, May 22, at the VFS 81st Annual Forum & Technology Display in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. The award ceremony will take place during the Opening General Session on May 20, 2025.

This achievement highlights the growing influence of European and African talent in the global vertical flight community. We are particularly proud of Eleonora’s success, as her research exemplifies the cutting-edge innovation emerging from our region. Eleonora joins a distinguished group of winners, including Angela Buccio from Bell Textron, Inc. (who also graduated from Politecnico di Milano), who was awarded the overall Lichten Award for her paper on high-speed rotor aeroelastic applications.

The ERF also celebrates the participation of its members, including Luca Medici, Arnaud Lepape, and others from the International Committee, who play an integral role in supporting and fostering such groundbreaking work. Their continued involvement in the VFS ensures that Europe and Africa remain strong contributors to the future of vertical flight technology.

A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

This recognition further emphasizes the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the international vertical flight community. The Lichten Award continues to encourage new voices in the field, with young professionals like Eleonora Giovanardi paving the way for future advancements in rotorcraft technology.

Join us in congratulating Eleonora on her achievement and stay tuned for more exciting updates from the ERF as we prepare for the upcoming VFS Forum, with the Alfred Gessow awardee invited to the 51st ERF in Venice, fostering a long-lasting collaboration in disseminating advancements in vertical flight.