ACSC Honors Wahid Nawabi with the 47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award

October 31, 2026

Celebrating visionary leadership, innovation, and a lasting impact on aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Los Angeles, CA – October 23, 2026 — The Aero Club of Southern California (ACSC) proudly honored Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AeroVironment (AV), as the recipient of the 47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award during a special evening at the historic California Club in Los Angeles.

ACSC President Suzanne Fuentes and Vice President Stephen Perry presented the prestigious award, recognizing Nawabi's exceptional leadership and contributions to advancing aerospace and defense technologies.

The Howard Hughes Memorial Award, established in 1978, recognizes individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on aviation and aerospace. Nawabi joins a distinguished group of honorees whose vision, innovation, and leadership continue to shape the industry.

A Remarkable Journey of Leadership and Innovation

Nawabi's journey from arriving in the United States as a teenage refugee from Afghanistan to leading a global aerospace and defense technology company is a story of perseverance, determination, and vision.

After studying electrical engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, Nawabi began his professional career in power management, eventually holding leadership positions at American Power Conversion, C&D Technologies, and Altergy Systems.

He joined AeroVironment in 2011 and became President and CEO in 2016, later assuming the role of Chairman of the Board.

Under his leadership, AeroVironment has expanded its capabilities in unmanned aircraft systems, autonomous technologies, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, electronic warfare, cyber, and space systems.

Among the company's notable achievements is its contribution to NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter. AeroVironment developed the rotor system, landing gear, and solar-panel substrate for Ingenuity, which in 2021 became the first aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet.

Nawabi's leadership continues to reflect the spirit of innovation and technological advancement embodied by the Howard Hughes Memorial Award.

A Special Connection to the Award's History

This year's recognition carries particular significance for AeroVironment and the Aero Club of Southern California. In 1998, AeroVironment founder Dr. Paul B. MacCready Jr. received the Howard Hughes Memorial Award for his pioneering contributions to aviation.

Twenty-eight years later, Nawabi received the same distinction, continuing a legacy of innovation that connects AeroVironment's founding vision with its achievements today.

An Evening of Celebration

The 47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award Gala brought together leaders and professionals from across the aviation, aerospace, and defense communities to celebrate Nawabi's achievements and the continued advancement of the industry.

The evening's program also highlighted ACSC's history, scholarship initiatives, and commitment to supporting the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals.

ACSC extends its sincere appreciation to Wahid Nawabi, the AeroVironment team, event sponsors, distinguished guests, Board of Directors, and volunteers whose contributions helped make the evening a memorable success.

Congratulations to Wahid Nawabi on this well-deserved honor!