The Guggenheim Award, intended to recognize significant progress in aeronautics, was first bestowed upon Orville Wright for 1929 on 8 April 1930. The Robert J. Collier Trophy had a similar purpose but tended to focus more on engineering achievements.

Guggenheim:

1930

Ludwig Prandtl, for his work on aerodynamics.

1931

Frederick Lancaster, for his work on aerodynamics.

1932

Juan de la Cierva, for his original development of the autogiro.

1933

Jerome C. Hunsacker

1934

No Award.

1935

William Durand, for his achievements in the development of aircraft-propeller theories.

1936

No Award.

1937

Hugo Eckener, for his work in promoting the transport airship.

1938

No Award.

1939

Donald Douglas, for outstanding contributions to the design and construction of transport aircraft.

Collier:

1930

Harold F. Pitcairn and Associates, for their work in the development of the autogiro.

1931

Packard Motor Company, for its development of the diesel engine for airplanes.

1932

Glenn L. Martin, for the development of a two-engined, high-speed, weight-carrying airplane.

1933

Hamilton Standard...