Targets, UAVs & Range Operations Symposium & Exhibition

This year’s 50th Annual Symposium & Exhibition theme is, “The Future of Testing and Training.” The goal of this three day, unclassified event will be to foster the technical exchange of information on current and future requirements for testing and training in a funding-short, threat-rich environment. Air systems will include piloted and remotely-piloted fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. In addition, land and waterborne robotic vehicles and vessels will be included as focus areas.

Willis Howard Award

The Willis Howard Award is presented annually at the symposium to the person, either corporate or military, who in the view of the Executive Board, has demonstrated both sustained superior service within the communities now represented by the NDIA Targets Division, as well as active service to the Division.

Named after Mr. Willis Howard, one of the founding owners of Cartwright Electronics (now a division of Meggitt Defense Systems, Inc.), it is the highest award presented within the targets community. Mr. Howard was also one of the founding corporate members of the NDIA Targets Division, which was originally the Aerial Targets Division of the American Ordnance Association. He was an extremely active member of the Division who presented papers, chaired Sessions, and was Chairman of the Annual Symposium on two occasions.

Mr. Howard was killed in an auto accident while working with the USAF Weapons Evaluation Group at Tyndall Air Force Base. He was so well respected throughout the Targets community that the Division implemented an award in his honor.

Hubert D. Harris Scholarship Program

The Hubert D. Harris Scholarship Program was established in 1991 to memorialize Mr. Hugh Harris for his many contributions to the Targets community in both Government and Industry. The NDIA Targets Division has been joined by NDIA’s Gulf Coast Chapter as a co-sponsor of the scholarship program.

Mr. Harris was a longtime member and leader in various professional organizations including IEEE, AOC, and ADPA (forerunner of NDIA). He served two years as the national chairman for the Aerial Targets and RPV Section, working closely with all three military services. Subsequent to his death on June 9, 1991, Mr. Harris was the posthumous winner of the Division’s Willis Howard Award for outstanding service.

The Hugh Harris Scholarship is presented annually to a deserving high school senior who will be entering an accredited four-year university in pursuit of a math, engineering, or hard science degree.

To learn more about Targets, UAVs & Range Operations Symposium & Exhibition, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below.