Business jet makers Bombardier and Gulfstream are going head to head on the shortlist for the 2019 Robert J. Collier Trophy for aviation and space achievements. Bombardier’s latest Global 7500 ultra-long-range model is among the nominees announced by the National Aeronautic Association this week, as are Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600.

The shortlist also recognizes two companies pioneering the development of electrically-powered aircraft. Startup eVTOL aircraft developer Kitty Hawk is nominated for its two-seat Heaviside personal air vehicle, which the company says will be 100 times quieter than existing helicopters. Electric motor specialist Magnix is in contention for its Magni500 propulsion system, which is in service on a de Havilland Beaver seaplane operated by Vancouver-based Harbour Air.

The other 2019 nominees for the Collier Trophy are the airborne collision avoidance system team, the Hubble Space Telescope Team, the Stratolaunch carrier aircraft, the U.S. Air Force-Boeing X-37B orbital test vehicle team, and the unmanned aircraft systems traffic management team.  

The award winner will be announced on April 3, followed by a presentation on June 11.