Engineering research psychologist receives Harold Brown Award

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo
  • Air Force Public Affairs Agency
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  A senior engineering research psychologist received the 2012 Harold Brown research and development award from Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during a Pentagon ceremony Dec. 17.

Dr. Mark H. Draper, from the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, received the award for human factors research which revolutionized how pilots interact with remotely piloted aircraft.

Draper's research influenced current and planned Department of Defense remotely piloted systems with innovations improving operator awareness, while expanding systems for combat and peacekeeping missions.

"I think receiving the Harold Brown award is the culmination of a group of really passionate researchers and engineers who are designing really clever ways to connect the human with unmanned air vehicles," Draper said, "so we can have fewer operators required to control more assets."

The Harold Brown Award recognizes significant achievement in research and development that led to or demonstrated promise of a substantial improvement in operational effectiveness for the Air Force. The award's namesake was a physicist who served as secretary of the Air Force from 1965 to 1969 and secretary of defense from 1977 to 1981.

"Creativity, innovation and engineering know-how are the qualities that for decades have kept the United States at the forefront in technology," Donley said. "These qualities are recognized in the Harold Brown Award, and Dr. Draper continues that proud tradition."

Draper initiated the first tests of tactile feedback, which enabled RPA pilots to feel external force effects on platform performances. He also led human factors avionics modernization efforts for upgrades to the C-130 aircraft and C-17. At one point, he identified and corrected a high-risk key design flaw in the prototype F-16 aircraft, possibly saving pilot lives.

Donley added that Draper's career reflects the vision as well as the practical applications of innovative solutions that help our Airmen and advance our Air Force capabilities.

"I consider this to be the crowning achievement of my career," said Draper, who spent 13 years on active duty and retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force Reserve in 2009. "I think this is just the ultimate recognition of work that myself and my team do every day. For the Air Force to recognize the importance and value of what we do is very, very powerful.


The winner of the Harold Brown Award receives a brass medallion embedded in a distinctive Lucite block, and a certificate signed by the Secretary and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Draper's name will be engraved on a plaque permanently displayed near the office of the Secretary of the Air Force.