NCC Alumnus, Charlie Daniels, Jr., Receives Lockheed Martin Aero Star Award
Charlie Daniels, Jr. (right) receiving the Individual Aero Star Award from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Vice President Orlando Carvalho (left)
Nash Community College graduate Charles Daniels has received an Aero Star Award for developing and implementing the Integrated Fore Body (IFB) Nose Cap for the F-22 Raptor, a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force. The top Air Dominance Fighter in the World.
Charlie grew up in Rocky Mount and attended Rocky Mount Academy for elementary school. He graduated from Rocky Mount City Schools. At Nash Community College, he received an Associate Degree in Architectural Technology and completed College Transfer classes. He was selected as the College’s Outstanding Alumnus in 2004. Charlie graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering. He also received a Software Engineering Certificate Degree from Southern PolyTechnic State University in Georgia.
His novel design solution effectively mitigates a Low Observable (LO) Stealth maintenance issue, improves mission readiness, and achieves substantial cost savings. Charlie worked tirelessly to develop the component, which greatly improves IFB durability and saves Lockheed Martin’s U.S. Air Force customer millions of dollars. Charlie’s successful effort directly supports the Air Force’s vision for reliable and cost-efficient LO repairs, higher mission capable rates, and lower F-22 flight hour costs. The F-35 program also plans to leverage Charlie’s innovative solution and has asked him to design an IFB Nose Cap for all three F-35 variants.
Charlie is currently a Low Observable (Stealth) Engineering Research Scientist and has worked for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for nearly two decades on a variety of programs and projects. He started out working in design on the F-22 program. He considers himself blessed and is thankful to work for an innovative, accelerating company. Charlie said he is extremely grateful for the support of his wife Marcie Daniels and their children, his family, and most of all, his Lord Jesus Christ.
The Aero Star Awards were established to honor exemplary individuals and teams from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics who have contributed to the company’s success. Less than 1% of individuals working at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics ever receive the Aero Star Award. The individuals are known for making things happen, taking on new challenges and never settling for anything other than their best work. These innovators are driving the company’s quest for performance, affordability, business agility and product relevance. Their diverse talent illuminates the entire workforce. Charlie has also received one prior Aero Star Award and one Corporate Nova Award.
