Harry James Hillaker (9 May 1919 – 8 February 2009) was an American aeronautical engineer, who is credited as the main designer and originator of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
Harry Hillaker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 9 May 1919 |
| Died | 8 February 2009 (aged 89) |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Education | University of Michigan-Flint |
| Occupation | Aeronautical engineer |
| Engineering career | |
| Discipline | Aeronautical engineering |
| Employer(s) | Consolidated Aircraft Convair General Dynamics |
| Projects | F-16 Fighting Falcon |
Biography edit
In 1919, Hillaker was born in Flint, Michigan, attending Flint Northern High School.[citation needed]
In 1941, Hillaker graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan (Flint),[1] where he had studied Aeronautical Engineering.[2]
Consolidated Aircraft edit
In 1941, Hillaker began his career by starting at Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego. Consolidated would eventually become General Dynamics.[3]
Hillaker worked on the Convair B-58 Hustler.[citation needed]
Marriage edit
On 2 October 1943, Hillaker married. He would go on to have six children with his wife, who died in 2017.[4][3]
General Dynamics edit
Hillaker was the chief project engineer for the F-16 aircraft, overseeing the testing of the prototype aircraft, to fulfil the needs of the Lightweight Fighter program. The prototype started as the General Dynamics Model 401, to become the YF-16, beginning around 1971.
On 8 January 1974, the prototype arrived at Edwards Air Force Base in California. It took to the air on 2 February 1974, flown by Phil Oestricher.[citation needed]
In January 1975, the YF-16 had been selected for the Lightweight Fighter program.[5]
In 1985, Hillaker retired.[5]
Death edit
See also edit
- Mikhail Simonov, designer of the Sukhoi Su-27
- Robert H. Widmer, designer of the F-111
References edit
- ^ The Regents of the University of Michigan (202). "Harry Hillaker – 1941 (Distinguished Alumni)". College of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
- ^ "Inside History of the USAF Lightweight Fighters, 1900 to 1975". p. 636.
- ^ a b c Cox, Bob (2009-02-08). "In Memoriam - Harry J. Hillaker - 8 February 2009". F-16.net. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
- ^ a b "Biography in 2009".
- ^ a b Hehs, Eric (1991-04-15). "F-16 Designer Harry Hillaker". Code One. Lockheed Martin.