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| Harry Hillaker | |
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| Allegiance | United States |
Harry James Hillaker (May 9, 1919 – February 8, 2009) was an American aeronautical engineer, who is credited as the main designer and originator of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
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Early Life
He was born in Flint, Michigan, attending Flint Northern High School.
He studied Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Michigan-Flint.[1]
Career
Consolidated Aircraft
He started at Consolidated Aircraft in 1941.
He worked on the Convair B-58 Hustler.
General Dynamics
He 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.
The prototype arrived at Edwards Air Force Base in California on 8 January 1974, taking to the air on 2 February 1974, flown by Phil Oestricher.
In January 1975, the YF-16 had been selected for the Lightweight Fighter program. He retired in 1985.[2]
Later career
Personal Life
He married on 2 October 1943, and had six children. His wife died in 2017. He died aged 89 on Sunday 8 February 2009 in Texas.[3] [4]
Death
Awards and decorations
- ↑ Inside History of the USAF Lightweight Fighters, 1900 to 1975, page 636
- ↑ 1991 interview
- ↑ "In Memoriam—Harry Hillaker" by Eric Hehs, Posted July 1st, 2009. Biography in 2009
- ↑ "In Memoriam to Harry J. Hillaker," Courtesy of Star-telegram.com by Bob Cox, February 8, 2009. Biography.