| Harry Hillaker | |
| Birth Date: | 9 May 1919 |
| Birth Place: | Flint, Michigan |
| Education: | University of Michigan-Flint |
| Citizenship: | United States |
| Occupation: | Aeronautical engineer |
| Discipline: | Aeronautical engineering |
| Employer: | Consolidated Aircraft Convair General Dynamics |
| Significant Projects: | F-16 Fighting Falcon |
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.
In 1919, Hillaker was born in Flint, Michigan, attending Flint Northern High School.
In 1941, Hillaker graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan (Flint),[1] where he had studied Aeronautical Engineering.[2]
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.
On 2 October 1943, Hillaker married. He would go on to have six children with his wife, who died in 2017.[4]
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.
In January 1975, the YF-16 had been selected for the Lightweight Fighter program.[5]
In 1985, Hillaker retired.
On 8 February 2009, a Sunday, Hillaker died in Texas.