Harry Hillaker, 89, a long-time aeronautical engineer with General Dynamics who is considered to be the “father of the F-16,” died Feb. 8 at his home in Fort Worth, Tex. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Feb. 10 that Hillaker led the GD design team that worked, secretively at first, with a group of Pentagon insiders including then-Maj. John Boyd—that later became known as the “fighter mafia”—to mold a collection of ideas, theories, and concepts into what became the F-16, one of the most successful fighter programs in history. Hillaker, born in Flint, Mich., retired from GD in 1985. (For more on Hillaker’s role in the genesis of the F-16, read The Viper Revolution.)
Boeing has only delivered two KC-46 tankers to the Air Force so far in 2021, despite USAF officials saying they expect that total per month, as the service has slowed the delivery pace of the aircraft. Though there are more aircraft ready at Boeing’s facilities, Air Mobility Command is slowing…