Paul Bikle
Paul F. Bikle | |
|---|---|
Director Paul F. Bikle, at NASA's Flight Research Center (FRC) in 1959 (from NASA Photo E-4875) | |
| Born | June 5, 1916 |
| Died | January 19, 1991 (aged 74) Salinas, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Detroit, B.S. 1939 |
| Known for | Inspiring the Rogallo wing used in many modern hang-gliders |
| Aviation career | |
| Famous flights | He established two world soaring records on 25 February 1961 while flying his Schweizer SGS 1-23E near Lancaster, California, achieving an altitude of 46,267 ft (14,102 m) feet and a total-altitude-gained mark of 42,300 ft (12,900 m). |
Paul F. Bikle (June 5, 1916 – January 19, 1991) was director of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Dryden Flight Research Facility from 1959 until 1971, and author of more than 40 technical publications. He was associated with major aeronautical research programs including the hypersonic X-15 rocket plane, and was a world record-setting glider pilot.