Paul Richard Hill (1909–1990) was a prominent American aerodynamicist from the mid-20th century. He served as a leading research and development engineer and manager for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and its predecessor, NACA (the National Advisory Council for Aeronautics) from 1939 to 1970. Upon his retirement, he held the position of Associate Chief, Applied Materials and Physics Division at the NASA Langley Research Center. Hill is perhaps best recognized today for his book “Unconventional Flying Objects: a Scientific Analysis.”
Born in Odebolt, Iowa, in February 1909, Hill completed his B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1936. Before joining NACA in 1939, he taught aeronautics at the Polytechnic College of Engineering in Oakland, California. Hill’s contributions to aerospace extended beyond his official duties. He had a personal interest in the ‘UFO’ phenomenon and even conducted experiments related to it. After his retirement from NASA, he delved deeper into the analysis of UFOs, advocating the extraterrestrial hypothesis. His book on the subject was published posthumously.
Early Life and Education
Paul Richard Hill was born in Odebolt, Iowa, in February 1909. After completing his education, he earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1936. Following his graduation, Hill took on the role of a professor of aeronautics at the Polytechnic College of Engineering in Oakland, California. He taught there for three years before joining the National Advisory Committee of Aeronautics (NACA) in 1939. As he transitioned into his professional career, Hill continued to make significant contributions to the field of aeronautics and later played a pivotal role when NACA transformed into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958.
Career
Paul R. Hill’s illustrious career began as a professor of aeronautics at the Polytechnic College of Engineering in Oakland, California. In 1939, he joined the National Advisory Committee of Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA in 1958. Hill continued to work in senior R&D roles at the NASA Langley Research Center.
During World War II, Hill co-authored technical NACA papers on aircraft aerodynamics and collaborated on the aerodynamic design of the P-47 fighter with the Republic Aircraft Company. He later made significant contributions to ramjet technology, establishing the Wallops Island ramjet test flight program.
In the early 1950s, Hill’s interest in UFOs led him to experiment with kinesthetically controlled flying platforms. He collaborated with the US Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, and the US Office of Naval Research to design and test these platforms, which informed future VTOL designs and lunar module concepts.
Hill also advised Sandia Labs on H-bomb design, addressing aerodynamic problems initially overlooked. In 1956, he contributed to the HYWARDS project, focusing on hypersonic designs and wind tunnel development.
By 1959, Hill was involved in lunar mission research, playing a pivotal role in conceiving orbital rendezvous concepts.
In the early 1960s, he contributed to NASA-Langley’s space station research, with his pioneering work influencing later developments.
Beyond his official duties, Hill maintained a strong interest in UFOs, with personal sightings and a belief in the extraterrestrial hypothesis. After retiring, he published “Unconventional Flying Objects: A Scientific Analysis.” Hill’s multifaceted career left a lasting impact on aeronautics, space exploration, and UFO research.
Controversy
Paul R. Hill had a long-standing interest in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). He personally witnessed two UFO sightings. His first sighting, which took place on July 16, 1952, was reported to the USAF Blue Book project. Although this sighting was officially classified as airplanes due to the presence of bombers in the area, the head of Blue Book at the time, Captain Edward Ruppelt, later wrote that the lights observed by Hill were not airplanes.
Hill’s second UFO sighting occurred in 1962 and was not reported to the Blue Book, but he described it in his book. Hill was a staunch supporter of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, which posits that some UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft. After his retirement from NASA, Hill further developed his analysis, aiming to show that UFOs, which are not misidentifications of ordinary objects or phenomena, exhibit performance characteristics consistent with physical theory. His book, “Unconventional Flying Objects: A Scientific Analysis,” was published posthumously and was well-received within the ufology community.
Impact on Ufology
Paul R. Hill’s contributions to the field of ufology have left an indelible mark on the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). As a respected aerodynamicist and engineer associated with NASA, Hill brought a unique scientific perspective to a subject often mired in speculation and anecdote.
Hill’s personal experiences with UFO sightings, combined with his rigorous scientific background, positioned him as a credible voice in the ufology community. Unlike many enthusiasts, he approached the UFO phenomenon with a skeptic’s demand for evidence, coupled with an open-minded willingness to explore unconventional explanations.
His book, “Unconventional Flying Objects: A Scientific Analysis,” stands as a testament to his methodical approach. In it, Hill sought to demonstrate that certain UFO behaviors, which might seem impossible based on conventional understanding, were in fact consistent with known physical laws. By analyzing UFO reports through the lens of aerodynamics and physics, Hill aimed to bridge the gap between dismissive skepticism and uncritical belief.
Furthermore, Hill’s advocacy for the extraterrestrial hypothesis—that some UFOs might be spacecraft from other worlds—was grounded not in wild speculation, but in a systematic analysis of available data. His work provided a foundation for subsequent researchers to build upon, offering a model of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry.
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Conclusion
Paul R. Hill (1909–1990) was a distinguished American aerodynamicist who made significant contributions to mid-20th-century aerospace research. Serving both NASA and its predecessor, NACA, Hill’s expertise influenced various aerospace projects, from aircraft design to space missions. Beyond his official roles, Hill’s enduring interest in Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) set him apart. He approached the UFO phenomenon with a scientific lens, culminating in his book “Unconventional Flying Objects: a Scientific Analysis.” This work showcased his belief in the extraterrestrial hypothesis, arguing for the plausibility of certain UFO behaviors within known physical laws. Hill’s blend of rigorous scientific inquiry with open-minded exploration of the unknown solidifies his unique legacy in both aerospace and ufology.