Raymond L. Bisplinghoff

Raymond Lewis Bisplinghoff (February 7, 1917 – March 5, 1985) was an American aeronautical engineer, educator, academic administrator, and government official. He was a professor and dean of engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, an administrator at NASA and the National Science Foundation, and president of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences. He was known for work in aeroelasticity, aircraft structures, and structural dynamics.

Early life and education Bisplinghoff was born February 7, 1917, in Hamilton, Ohio, the son of a flour mill proprietor. He attended the University of Cincinnati for seven years, earning an aeronautical engineering degree (1940) and a master’s degree in physics (1942).

Bisplinghoff took leave from MIT in 1962 for a four-year term as an assistant administrator of NASA, during which time he led NASA’s program in advanced research and technology.

Bisplinghoff served as the dean of the MIT School of Engineering from 1968 to 1970. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1965. Honorary fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Received the U.S. Air Force Exceptional Civilian Service Medal. Received the National Science Foundation Distinguished Service Award. Received the Federal Aviation Administration Extraordinary Service Medal. Received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal. Received an honorary doctorate from the University of Cincinnati.

Personal life During his wartime service, Bisplinghoff married Ruth Doherty of Cincinnati; they had two sons, Ross and Ron.

Selected works