Antenna Used in the Piccards' Stratospheric Balloon Ascension, 1934
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The Piccard stratosphere flight departed Ford Airport field on October 23, 1934. Spouses Jean and Jeannette Piccard ascended 10.9 miles in a metal gondola carried by a hydrogen balloon. To maintain ground communication, William Duckwitz built a radio transceiver and antenna, installing it in the "radio car" trailing the flight. Duckwitz's call sign, W8CJT, is burned into its base.
The Piccard stratosphere flight departed Ford Airport field on October 23, 1934. Spouses Jean and Jeannette Piccard ascended 10.9 miles in a metal gondola carried by a hydrogen balloon. To maintain ground communication, William Duckwitz built a radio transceiver and antenna, installing it in the "radio car" trailing the flight. Duckwitz's call sign, W8CJT, is burned into its base.
Artifact
Antenna
Date Made
1934
Subject Date
23 October 1934
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Michigan, Dearborn
Creator Notes
Made by Ford employees William Gassett, assisted by William Duckwitz on behalf of Ford Motor Company.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
62.48.2
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of William K. Duckwitz.
Material
Copper (Metal)
Porcelain (Material)
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 5 in
Width: 4 in
Length: 31 in
Inscriptions
on board: W8CJT
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