Radio Station "WFO" License for Operating the Ford Aircraft Radio Beacon, October 1926
THF255154 / Radio Station "WFO" License for Operating the Ford Aircraft Radio Beacon, October 1926
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Artifact Overview
Early pilots depended on landmarks, preventing reliable navigation in bad weather. Ford engineers developed a radio beacon that used Morse signals to guide pilots; when an aircraft was over its destination, the beacon could also send a signal to the pilot. This radio station license allowed the operation of the radio beacon at Ford Airport.
Artifact Details
Artifact
License
Date Made
26 October 1926
Subject Date
26 October 1926
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
44.150.5
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Printing (Process)
Typewriting
Embossing (Technique)
Dimensions
Height: 10.5 in
Width: 8 in
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Related Artifacts
ArtifactRadio Beacon Station Building Used at Ford Airport, 1927
Early pilots depended on visible landmarks, preventing reliable navigation in bad weather. Henry Ford's engineers developed a radio beacon that simultaneously transmitted two Morse code letters. Pilots steered until the separate signals merged into one steady hum. The original beacon station building at Ford Airport was removed in 1933 and is now displayed in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
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Related Content
SetFord Radio Beacon Station
- 8 Artifacts
Early pilots depended on landmarks, preventing reliable navigation in bad weather. Henry Ford's engineers developed a radio beacon that simultaneously transmitted two Morse code letters, allowing pilots to steer until the separate signals merged into a steady hum. The original beacon station at Ford Airport (shown here) was removed in 1933 and is now on display inside the museum.