Radio Beacon Transmitter, Patented by Ford Motor Company, 1928

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THF156594 / Radio Beacon Transmitter, Patented by Ford Motor Company, 1928
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Artifact Overview

In 1926, Ford Motor Company commenced regular freighting between Dearborn, Chicago and Lansing airports using their Tri-Motor aircraft. Eugene S. Donovan, a Ford radio engineer, invented this radio beacon. When an aircraft was safely over its landing destination, it communicated a signal to the pilot. Useful in inclement weather, these safety devices were adopted in airports across the nation.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Transmitter

Date Made

1926-1927

Creators

Place of Creation

Creator Notes

Eugene S. Donovan was an engineer for Ford Motor Company when he patented his radio beacon design on behalf of the organization.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.136.190

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Bakelite (TM)
Glass (Material)
Wood (Plant material)
Paper (Fiber product)
Copper alloy

Dimensions

Height: 8.5 in
Width: 11 in
Length: 19.25 in

Inscriptions

General Radio Co. Components dial: Weston Thermo-Ammeter Radio Frequency Weston Electrical Instrument Corp. Newark, N.J., U.S.A. Model 425 No.33142
Keywords
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