TWA Experimental Anti-Snow Static Loop Antenna, 1937

Summary

Airport radio navigation beacons required pilots to listen for Morse code patterns to hold the correct course--notoriously difficult during storms. In 1936, Transcontinental & Western Air introduced an anti-snow directional antenna which could be used, in high-static situations, to "home in" on airport radio signals. This loop was housed in a sleek metal enclosure, protecting it from the elements.

Airport radio navigation beacons required pilots to listen for Morse code patterns to hold the correct course--notoriously difficult during storms. In 1936, Transcontinental & Western Air introduced an anti-snow directional antenna which could be used, in high-static situations, to "home in" on airport radio signals. This loop was housed in a sleek metal enclosure, protecting it from the elements.

Artifact

Radio antenna

Date Made

1937

Subject Date

1937-1938

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.622.30

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Aluminum Alloy
Copper (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)
Wood composite

Dimensions

Height: 13 in

Width: 2.75 in

Length: 9 in

Inscriptions

handwritten: #31

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