Radio Communication for Aeroplanes

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 24, 27 December 1929, Page 26

Radio Communication for Aeroplanes

Development in America OTH aviation and radié interests are now fully alive to the need for better radio communication facilities for aeroplanes, whether engaged commereially or privately. In this respect America lags far behind but recently much interest has been: displayed in that country, especially by air transport companies, in radio as an aid to air navigation. ee 4 Many air transport companies have now installed two-way communication in their ‘planes, while many well-known radio engineers are experimenting with a view to improving the special type of apparatus used. An aeroplane was recently purchased by the Radiomarine Corporation to assist in the .development of aireraft radio apparatus. It is proposed to tour America in this ‘plane and demonstrate to those interested the newly-designed equipment which the ’plane carries. i Most of the radio apparatus has been compactly assembled on a light put rugged duralumin frame pene in the fuselage. This equips¥ent includes two transmitters deriving their power from a wind-driven génerato:, and two receivers, one of whicl. is intended for use with special short-wave stations. The other is a beacon receiver to enable the "plane to keep on a given course in any weather. The Jatter receiver is mounted in the tail of the ‘plane, and is operated by remote control. The aerial consists of a short copper rod which extends about six feet above the fuseluge.