Naval Aircraft Radio

The application of radio to Naval aircraft is discussed, together with the difficulties of development, standardization, installation, and operation, especially under the stress of war conditions. The first operation of radio on naval aircraft, and the development of the earlier types of sets are described. There is next taken up the development work carried on at the Naval Air Stations at Pensacola, Florida, and Hampton Roads, Virginia. A brief review of the standard types of naval aircraft is given together with the characteristics of the radiating systems applied to them. After consideration is given to several preliminary matters in connection with transmitting apparatus, the standard transmitting equipments are described, performance data being given. The standard receiving equipment is then taken up, and the principle, applications, and performance of the naval aircraft radio compass described. In conclusion, consideration is given to the air station telephone transmitter and its use in connection with remote control conversation with aircraft. There is described a recent demonstration of this application for the Secretary of the Navy in which a rather remarkable record for this method of communication was established.