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Designed and built by Oscar C. Rosen in 1911, this wireless transmitter is the oldest known surviving example of airborne radio. It was carried aboard a Curtiss aircraft piloted by J.A.D. McCurdy. The airplane could not carry the additional weight of Rosen, so the telegraph key was attached to the control wheel, and McCurdy sent the message.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Pre-1920 Aviation at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Pre-1920 Aviation
Object Details
Date 1911 Country of Origin United States of America Type AVIONICS-Communication Manufacturer Hickley
 Physical Description Circa 1911, tested by J.P.D.McCurdy, home-built Dimensions 3-D: 81.3 x 24.8 x 35.6cm, 11.5kg (32 x 9 3/4 x 14 in., 25 3/8lb.)
 Materials Wood and metal
 Inventory Number A19450007000 Credit Line Gift of Wood Newspaper Machinery Corporation. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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