Publications
Ford Trimotor and Ford Aerodrome, by Peter H. Chaplin, published 1990 in Sussex Industrial History (issue no. 20, article, pp.35-36, ISSN: 0263-5151) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/506526] Download PDF
Abstract:Henry Ford, the son of a farmer, is probably best remembered for his pioneering the mass production of cars, trucks and of course the ubiquitous Fordson tractor. However, it is not often realised that by the early 1920's, Henry Ford was taking a great interest in aircraft and to quote from his words "In a motor car you can go almost anywhere land exists. In an airplane you can go almost anywhere a man can breathe, and with the development of the supercharger it is possible to go places even where man cannot breathe under normal circumstances".
In 1926, after some years of experimenting, the Ford Trimotor went into production. It was a high wing three engined aircraft of all metal construction and new alloy called -Alclad' which combined the corrosion resistance of pure aluminium with the strength of duralumin was used. This resulted in the machine earning the nickname of Tin Goose. The aircraft carried 16 passengers whilst the two pilots were in an enclosed cockpit. It became very popular and at one time held the world's speed record for its class at 162 m.p.h. Production was also at a high rate: with typical Ford practice, raw materials entered the rear of the factory and finished planes, of shining aluminium, emerged from the front which also served as an enormous hangar. According to Ford historian James K. Wagner, by 1 May 1929, Ford's aeroplane production reached a record one-a-day rate. Trimotors were shipped to England and in fact they were used on the Croydon-Le Touquet service.
In July 1931, the Ford company set up a European headquarters at Ford aerodrome, near Arundel, utilising the two large hangars on the Yapton side.
In 1926, after some years of experimenting, the Ford Trimotor went into production. It was a high wing three engined aircraft of all metal construction and new alloy called -Alclad' which combined the corrosion resistance of pure aluminium with the strength of duralumin was used. This resulted in the machine earning the nickname of Tin Goose. The aircraft carried 16 passengers whilst the two pilots were in an enclosed cockpit. It became very popular and at one time held the world's speed record for its class at 162 m.p.h. Production was also at a high rate: with typical Ford practice, raw materials entered the rear of the factory and finished planes, of shining aluminium, emerged from the front which also served as an enormous hangar. According to Ford historian James K. Wagner, by 1 May 1929, Ford's aeroplane production reached a record one-a-day rate. Trimotors were shipped to England and in fact they were used on the Croydon-Le Touquet service.
In July 1931, the Ford company set up a European headquarters at Ford aerodrome, near Arundel, utilising the two large hangars on the Yapton side.