Radio [Nova-tech]
Maker and role
Novatech Incorporated, Manufacturer
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Object detail
Accession number
2005.84.6
Maker
Description
Radio - Pilot II Direction Finder, 4 band, 12 transistor US Patent 3.164.833. It is a back-up for VHF and direction finding. There is an International Code (Morse) printed on the top part of the radio which swivels 360° on its axis. This radio melted to a certain extent in the intense heat of the cockpit when the aircraft was over Saudi Arabia. The radio was not in its case at the time. This radio was used by the Cliff Tait during his trip around the world in the Airtourer ZK-CXU aircraft.
Brief History
This radio was used by Cliff Tait during his round the world flight in 1969 using an Aero Engine Services Limited (AESL) Airtourer single-engined aircraft. Cliff Tait carried out the flight to promote New Zealand and the NZ-built Airtourer to the world. Leaving Hamilton on 12 May 1969, he made the 30,500 mile (49,084 km) trip in 284 hours. Despite a range of challenges along the way, he returned safely to Hamilton on 1 August 1969. Tait made history as the first person to circumnavigate the globe in a New Zealand built aircraft, and probably the first in a single engine aircraft of this small size.
Marks
UNITED KINGDOM & JAPENESE PATENTS PENDING / U.S. PATENT NO. 3,164,833/ SERIAL NO. / NOVA -TECH INC., MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIF. Maker's Mark
nova tech DIRECTION FINDER 4BAND 12TRANSISTOR Logo
nova tech DIRECTION FINDER 4BAND 12TRANSISTOR Logo
Media/Materials
Collection
Credit Line
Novatech Incorporated. Radio [Nova-tech], 2005.84.6. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
On display?
On display
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