Ford is synonymous with the automobile because the Model T revolutionized car travel in the United States. It’s difficult to believe that the Ford

How Ford Built America’s Foundational Airliner And Then Quit Building Planes

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2024-11-29 20:00:17

Ford is synonymous with the automobile because the Model T revolutionized car travel in the United States. It’s difficult to believe that the Ford Trimotor plane did the same in commercial aviation. This is an understandable oversight, considering it’s the only plane ever designed and produced by Ford’s short-lived aviation division before burning $10.3 million.

Ford didn’t take off from scratch but took over an existing venture. William Stout, a Minnesota-raised engineer, had ambitions to build America’s first plane of all-metal construction during the 1920s. By this point, most planes were still built around the wood frames, the domain of daring pilots and not wealthy travelers.

Stout had the expertise to accomplish the innovative feat, but he was short on cash. He launched a fundraising campaign asking for $1,000 each from Detroit’s circle of industrialists, garnering the attention of Henry Ford. The automotive magnate was passionate about the project and wanted to invest more, but Stout wouldn’t relent on his initial offer. According to “The Saga of the Tin Goose” by David A Weiss, Ford the Elder spoke with the press after his investment became public. He said:

“Aviation will come of age when planes are commercially developed. And I can foresee the days when they will be built in the thousands… Airplanes will be more effective than autos in wiping out misunderstandings between people, because they will reduce distances in the world. They can even work for peace, because when they become popular they will put power in the people’s hands… and make short work of the warmongers.”