It has been an open secret that Mr. Marconi has been carefully studying a system of transmitting wireless messages from aeroplanes. It is therefore gratifying to learn that he has made such progress that experiments are shortly to be carried out at Hendon which will demonstrate
the degree of success obtained. At present this branch of wireless telegraphy has not progressed much beyond the elementary stage, but the increasing range of the aeroplane has made an improved system essential, and it is anticipated that Mr. Marconi, who has made several flights with Mr. Hamel, will evolve apparatus which will meet the demands of the naval and military authorities.
Very little has been heard as to the details of wireless experiments which have been carried out on the Continent, though it is understood that the French naval authorities have met with a very fair measure of success both in the transmission and receiving of wireless messages by
aircraft, and particularly by aeroplanes. Nor have we heard much more of the experimental work which we have reason to believe has been in course of execution on this side of the Channel, and, in the light of the above information, it would seem that the reason is because there has been nothing to tell. In other words, the measure of success attained has not been such as to encourage the experimenters to talk about it. That the difficulties will be solved we have no manner of doubt, and once they have been overcome it is manifest that the usefulness of the aeroplane, particularly for military and naval work, will be very greatly extended. In fact, a really reliable wireless installation suitable for such work would increase the value of scouting aircraft out of all knowledge.
Flight 24.1.1914