The Absolute Altimeter

Abstract

There is in radio the corresponding phenomenon of an echo, an electric wave reflection. When one realizes that a radio wave travels at 186,000 miles/sec., he readily sees that any echo effect would be practically instantaneous. This electric wave reflection is the basis of the theory of the absolute altimeter, or as called by the inventors a “ Terrain Clearance Indicator” . Lloyd Espenschied and R.G. Newhouse of the Bell Laboratories were chiefly responsible for its development. R.G. Newhouse was the recipient of the Lawrence Sperry award for his work on this instrument.