AERONCA

Aeronca, which stands for Aeronautical Corporation of America, is a US manufacturer of engine components and airframe structures for commercial aviation and the defense industry, and a former aircraft manufacturer. From 1928 to 1951, the company was a major producer of general aviation aircraft and also produced the engines for some of their early designs. Aeronca is now a division of Magellan Aerospace, producing aircraft, missile, and space vehicle components at the same location adjacent to Middletown’s Hook Field Municipal Airport. The company was founded by a group of investors in Cincinnati, Ohio, and received financial and political support from prominent individuals, including future Ohio senator Robert A. Taft. Aeronca produced a number of successful models, including the Aeronca C-2 and the Chief and Super Chief. During World War II, Aeronca designs were used for training pilots and as observation and liaison aircraft.