It’s been called “The Greatest Generation” of our time. This group of Americans survived the Great Depression, stormed the beaches at Normandy to rescue the world from tyranny, and returned home to a grateful nation. They embodied the self-reliance, courage, and ingenuity that forged and sustained this great nation. And it was from the ranks of these hardworking, hopeful heroes that John S. Howell III stepped forward to make his mark in the aviation world.
A decorated pilot during WWII, John Howell returned home to support his family and complete his college education. Continuing his career in aviation, he discovered a niche market in the dawning of the jet age. He designed and patented the JETCAL® Analyzer to solve the problem of testing temperature indicating systems on the B-36 bomber. His revolutionary invention allowed our nation’s armed forces to conduct efficient and accurate testing without removing the engine from the aircraft, effectively reducing operating costs and eliminating hundreds of maintenance hours.
With typical determination and tenacity, Mr. Howell set out to market his product with a $10,000 loan from his father-in-law. On the strength of a promise and a handshake, B & H Instruments was born in 1951. As word of the JETCAL® Analyzer’s efficiency and accuracy spread, demand increased and by 1960 it was in use across the globe. The company became Howell Instruments, and that same entrepreneurial spirit and belief in design without bounds guided the company through years of success and innovations in gas-turbine operating efficiency.
Six decades after the development of the JETCAL® Analyzer, Howell Instruments, Inc. has become a progressive production facility supporting domestic and international markets. With offices and representatives around the world, the company continues to envision and develop customized solutions to improve flight safety and operating efficiency.
