Fort Worth, Texas – 02-09-26 – Howell Instruments, Inc., a trusted provider of aviation instrumentation and modernization solutions, is celebrating its 75th anniversary, achieving a significant milestone in the aerospace industry. Since its founding in 1951, the company has remained dedicated to improving flight safety, reliability, and operational efficiency across military, commercial, and para-public aviation sectors.
Howell Instruments was founded by John S. Howell III, a decorated World War II pilot whose ingenuity, discipline, and determination embodied the spirit of America’s Greatest Generation. Drawing on firsthand aviation experience and a $10,000 loan, Howell launched B & H Instruments with a specific principle: to develop reliable, innovative solutions that pilots could trust when it mattered most. With him, Barbara Howell, assembling parts in their home garage, became the company’s first employee, laying a foundation rooted in family, perseverance, and quality.
One of the company’s earliest breakthroughs was John Howell’s patented JETCAL® Analyzer, which solved a critical challenge in testing temperature-indicating systems on the B-36 bomber. The innovation significantly reduced maintenance time and operating costs for the U.S. armed forces and set the standard for a company defined by engineering excellence.
As demand for Howell’s solutions grew worldwide, so did the company’s capabilities. Today, Howell Instruments continues this legacy with advanced cockpit modernization programs, including its UH-60 Black Hawk glass cockpit solutions. Designed to extend platform life while enhancing situational awareness, reliability, and mission effectiveness, Howell’s UH-60 modernization supports military and special-mission operators seeking cost-effective upgrades aligned with evolving operational requirements.
“Seventy-five years later, the mission remains the same,” said Marc Paganini, CEO at Howell Instruments. “We continue to combine proven engineering expertise with modern avionics solutions—like our UH-60 glass cockpit—to support operators who depend on precision, reliability, and long-term support.”
As Howell Instruments celebrates this significant milestone, the company honors its employees and partners who paved the way. With a strong foundation and a future-focused approach, Howell Instruments remains dedicated to advancing flight for generations to come.