Browse Items (1093 total)

Photograph of an FFA P-16.04 aircraft (wing number X-HB-VAC) in flight, circa 1950s.Typed caption on verso: "P-16 Swiss fighter jet that was the insperation [inspiration] for the Lear Jet."

Film footage of a Learstar (registration number N16L) and Lockheed L-1888 Electra, circa 1950s. The footage opens with the Learstar being towed into a hangar and William P. Lear boarding the airplane. The next several scenes feature Lear and an…

Audio recording comprised of three excerpts from separate recording sessions, all related to William P. Lear or his businesses, circa mid-1950s. The excerpts are 1) Lear discussing his 1956 flight to the Soviet Unions, 2) a business meeting of Lear…

Audio recording containing excerpts from an Institute of Aeronautical Sciences (IAS) panel on aircraft developments and an Easter party with Lear family and friends, circa 1950s. Typed label on reel: "Panel discussion: WPL and Gus Raspit…

Attitude indicator made out of metal that has been painted black. The object is rectangular in form with the face made out of glass that displays the attitude indicator measurement system. There is a long rubber cord attached to the side of the…

Auto-direction finder with a body made out of gray metal and a white metal face plate. "Lear ADF-12E" is in black on the bottom portion of the face of the object, along with three black dials and a switch. The back has silver metal attachment…

The gyroscope is constructed out of black metal with a glass face for the front dial. There is a black label on bottom portion of the glass with the white text, "Lear Attitude Gyro Model 974R-1." The metal is cylindrical with pieces screwed together.…

Bronze and dark brown circular medal. Engraved in high relief on the face of the medal is the logo and name of the University of Michigan Aerospace Engineering department. There are no additional design elements to the back of medal.

Audio recording of William P. Lear dictating letters and scenes of the Lear family at leisure, circa 1950s-1960. Typed label on reel: "WPL. May 19? 1960."

Photograph of a crashed Lear, Incorporated company Cessna 180 aircraft in a wooded area, circa 1950s-1960s. The text on the fuselage reads: "Engineering flight test." Inscription on verso: "Back to the drawing board."