History
Soaring Through the Decades Since 1951
From the dawn of the jet age to the cutting-edge aviation technology of today, Howell Instruments has been at the forefront of innovation for over seven decades.
Our story begins with John S. Howell III, a decorated WWII pilot who embodied the ingenuity and determination of America’s “Greatest Generation.”
In 1951, armed with a revolutionary idea and a $10,000 loan, John Howell founded B & H Instruments. His patented JETCAL® Analyzer solved a critical problem in testing temperature-indicating systems on the B-36 bomber, dramatically reducing maintenance hours and operating costs for the U.S. armed forces. This groundbreaking invention set the stage for decades of innovation to come.
As demand for the JETCAL® Analyzer grew worldwide, so did our company. Renamed Howell Instruments, we expanded our global reach, continuously developing customized solutions to improve flight safety and operating efficiency. Today, our state-of-the-art facility in Fort Worth, Texas, serves as the worldwide hub for Howell engineering solutions, designs, and products.
From our humble beginnings to our current status as an industry leader, Howell Instruments has remained committed to the entrepreneurial spirit and boundless innovation that defined our founder. Our dedicated team continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace instrumentation, carrying forward a legacy of excellence that spans generations.
A Few Innovations in Howell's History