ERCO

ERCO. The History of the Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO) and the Ercoupe. , On this spot stood the sprawling campus of the Engineering and Research Corporation (ERCO), complete with numerous manufacturing buildings, lightweight prefabricated structures known as Quonset huts and an L-shaped runway., The main manufacturing structure, according to the Maryland Historical Trust, was constructed in the Moderne style, an architectural form characterized by streamlined and curved surfaces, tubular chromed steel frames and minimal ornaments. Its look was reminiscent of 1930s-era transportation machinery such as ships, automobiles and airplanes. The building was outfitted with an early form of airconditioning, richly-grained wood lobbies and walls of glass brick., The factory floor was a bevy of activity, churning out 34 Ercoupes daily at the height of its production capability. The diversity of machinery that surrounded where you now stand, included 2,000-ton hydraulic presses, boring mills, grinders and a 35,000 square foot final assembly shop. The factory was loud, with skilled workers moving around quickly and with purpose to maintain quotas., First tested in 1937, the Ercoupe was recognized by the Civil Aeronautics Administration as an aircraft that was virtually stall-proof, slip-proof and spin-proof, as guided by its twin-tail design. The safety of the aircraft was so highly-regarded that LIFE Magazine published a photograph of the plane being landed with the pilot holding his hands in the air and above his head. It was deemed in advertisements and marketing materials as the "World's Safest Plane." The first prototype was completed and flowin in 1939, and is now displayed at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The Ercoupe featured supreme pilot visibility and aircraft streamlining. Special designes that included gun turrets were manufactured and sold specifically to the United States Government to fly missions in World War II. In 1947 ERCO sold its Ercoupe inventory to Sanders Aviation who continued with its production until the final model year in 1970. In total, more than 5,500 Ercoupe aircraft were produced., After ceasing production of the Ercoupe, the company was involved with the production of fligth simulators, school bus bodies and rocket launchers. This plant continued activity until closing in 1954.