John Hays Hammond Jr.
John Hays Hammond Jr. (April 13, 1888 – February 12, 1965) was an American inventor often called "The Father of Radio Control." His work in electronic remote control laid the groundwork for today’s radio‑controlled devices, including missile guidance systems, drones, and unmanned aircraft.
His most important inventions include the variable pitch propeller control and a single‑dial radio tuning idea. He held more than 800 patents across about 400 inventions, mainly in radio control and naval weaponry.
Early life: He was born in San Francisco, the son of mining engineer John Hays Hammond Sr. The family lived in South Africa and England before returning to the United States. As a boy, he visited Thomas Edison’s lab and was mentored by Edison. At Yale University’s Sheffield Scientific School, he studied radio and became friends with Alexander Graham Bell, who also mentored him.
Career: After graduating in 1910, he worked at the U.S. Patent Office to learn what makes inventions successful. He then founded the Hammond Radio Research Laboratory in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and later served on the board of RCA.
Hammond built Hammond Castle on Gloucester Harbor between 1926 and 1929, serving as his home, laboratory, and showplace for his collections. Today the castle is a museum that hosts tours and events. He received the Edward Longstreth Medal from The Franklin Institute in 1959.
Personal life: He married Irene Fenton in 1925. He died in New York City in 1965 at the age of 76.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 02:13 (CET).