Redifon Ltd.
Broomhill Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 (1950)

Redifon, founded in 1946, as the manufacturing subsidiary of Rediffusion Ltd. specialising in radio communications and flight simulation. Initially focused on radio equipment, they expanded into aviation technology, particularly flight simulators.

Redifon's strategic locations in Aylesbury and Crawley facilitated growth and innovation. Through mergers and acquisitions, the company evolved, eventually becoming part of Thales Training & Simulation.

Formation and Early Years
In May 1940, Rediffusion Ltd. applied for the trademark "Redifon" (No. 610868, Class 9), covering instruments, apparatus, and parts for the production, transmission, reception, and direction finding of carrier wave, telegraphic, telephonic, television, or acoustic frequency signals. [1]

Redifon Ltd. was established in 1946 as a subsidiary of Rediffusion Limited.

In 1947, the company applied for the trademark "REDIFON" (No. 646,215, Class 11) for high-frequency electric apparatus used in induction or dielectric heating and related components. [2]

Product Expansion
Redifon's product range expanded rapidly. By 1949, the company was producing airport radio equipment. In 1951, they installed their first flight simulator. The expertise in radio communications led to significant contracts, including a comprehensive system for the Iranian police in 1956.

Key Developments

During the 1960s, Redifon diversified its portfolio to include:

• Aircraft flight simulators
• Radio communication equipment
• Collaboration with Redifon-Astrodata
• Plastics manufacturing (under the brands Rediweld and Glass Fibre Developments)
• Establishment of Canadian operations in 1964
• Radio heating equipment through a joint venture with Intertherm

Company Locations and Expansion
Redifon's geographical footprint was strategically developed across multiple locations in the United Kingdom:

• 1946: Air Trainers Ltd moved to the Cubitt works in Aylesbury
• 1948: Redifon established a significant presence in Crawley, West Sussex
• 1949: Additional factory opened on the Aston estate in Aylesbury
• 1955: Relocated to Bicester Road, Aylesbury
• 1963: Aylesbury site expanded to 120,000 square feet, employing 950 workers
• 1972: Production transferred from Aylesbury to the Redifon Flight Simulator Division in Crawley

Television Receivers and Continued Innovation
In the 1970s and 1980s, Redifon continued to innovate in flight simulation technology. In 1981, it was renamed Rediffusion Simulation Limited (RSL) by its parent company, British Electric Traction Co.

Ownership Changes
The company underwent several ownership changes:

• In 1988, it was acquired by Hughes Aircraft and became Hughes Rediffusion Simulation (HRSL).
• In 1994, it was taken over by Thomson-CSF and merged with Link Miles to form Thomson Training & Simulation (TTSL).
• In 2000, it was renamed Thales Training & Simulation following a rebranding of its parent company.

Conclusion
Throughout its history, Redifon demonstrated a strong commitment to technological innovation, with strategic locations in Aylesbury and Crawley supporting its growth in radio communications and simulation technology. The company's ability to expand and adapt across different sites underscored its resilience and technological leadership within the Rediffusion group.

[1] The Electrical Review May 31, 1940, Page 601.
[2] The Electrical Review Apr 25, 1947, Page 686.