With the advent of World War II, Warren McArthur devoted his efforts to producing aluminum seating for the government, as his construction techniques and patents passed all the rigorous military specifications for stress, and aluminum was only available for military purposes. Aluminum was used extensively to furnish airplanes where weight is critical to performance. This radio operator’s seat is for a DC-4 airplane.

Warren McArthur, designer, American, 1885–1961 Warren McArthur Corporation, manufacturer, American, 1930–48 Radio operator seat, model #219, for American Airlines DC-4, ca. 1938–48 aluminum and leather, 38 x 20 3/4 x 20 in. (96.5 x 52.7 x 50.8 cm) Carnegie Museum of Art