Overview
Cushcraft was an American manufacturer of amateur radio, CB radio, scanner, and commercial communications antennas. The company became widely recognized for producing HF beam antennas, vertical antennas, VHF/UHF antennas, and mobile antenna systems used by amateur radio operators and communications enthusiasts worldwide.
Founded in Manchester, New Hampshire, Cushcraft developed a strong reputation for lightweight aluminum antenna construction, practical designs, and relatively easy assembly. Its products were commonly sold through amateur radio dealers and electronics retailers throughout North America.
Cushcraft antennas became especially popular during the growth of amateur radio and CB radio activity in the 1960s through the 1990s. Many models remained in long-term production and are still in use today.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Cushcraft Corporation |
| Founded | 1954 |
| Founder | Richard Cushman |
| Industry | Communications antennas |
| Headquarters | Manchester, New Hampshire, USA |
| Products | Amateur radio antennas, CB antennas, scanner antennas, commercial antennas |
| Known For | HF beam antennas, vertical antennas, VHF/UHF antennas |
| Later Ownership | MFJ Enterprises |
| Current Brand Ownership | ITU Corporation (2026) |
Description
Cushcraft manufactured a wide range of antenna products including directional Yagi beam antennas, omnidirectional vertical antennas, mobile antennas, scanner antennas, and specialty communications antennas. The company focused heavily on amateur radio markets but also produced products for CB radio, commercial communications, and monitoring applications.
Among amateur radio operators, Cushcraft became especially known for products such as the A-series beam antennas, R-series vertical antennas, and various VHF/UHF base station antennas. Their antennas were frequently used for DX operation, contest stations, repeater systems, and portable installations.
The company emphasized durable aluminum construction and modular antenna designs intended for relatively simple installation and maintenance.
History
Richard Cushman founded Cushcraft in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1954. The company initially focused on amateur radio antenna products and steadily expanded its catalog during the growth of amateur radio activity in the postwar era.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Cushcraft expanded into additional communications markets including CB radio, scanner antennas, and commercial communications products. The company became one of the better-known antenna manufacturers in the amateur radio industry.
MFJ Enterprises later acquired the Cushcraft amateur radio antenna product line, adding it to the MFJ family of communications brands alongside Hy-Gain, Ameritron, Mirage, and Vectronics. Manufacturing and support operations continued under MFJ ownership for many years.
In 2024, MFJ Enterprises announced the end of on-site production operations in Mississippi, affecting Cushcraft and several related brands.
In 2026, ITU Corporation of Indiana acquired the Cushcraft and Hy-Gain product lines, along with associated tooling, manufacturing equipment, and rights, with plans to continue production in Indiana.
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1954 | Cushcraft founded in Manchester, New Hampshire |
| 1960s | Expanded amateur radio antenna product lines |
| 1970s | Major growth during CB radio boom |
| 2000s | Cushcraft product line acquired by MFJ Enterprises |
| 2024 | MFJ announced end of on-site production operations |
| 2026 | ITU Corporation acquired Cushcraft brand assets |
Historical Addresses
| Period | Address |
|---|---|
| Historical | Cushcraft Corporation, Manchester, New Hampshire, USA |
References
- https://cushcraft.shop/about-cushcraft-antennas/ — History and background information for Cushcraft antennas
- https://www.eham.net/article/22185 — Article discussing MFJ acquisition of Cushcraft amateur radio antennas
- https://www.arnewsline.org/news-text/2026/4/17/hy-gain-cushcraft-return-to-market-after-mfjs-sale — News article covering ITU Corporation acquisition of Cushcraft
- https://www.lintonnews.com/itu-corporation-re-purposes-linton-armory-facility-to-house-iconic-amateur-radio-manufacturing-free-article/ — Details on the 2026 Cushcraft manufacturing transition