The Answering Machine

In addition to his numerous patents relating to aircraft design, Assen Jordanoff created the device known as the Jordaphone. It was a wireless telephone with an answering function, an amplifier and an intercom. It was the first telephone of its kind and preceded the modern inventions of the answering machine and tape recorder by between five and thirty years.

Assen Jordanoff was a celebrated Bulgarian and American aviator, engineer and inventor whose name became known worldwide. Jordanoff played a key role in developing and designing this iconic aircraft, which established itself as one of the most successful and influential in aviation history. For many years, he was an important figure in world aviation. He established aviation companies and a school, and wrote books. In his later years, however, he withdrew from aviation and turned to other fields. During this period, among other things, he developed the predecessor of the answering machine through his company.