On November 2, 1947, the famous Hughes H-4 Hercules, also known as the "Spruce Goose," made its first and only flight. This massive aircraft, designed and built by Howard Hughes, was the largest flying boat ever constructed and remains the largest aircraft made entirely of wood.
The H-4 Hercules was conceived during World War II as a solution to the German U-boat threat. The United States government commissioned Hughes to build a large aircraft capable of transporting troops and equipment across the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the dangers of sea travel.
The aircraft was primarily constructed using laminated birch wood, as wartime restrictions made aluminum scarce. It had a wingspan of 320 feet (98 meters) and a length of 218 feet (66 meters), making it larger than any aircraft of its time. The plane was powered by eight massive Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major radial engines, each producing 3,000 horsepower.
On November 2, 1947, Hughes himself piloted the H-4 Hercules on its maiden flight in Long Beach Harbor, California. The aircraft flew for approximately one mile (1.6 kilometers) at an altitude of 70 feet (21 meters) above the water, showcasing its airworthiness. However, the flight lasted only a few minutes, and the aircraft never flew again.
Despite its brief flight history, the H-4 Hercules remains an iconic symbol of American aviation innovation and Hughes' ambitious vision. The aircraft is currently on display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, where it continues to captivate visitors with its incredible size and unique history.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
