Spruce Goose - Evergreen Aviation Museum, McMinnville, Oregon

The Spruce Goose, officially known as the Hughes H-4 Hercules, is a prototype strategic airlift flying boat designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company. Here are some key points about this iconic aircraft:

Key Features

• Wingspan: The Spruce Goose has a wingspan of 320 feet (97.54 meters), making it the largest flying boat ever constructed.

• Material: Despite its name, the aircraft was primarily constructed from a special plywood called Duramold, rather than spruce wood.

• Engines: It is powered by eight Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major engines.

Historical Context

• Development: The aircraft was developed during World War II as part of a project to create a transport aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of troops and supplies over long distances.

• First Flight: The Spruce Goose made its first and only flight on November 2, 1947, piloted by Howard Hughes himself.

• Legacy: Although it was not used in combat, the Spruce Goose remains a significant achievement in aviation history and engineering.

Current Status

• Display: The aircraft is currently on display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

• Preservation: The Spruce Goose has been preserved as a historical artifact and continues to attract visitors from around the world, as of 2024 is now on the National Historical Register.