At the center of our museum stands the original Spruce Goose. Built entirely of wood due to wartime restrictions on metals, this massive airplane stands as a symbol of American industry during World War II. Learn more about the history, first flight, and legacy of this mammoth plane.

The Hughes H-4 Hercules (commonly known as the Spruce Goose; registration NX37602) is a prototype strategic airlift flying boat designed and built by the Hughes Aircraft Company. Intended as a transatlantic flight transport for use during World War II, …

Jul 22, 2024 · Measuring 218 feet long and weighing a quarter of a million pounds, the Spruce Goose was designed to transport military materiel across the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. During the 1930s, few men in America were as well-known as Howard Hughes.

Apr 27, 2024 · The H-4 Hercules, also known as the Spruce Goose, was the world's largest plane during its time, featuring a wingspan of 320 feet and 11 inches. Despite being built for war, the …

Nov 2, 2022 · Howard Hughes called it the H-4 Hercules—a fitting name for the largest and most powerful airplane of its time. The press, however, dubbed his prized creation the “Spruce Goose”—a name Hughes despised.

Sep 7, 2020 · The grey wood and fabric construction led to the derisive nickname “Spruce Goose,” though in fact, it was 95 percent constructed from stronger birchwood, shipped from Wisconsin.

Feb 28, 2020 · The largest wooden airplane ever constructed, and flown only one time, the H-4 Hercules (nicknamed Spruce Goose) represents one of humanity's greatest attempts to conquer the skies.

The infamous aircraft that is now commonly known as the “Spruce Goose” originated in the mind of Henry J. Kaiser, owner of an Oakland-based ship manufacturing company, in response to the escalating threat of Axis Powers submarines in the early years of World War II.

Oct 11, 2023 · This is the H-4 Hercules, a ginormous flying boat built from wood that stands as one of the largest aircraft ever built. With wings wider than a football field, it was powered by eight massive engines and could carry two Sherman tanks.

Jan 21, 2022 · The Spruce Goose (officially the Hughes H-4 Hercules) is a one-of-a-kind prototype from World War 2. The completely wooden airplane is a strategic airlift flying boat and is truly massive. It was intended for transatlantic flight transport during the war but was not completed in time to be of use.