Spruce Goose

1947

Howard Hughes was a successful aerospace engineer, film producer, businessman, and philanthropist. He designed the H-4 Hercules to transport heavy war vehicles and troops during World War II. It was built out of birch wood because the supply of metal was low due to the war. 

Although wood is lighter than metal, its 200-ton build was far too heavy, and its price too high at €250,000,000 in today’s money. Building this monster took five years, making her ready for flight just after the war ended. During the single test flight, the massive airplane only flew for 30 seconds. Critics mockingly called the failed airplane the “Spruce Goose.”

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Evergreen Aviation Museum - The Spruce Goose turns 76!