Spruce Goose Flight Time Record

Introduction to the Spruce Goose

The Hughes H-4 Hercules, famously known as the Spruce Goose, is a large flying boat designed and built by Howard Hughes and his team. It was made almost entirely of wood, hence the nickname, due to the wartime restrictions on the use of aluminum. The aircraft had a wingspan of 320 feet 11 inches (98 meters) and a length of 218 feet 8 inches (66.7 meters), making it one of the largest aircraft ever built. The Spruce Goose was powered by eight PW R-4360 radial engines, each producing 3,000 horsepower.

Historical Context and Development

The development of the Spruce Goose began in 1942, during World War II, as a response to the need for a large transport aircraft that could carry troops and equipment over long distances. The project was initially known as the Hughes H-4 and was intended to be a solution to the problem of transporting large numbers of troops and equipment across the Atlantic Ocean, which was being threatened by German U-boats. The aircraft was designed to be a flying boat, capable of taking off and landing on water, which would allow it to avoid the need for long runways.

First and Only Flight

The Spruce Goose made its first and only flight on November 2, 1947, with Howard Hughes at the controls. The flight took place in Long Beach Harbor, California, and lasted for approximately one minute. During this short flight, the aircraft reached a height of about 70 feet (21 meters) above the water and flew for a distance of about one mile (1.6 kilometers). Although the flight was short, it proved that the Spruce Goose was capable of flying, despite its massive size and weight.

Flight Time Record

The Spruce Goose’s flight time record is not impressive in terms of duration, but it is significant in terms of the aircraft’s size and historical context. The one-minute flight may seem brief, but it was a major achievement considering the technological limitations of the time. The flight demonstrated the feasibility of building and flying a large wooden aircraft, and it paved the way for the development of future large transport aircraft.

Technical Specifications

The Spruce Goose had the following technical specifications: - Length: 218 feet 8 inches (66.7 meters) - Wingspan: 320 feet 11 inches (98 meters) - Height: 79 feet 4 inches (24.2 meters) - Empty weight: 250,000 pounds (113,400 kilograms) - Gross weight: 400,000 pounds (181,400 kilograms) - Powerplant: 8 × PW R-4360 radial engines, 3,000 horsepower each - Maximum speed: 230 mph (370 km/h) - Cruise speed: 180 mph (290 km/h) - Range: 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers)

Preservation and Legacy

After its first and only flight, the Spruce Goose was retired and put on display. Today, it is housed at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, where it remains one of the most popular attractions. The aircraft’s legacy extends beyond its technical achievements, as it has become a symbol of innovation and perseverance. The Spruce Goose has inspired generations of engineers, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts, and it continues to fascinate people around the world.

🚀 Note: The Spruce Goose's flight time record may not be officially recognized, as it was not an officially sanctioned flight. However, the aircraft's achievement remains an important part of aviation history.

The story of the Spruce Goose is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of innovation. Despite its short flight time record, the aircraft has left a lasting impact on the world of aviation, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of engineers, pilots, and enthusiasts. In the end, the Spruce Goose’s significance goes beyond its technical achievements, as it represents the power of human creativity and the boundless possibilities of flight.