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This collection consists of a photo album consisting of photographs from an inspection of the Hughes H-4 (HK-1) Hercules ("Spruce Goose") in storage in San Diego, California. There is an aerial view of the hangar where it was stored as well as detailed views of various components of the aircraft and views of the aircraft's controls and interior. There is also a view of a model of the aircraft.
The Hughes H-4 (HK-1) Hercules (NX37602) flew only one time on November 2, 1947. Conceived as a personnel and materiel carrier, the single hull prototype was designed to fly transatlantic flights to avoid World War II German submarines that were sinking Allied ships in large numbers. Completed in 1947 after the end of the war, the aircraft was nearly six times bigger than any aircraft of its time. The press insisted on calling the aircraft the "Spruce Goose," a name that its billionaire builder Howard Hughes despised. Until his death in 1976, Hughes ensured that the H-4 (HK-1) Hercules was maintained and kept in flight-ready condition.
NASM.1997.0017
Summa Corporation
Circa 1970
Lee Saegesser, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) History Office, Gift, 1997, NASM.1997.0017
0.35 Cubic feet (1 flat box)
National Air and Space Museum Archives
This collection consists of a spiral bound photo album measuring approximately 11.5 by 14.5 inches. The photo album was prepared by Summa Corporation (previously Hughes Tool Company) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and consists of photographs from an inspection of the Hughes H-4 (HK-1) Hercules ("Spruce Goose") in storage in San Diego, California. There is an aerial view of the hangar where it was stored as well as detailed views of various components of the aircraft and views of the aircraft's controls and interior. There is also a view of a model of the aircraft.
Collection is in original order.
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Hughes H-4 (HK-1) Hercules ("Spruce Goose") Photo Album, NASM.1997.0017, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Hughes H-4 (HK-1) Hercules ("Spruce Goose")
Aircraft industry
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Photograph albums