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.
Today it remains one of the largest aircraft overbuilt and yet it is made almost entirely of birch. If one is interested in space exploration and the impressive feats of engineering of the Space Shuttle, then one can see the retired Space Shuttles in museums scattered around the country.
Background of the Spruce Goose
The need for a strategic airlift aircraft that could transport war material and troops across the Atlantic dated back to 1942. During this time the Allies were suffering large losses to German U-boats.
- Reason: Allied Shipping Losses To German U-boats
The brainchild of the project was Henry J. Kaiser - a leading Liberty shipbuilder and manufacturer. Kaiser teamed up with Howard Hughes and the design they came up with was the largest aircraft the world had ever seen.
The Spruce Goose only made one short flight on November 2, 1947. This was only after the war had ended and the threat of German U-Boats had long since passed. It was soon canceled after that and today is on display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon.
It flew only once in Long Beach Habor in California. While taxiing on the water, Howard Hughes surprised the gathered crowd by suddenly lifting the aircraft off the sea in what was only meant to be a taxi test. The Spruce Goose flew for around 30 seconds and got 25 feet off the water for just under half a mile.
- Flew: For 30 Seconds At 25 Feet off The Water
The Spruce Goose would never fly again. Unfortunately, its lifting capacity and its ceiling were never tested. The full-time crew of some 300 workers was all sworn to secrecy and the aircraft was maintained in flying condition in a climate-controlled hangar.
The crew was disbanded after Hughes' death in 1976. After his death, it didn't take long for it to be on display in museums in California.
Specifications and Performance
The Spruce Goose is made of wood because of the wartime restriction on the use of aluminum as well as some concerns about weight. It was designed to carry 150,000 pounds (68,000 kg), two 30-ton M4 Sherman tanks, or 750 fully equipped troops.
The whole aircraft is made from birch (out of strong plywood) and the only pieces of the plan that are not made of wood are the engines, electronics, screws, and braces used in the Restoration process.
- Type: Prototype Strategic Airlift Flying Boat
- Flight: One Flight On November 2, 1947
- Made of: Birch Wood
- Record: Largest Flying Boat Ever Built
- Wingspan: The Largest Of Any Aircraft Ever Flown (Until 2019)
Today the H-4 or Spruce Goose is one of the largest aircraft to have ever been built. It was much heavier than the largest airplane built during World War Two - the German Blohm * Voss BV 238. That aircraft was also a flying boat and was destroyed in 1945.
As the Spruce Goose was never actually properly tested, its actual performance is not known.
- Length: 218 Feet 8 Inches
- Crew: 3
- Empty Weight: 250,000 lbs (113,398 kg)
- Engines: 8 x Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major Engines
- Cruise Speed: 250 mph (400 km/h)
- Range: 3,000 miles (4,800 km)
Visiting The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Today the Spruce Goose remains in good condition and is on display in McMinnville, Oregon at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.
The museum has an impressive collection of over 150 aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits - although the Spruce Goose is arguably their most notable attraction. At the museum, one will see many iconic attractions like the SR-71 Blackbird, and the Titan II Space Launch Vehicle with its original launch room.
- Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Daily
- Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas
Admission:
- Adult: $20.00 (Aged 16 and Over)
- Youth: $10.00 (Aged 5 to 15)
- Seniors: $15.00 (Aged 65 And over)
- Children: Free (Under 5)
Spruce Goose Cockpit Tours: One can actually not only see the Spruce Goose but even venture inside of it in a Spruce Goose Cockpit Tour. On this tour, one can even sit in the pilot's seat as one learns all about the history of this remarkable aircraft.
- Tickets: Spruce Goose Cockpit Tours Must Be Purchased During The Visit
- Duration: 15 Minute Behind The Scenes Tour of The Spruce Goose
- Cost: $30.00 For Up To Four People
For those really interested in seeing military aircraft, visit the eye-watering mothballed "boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. While tours are no longer given at the base, there is a whole dedicated museum adjacent.