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Hughes HK-1 Hercules photographs, 1945-1947

Level of Description

Series

Scope and Contents

Materials contain photographs of the HK-1 Hercules, otherwise known as the "Spruce Goose" or the "Flying Boat," from 1945 to 1947. The photographs primarily depict the construction, transportation, and storage of the plane, but also include the first and only test flight of the HK-1 above Los Angeles Harbor in 1947. Howard Hughes designed the HK-1 as the world's largest plane, capable of transporting large quantities of U.S. military hardware and personnel. In 1947, under the program's new designation H-4 Hercules, Hughes had the plane transported from his factory in Culver City, California to Los Angeles Harbor. On November 2, he piloted the plane during its only test flight. The U.S. Air Force abandoned the controversial project, and Hughes was called to testify before the Truman Committee of the U.S. Senate to justify the use of government funds on a program that never succeeded.

Archival Collection

Howard Hughes Public Relations Photograph Collection
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: PH-00373
Collection Name: Howard Hughes Public Relations Photograph Collection
Box/Folder: N/A

Archival Component

Photograph of Howard Hughes at hearing, Washington, August 06, 1947

Date

1947-08-06

Description

A view of Howard Hughes amongst a crowd of people as he arrives for the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee hearing in Washington.

Image

Photograph of Howard Hughes arriving in Washington, August 07, 1947

Date

1947-08-07

Description

Description given with photo: "Hughes Arrives in Washington, Washington: Howard Hughes (right) plane manufacturer, chats briefly with reporters at Washington National Airport today (Aug. 6) shortly after his flight from the west coast to Washington to appear before the Senate War Investigating Committee. In good humor, and wearing the battered "good luck" felt hat that he wore when he survived a crash of his controversial plane, Hughes told reporters that the third XF-11 photo-reconnaissance plane, the ship which Elliot Roosevelt recommended, is now flying. Hughes added that it is "a very fine ship". Credit (ACME) 8/7/47."

Image

Photograph of Howard Hughes, Los Angeles, September 11, 1946

Date

1946-09-11

Description

A view of Howard Hughes in front of a B-23 converted bomber before taking off for New York City in Los Angeles, California.

Image