Materials contain photographs of the HK-1 Hercules, otherwise known as the "Spruce Goose" or the "Flying Boat," from 1942 to 1947. The photographs primarily depict the construction, transportation, and storage of the plane, but also include photographs of 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 Professional and Aeronautical Photographs
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: PH-00321 Collection Name: Howard Hughes Professional and Aeronautical Photographs Box/Folder: N/A
Materials contain photographs from the Hughes Family of the Pahrump Ranch from 1937 to 1956. Materials include photographs of animals, ranch work, and old buildings.
Archival Collection
Nye County, Nevada Photograph Collection
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: PH-00221 Collection Name: Nye County, Nevada Photograph Collection Box/Folder: N/A
Howard Hughes checking the instrument panel of the HK-1 Hughes Flying Boat (400,000 pound, 24,000 horsepower airplane) with his crew before the taxi tests, at Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor.
This collection is comprised of publicity photographs of Howard Hughes and his aircrafts, from approximately the 1940s to the 1950s, that were compiled by David Rea, former pilot for Hughes Aircraft Company. This collection also includes clippings and technical drawings of Hughes aircrafts.
Description given with photo: " "Shows Over" -- Return Engagement Promised! Washington, D.C. - In the Senate Caucus room, that a few days ago was packed to the doors, Howard Hughes, sits alone as he pens a statement to the press following the "surprise" postponement of Hughes war plane contract inquiry before the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee today, (Aug. 11). Creditline (ACME) 8/11/47."