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
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Collection Number: PH-00373 Collection Name: Howard Hughes Public Relations Photograph Collection Box/Folder: N/A
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."
Description given with photo: "Chairman Brewster Denies Collusion Charged By Hughes. Washington, D.C. Multi-millionaire plane-builder Howard Hughes, left, and his counsel, Thomas A. Slack, center, listen to chairman Owen Brewster, ( R ) of Me., right, of the Senate War Investigating Committee, testify before member of his committee. Senator Brewster denied under oath Howard Hughes' "blackmail" charge that Brewster had tried to make him merge the TWA with Pan-American Airways. -INP Photo by N.K. Benson- 8/6/47."
Description given with photo: "102,246 - Watch Your Credit - International News Photo. Slug - (Howard Hughes) Hughes Ready For Senate Investigators, Washington, D.C. Howard Hughes, right, is interviewed by reporters at Washington National Airport after his arrival in a converted B-23 bomber from Culver City, X California. Hughes, there to face Senate Investigators, said he would be "most happy" to repeat under oath charges he has made against chairman Owen Brewster, (R) of Me., of the Senate War Investigating Committee now probing his wartime plane contracts. -Photo by G.B. Kress- 8/6/47."
Description given with photo: "Brewster Testifies At Hughes Inquiry, Washington: Sen. Owen Brewster (R-Maine) testifies before the Senate War investigating subcommittee August 6th. Behind him are, left to right, Howard Hughes and his attorney, T.A. Slack, of the Howard Tool Company. Credit (ACME) 8-9-47."