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: "As Hughes Dropped "Blackmail" Charge - Washington, D.C., Howard Hughes, multi-millionaire air-plane builder, left, is shown leaning over the council table as he agreed to call of his "Blackmail" feud with Senator Owen Brewster at the end of today's heated session of the Senate Subcommittee's hearing of Hughes' wartime aircraft contracts. Committee members seated at the table (right) are: left to right: Senators J. Howard McGrath (D), Rhode Island: Claud Pepper (D), Florida: Homer Ferguson (R), Mich., chairman, and John J. Williams (R) del. spectators, reporters and photographers crowd around the committee table. Photograph by N.K. Benson 8/8/47." Another description given with photo: "Committee Closes Books On Hughes' Charges, Washington: Howard Hughes (right) exchanges remarks across the table with Sen. Homer Ferguson (R-Mich.), left, chairman of the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee, after the latter announced that the committee had closed its books on the inquiry into Hughes' charge that Sen. Owen Brewster attempted to "blackmail" him. Sitting next to Sen. Ferguson is committee member Sen. John J. Williams (R-Dela.), and standing directly behind Sen. Williams is Sen. Brewster (R-Maine), smiling broadly. Credit (ACME) 8/8/47."
Howard Hughes sits in a chair in front of a film editing desk. Behind the desk are shelves holding various reels of film. A film editing machine is seen on the desk. This first image shows Hughes without a mustache.
Press release describes Army Air Forces circling over Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles to salute Howard Hughes, who was recovering the from the crash of his XF-11 aircraft. Contains texts of telegrams to Hughes from Army Air Forces Commanding General Carl Spaatz and Twelfth Air Force Brigadier General John P. Doyle.
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."