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Hughes HK-1 Hercules photographs, 1942-1947
Level of Description
Scope and Contents
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
Collection Name: Howard Hughes Professional and Aeronautical Photographs
Box/Folder: N/A
Archival Component
Photograph of Howard Hughes, circa early 1940s
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Archival Collection
Description
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Photograph of Howard Hughes at hearing, Washington, August 08, 1947
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Archival Collection
Description
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Photograph of Howard Hughes at hearing, Washington, D.C., November 08, 1947
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Archival Collection
Description
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Photograph of Howard Hughes and others, circa 1930s
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Archival Collection
Description
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Photograph of Hughes H-1 Racer, November 14, 1945
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Archival Collection
Description
Image
David Rea Collection of Howard Hughes Publicity Photographs
Identifier
Abstract
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.
Archival Collection
Photograph of Howard Hughes checking the Hughes Flying Boat, Terminal Island, Los Angeles Harbor, November 1, 1947
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Archival Collection
Description
Image
Photograph of Howard Hughes, circa late 1930s
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Archival Collection
Description
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Photograph of Howard Hughes boarding an airliner, July 20, 1938
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Archival Collection
Description
Image