Better known as the "Spruce Goose," the Howard Hughes Flying Boat was designed and built by Hughes Aircraft Co., to be the largest wood-constructed and the largest wingspan airplane ever built. As Hughes perfected his craft, he added significantly to what is known in areas of large-lift capability and power-boost systems. Originally designated the HK-1 in 1942, it was designed to meet wartime troop and material transportation needs (flying just high enough to evade submarine attacks).
Howard Hughes
![Howard Hughes Flying Boat, HK-1](/sites/default/files/styles/landmark_node_/public/landmarks/images/Howard_Hughes_Flying_Boat_HK-1.jpg?itok=aMzKPCLN)
YearAdded:
Image Credit: Public Domain (Federal Aviation Administration)Image Caption: Howard Hughes Flying Boat, HK-1Era_date_from: 1947
2002
Innovations
![Howard Hughes Flying Boat, HK-1](/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/landmarks/images/Howard_Hughes_Flying_Boat_HK-1.jpg?itok=2J7xNU8H)
Better known as the "Spruce Goose," the Howard Hughes Flying Boat was designed and built by Hughes Aircraft Co., to be the largest wood-constructed and the largest wingspan airplane ever built. As Hughes perfected his craft, he added significantly to what is known in areas of large-lift…
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