This day in military aviation history: 2 November 1947 Howard Hughes’ Hughes Aircraft Company H-4 Hercules flying boat, NX37602, made its first and only flight at the harbor of Los Angeles, California. The press called it “The Spruce Goose” due to its strong but lightweight wooden construction. As with the famous de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito fighter-bomber, the use of wood freed up valuable metal alloys during World War II. It was designed to carry as many as 750 fully-equipped soldiers on transoceanic flights. This aircraft still holds the world record for the largest wingspan at 319 ft 11 in (97.51 m). youtu.be/M_auaeK2B7g
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 17:12:54 +0000
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