Čaj Hughes H-4 Hercules (poznat i kao Spruce Goose; registracija NX37602) je prototip strateškog letačkog letećeg broda koji je projektovala i izgradila Hjuzova avionska kompanija. Namenjen kao transatlantski letački transport za upotrebu tokom Drugog svetskog rata, nije završen na vreme da bi se koristio u ratu. Letelica je napravila samo jedan kratak let 2. Izgrađena od drveta zbog ratnih ograničenja upotrebe aluminijuma i zabrinutosti za težinu, dobila je nadimak od kritičara Spruce Goose, iako je napravljena gotovo u potpunosti od breze. Herkule je najveжi leteжi brod ikada napravljen, i ima najveжi raspon krila od svih aviona koji su ikada leteli.
Izvor: Hughes H-4 Hercules on Wikipedia
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The Hughes H-4 Hercules was a massive flying boat designed and built by Howard Hughes and his company during World War II. It was intended to transport troops and supplies across the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the threat of German submarines. However, the project faced many delays and challenges, and the war ended before the aircraft was completed. The H-4 Hercules only flew once, on November 2, 1947, piloted by Hughes himself.
The flight lasted for about a minute and reached an altitude of 21 meters. The aircraft was made mostly of wood, using a special laminated process, to save metal for the war effort. This earned it the nickname “Spruce Goose”, although it was actually made of birch. The H-4 Hercules had a wingspan of 97.54 meters, making it the largest aircraft ever flown until 2019. It was powered by eight engines and could carry up to 750 soldiers or two tanks. The aircraft is now on display at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon, where it attracts many visitors who marvel at its size and history.