View Full Version : Spruce Goose
easy307
1st Sep 2007, 07:45
Did the spruce goose ever get out of ground effect ?
RETDPI
1st Sep 2007, 08:38
Apparently not.
easy307
1st Sep 2007, 09:39
Ah, yes, I see.
Wingspan = 319 feet.
Maiden flight to 70 feet.
I wonder if it had enough power to get to a decent height?
We will never know.
RETDPI
2nd Sep 2007, 08:57
From what allegedly happened to it during that one and only hop, "Ruptured Duck" might be equally apt.
There was one small problem, and the main reason a second flight was not undertaken...
Yes, it had enough power to get out of ground effect, and indeed carry a reduced payload (bigger engines being needed to achieve maximum results), but, during the initial 'flight' a rather severe empanage vibration (entire tail twisting) was noted (big time) and Hughes absolutely refused to fly it again...period.
Them's the facts...
And, yes, a very close relative knew folks directly involved with the project, so very long ago.
easy307
2nd Sep 2007, 17:55
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6HQSNERadQ
ah that's better.
Cypherus
2nd Sep 2007, 20:54
You know, those things never cease to amaze me, relatives in Australia recently took a flight/float/skim, what ever you like to call it in a small ten seat version currently being used to ferry people around, they said it was great fun, smooth as silk and fast too.
easy307
2nd Sep 2007, 21:07
Now the spruce goose footage :-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIhhrOhDzxA&mode=related&search=