File:Early design studies for the Spruce Goose (6586541037) (2).jpg

Before making the final decision on configuration and specifications of the Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes carefully studied several unique engineering designs.

1. An original illustration, dated September 3, 1942, shows a twin-boom, eight engine model, with rear-loading capability. 2. This drawing features a single-hull, eight-engine design with starboard-side hull opening, September 4, 1942. 3. Dated September 4, 1942, this design, featuring eight engines, bears some resemblance to Hughes' sleek XF-11. 4. Hughes rejected this design in the belief that six engines provided insufficient power to drive his 200-ton seaplane. 5. This single-hull, eight-engine design, dated November 11, 1942, received his qualified approval. Note the close similarities to the completed Spruce Goose. 6. This drawing, dated November 20, 1942, illustrates the major components of the Spruce Goose. 7. Although initially designed to carry 752 combat troops or a large tank, the cargo hold of the Spruce Goose offered a huge space which could be used to meet any contingency. These drawings show the great seaplane as a hospital ship capable of transporting wounded troops and a fully-equipped medical staff, October 15, 1942.