On this night in science
The giant wooden flying boat's only flight
November 2, 1947
On this day in 1947, an enormous airplane built mostly of wood lifted off the water of a harbor in California. It was only supposed to be skimming along the water as a test, but its pilot, Howard Hughes, rose into the air and flew it low over the harbor. It never flew again.
Why it mattered
It showed that an airplane that huge, made of wood instead of metal, really could fly. Its wings are still among the widest of any airplane ever built.
Wonder together
Why do you think it's easier for a big boat to float than for a big airplane to fly?
Where this comes from