An aerial view of the Flying Boat docked at the Los Angeles (now Long Beach) Harbor.

An aerial view of the Flying Boat docked at the Los Angeles (now Long Beach) Harbor.

Transcribed from attached press release: "Howard Hughes, right, noted aircraft designer and industrialist is shown for the first time on the flight deck of the famed Hughes flying boat, which he designed and built. It is the largest airplane in the world. The plane is now nearing completion on Terminal Island, in Los Angeles-Long Bay Harbor, May 12, 1947." Los Angeles Harbor is now known as Long Beach Harbor, California.

Transcribed from attached press release: "Howard Hughes, on the flight deck of his flying boat, world's largest airplane, discusses with his flight engineer and radio operator, plans for tomorrow's taxi testing of the 400,000 pound craft. The flight deck occupies the upper level in the nose of the 219-foot hull, Nov 1, 1947."

Unidentified men in the interior of the 219-foot long hull of the world's largest airplane, Howard Hughes' flying boat, prior to initial water taxi tests to be conducted with Hughes at the controls, Nov. 2, 1947.

The Hughes flying boat was launched for the first time, (Nov 1, 1947) after the three concrete docks, one containing the hull and two the wing pontoons, were pumped with sea water to the outside level, gates were lowered and the plane was towed forward by tractors and then by boats as the tail cleared the dock. Los Angeles Harbor is currenly known as Long Beach Harbor, California.

Aerial view of the main office and plant of the Hughes Tool Company, in Houston, Texas.