A side view of the HK-1, Hughes Flying Boat, the world's largest plane, which successfully completed its first flight. The eight 3,000 horsepower engines lifted the craft from the waters of Los Angeles Harbor with Hughes at the controls. The plane is 219 ft long.
Transcribed press release from back of photograph: "Howard Hughes' flying boat, world's largest plane, rides free off Terminal Island in Los Angeles Harbor immediately after its launching yesterday. The plane's vertical stabilizer tip rides about 80 feet above the water as the air giant floats for the first time. With Hughes at the controls, the colossal craft will get first water taxi tests today."