A view of Howard Hughes (right) being asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane by Senator Harry Cain (left), Republican of Washington, in Culver City, California. An unidentified man sits between the two.
The black and white view Mayor Laguardia and Grover Whelen watched Howard Hughes land in his Lockheed 14 aircraft at Floyd Bennett Field, New York. Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Mayor Laguardia (left) and Grover Whelen looking skyward as they see the approaching Howard Hughes and his globe girdlers complete A Round The World flight, 7-24-38. (Press Association)."
Transcribed from press release attached to back of photo: "NEW-DESIGN PHOTO PLANE COMPLETED CULVER CITY, Calif., July 7 -- test-flown today for the first time, the new XF-11 was revealed as one of the world's fastest long-range photographic planes. It was designed and built by Howard Hughes in conjunction with the Air Materiel command engineers. Army officials said that it can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour and a ceiling of more than 40,000 feet. The plane has a pressurized cabin making it unnecessary for the crew to use oxygen masks. Outstanding features include a full-span flap, unique eight-camera layout and exceptionally fast take-off." Transcribed from photo sleeve: "Howard Hughes sits in the cockpit of the XF-11, a reconnaissance plane that Hughes built and designed in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers. Hughes is preparing for his first test flight in Culver City, California July 7, 1947."
A view of Howard Hughes and Grover Whalen at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York. Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes leaving Floyd Bennett Airport after completing a round the world flight with four companions. He is leaving with Grover Whalen (Left in picture) 7-14-38. (Press Association)."