Transcribed from press release attached to back of photo: "NEW PHOTO PLANE TEST-FLOWN CULVER CITY, California, July 7 -- Howard Hughes, who designed and built the new FX-11 reconnaissance plane in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers, sits in the pilot's bubble-glass canopy preparing for the first test flight. One of the world's fastest long-range photo planes, the XF-11 can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour, Army officials said. It is powered by two 3000-horsepower radial engines with eight-bladed contra-rotating propellers. 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.
Howard talks about his childhood, believing he wanted to be a doctor, being inspired by jazz musicians to learn music, and pursuing a professional musical career.
Archival Collection
Arnold Shaw Interviews and Performance Recordings
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Collection Number: OH-03930 Collection Name: Arnold Shaw Interviews and Performance Recordings Box/Folder: Digital File 00
The black and white view of several unidentified men and mechanics standing near the Lockheed 14 aircraft that was then being refueled. At the time, Howard Hughes was then on his Around the World Flight with the Lockheed 14 where he visited Paris, Moscow, Fairbanks, and Alaska.