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."
The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.
The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.
The black and white view of Howard Hughes, surrounded by crowds, after arriving completing his Around the World tour at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York.
Description printed on photograph's accompanying strip of paper: "Howard Hughes examining the damaged tail of his plane after his arrival at the Le Bourget Airfield, Paris, on his world flight. July 1938"
Howard Hughes in the Lockheed 14 in Los Angeles, California. Typed on a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes off on first leaf of flight to Paris. Los Angeles, Cal. -- Howard Hughes, Millionaire oil man and speed flyer, at the controls of his huge Lockheed "Flying Laboratory" as it took off from here for its leisurely flight to New York, from where Hughes and his crew will fly to Paris and perhaps around the world. 7/4/1938 Credit line (ACME)."
Description given with photograph: "Howard Hughes (right) is shown with co-pilot Glenn E. Odekirk after their one stop flight from Seattle to Glendale."
Description printed on back of photograph: "At Grover Whalen's home, 48 Washington Mews [sic]. From left to right: L. Thomas Thurlow, Comm. Hl Flannigan, Edward Lund, Howard Hughes, Grover Whalen, R. Stoddart, and Harry Connor. 6/38."