Description printed on photograph's accompanying strip of paper: Attending the Advertising Club Luncheon in his honor, Howard Hughes is shown with (left to right) Eddie Rickenbacher, Frank Hawks, H. B. Lequattes, and Dick Merrill.
This collection is comprised of publicity photographs of Howard Hughes and his aircrafts, from approximately the 1940s to the 1950s, that were compiled by David Rea, former pilot for Hughes Aircraft Company. This collection also includes clippings and technical drawings of Hughes aircrafts.
Howard Hughes (second from left) standing in front of the experimental helicopter XH-17, Flying Crane in October 1952. From left to right: Rea Hopper, Director of the Aeronautical Division, Hughes Aircraft Company; Howard Hughes; Clyde Jones, Director of Engineering, Hughes Tool Company Aeronautical Division; Warren Reed, Assistant; Colonel Carl E. Jackson, Air Research and Development Headquarters, Baltimore; Gale J. Moore, Pilot; and Chal Bowen, Flight Engineer/Co-pilot.
Howard Hughes drinking what seems to be a glass of water. There are onlookers behind him. Written on back: "Howard Hughes and plane." Presumably the Northrop Gamma Racer.