Howard Hughes (second from left) standing in front of the experimental helicopter XH-17, Flying Crane, with others (from left to right): Rea Hopper, Director of the Aeronautical Division, Hughes Aircraft Company; Hughes; Clyde Jones, Director of Engineering, Hughes Tool Company Aeronautical Division; Warren Reed, Assistant; Colonel Carl E. Jackson from Air Research and Development Headquarters, Baltimore; Gale J. Moore, Pilot; possibly Chal Bowen, Flight Engineer/Co-pilot, and an unidentified man, on October 23, 1952.
Description given with photo: "Before Hughes Took Off For New York, Los Angeles, Calif. - Multi-millionaire movie producer and aviator Howard Hughes is shown in front of this B-23 converted bomber before taking off for New York Sept. 10th. Hughes, piloting the plane, landed at Kansas City to rest before continuing with the flight. He is the seal of approval on a film he made. Creditline (ACME) 9/11/46."