Description given with photo: "Hughes At Controls Of Sky Giant For Taxi Tests - Long Beach, Cal. : Howard Hughes, millionaire plane builder, flyer and movie maker, is shown at the controls of the world's largest flying boat prior to taking the 400,000-pound craft out for taxi tests on Los Angeles Harbor. The plane, which figured in the Senate investigation of Hughes' wartime activities last summer, is 219 feet long with a wingspan of 320 feet. It was launched today, but will not be air tested until next spring. Shortly after this photo was made it was announced that taxi tests had been postponed. 11/1/47."

Howard Hughes on the flight deck of his Flying Boat, Nov. 1, 1947.

Description given with photo: "Testify On Behalf Of Hughes, Washington: Four of the nine witnesses summoned before the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee to testify on behalf of Howard Hughes stand behind the plane builder (seated, right) and his attorney, Thomas A. Slack (seated, left), November 8. they are (left to right) John B. Parkinson, listed as representative of the national Advisory Committee for Aeronautics; Edward Schwartz, listed as a former member of the Air Force Evaluation Boar; E. A. Peterman, and Glen Odekirk, an executive of the Hughes' Plant. Credit (ACME) 11/08/47."

A distant view of one of Howard Hughes' planes.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules being assembled in Long Beach, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules being assembled in Long Beach, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules being assembled in Long Beach, California.