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 the B-23 converted bomber carrying Howard Hughes as it prepares to take off for New York City in Los Angeles, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules at Terminal Island, California.

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."

Description given with photograph: "Hughes' streamlined Stratoliner groomed for record dash. Glendale, Calif.-- With customary secrecy, Howard Hughes, millionaire oilman and speed-flier, is reported to be grooming his new $250,000, four-motored, streamlined Stratoliner(above) for another record-breaking transcontinental flight from Glendale, Calif., to New York. Hughes made the headlines some time ago when he broke the transcontinental record in a smaller ship. The new craft is pictured just before a trial flight at Glendale."

A view of a wing from Howard Hughes' Hercules being transported through California.