A view of Howard Hughes (right) being asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane by Senator Harry Cain (left), Republican of Washington, in Culver City, California. An unidentified man sits between the two.
A section of Howard Hughes' "Spruce Goose" or "Flying Boat" being moved (with a police escort) from the Hughes Aircraft plant in Culver City, California to Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor where the plane was assembled in June of 1946.
Transcribed from back of photo: "Howard Hughes (in cockpit) warms up the XF-11 for its initial test flight. It is one of the world's fastest long-range photographic planes, July 7, 1946."
Description given with photo: "Hughes' "Hercules" Ready For Tests, Long Beach, Cal. -- An aerial view shows Howard Hughes' giant plywood seaplane "Hercules" ready for taxi tests at Long Beach. The initial flight of the plane, which cost $20,000,000 and will seat 700 persons, will not be attempted until early in 1947. #1 MGS for Credit. ACME. 10/13/46."
Howard Hughes taking off in the Lockheed 14 aircraft. Typed on a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes' plane taking off from Union Air Terminal July 3, 1938, on first left of round-the-world flight. Released for personal use only. Not to be reprinted or employed commercially without the permission of the undersigned. L. A. Times New Bureau."
Howard R. Hughes, Sr., standing outdoors by a trench mining drill, which is underneath a tent-like canopy. Part of the Sharps-Hughes Tool Company's Second and Girard Streets plant is seen in the background.