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.
Typed onto a piece of paper given with the image: "Hughes' Plane Over Los Angeles, Cal. -- The world-girdling plane of Howard Hughes pictured from an American Airlines plane as it flew over Los Angeles as Hughes and four companions on the record-breaking flight arrive at Los Angeles for the ovation accorded them by proud Southern Californians. The Los Angeles City Hall is in the background. Credit Line (ACME) 8/2/38 NY
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 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.