The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew before leaving for Paris.

The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew before leaving for Paris.

The exterior of Hughes Research Laboratories where rock bits were test-drilled in Culver City, California in the 1940s. Transcribed from note taped to back of photo: "Rock bits are test-drilled in the laboratory under conditions that duplicate, as far as is possible in the laboratory, those encountered in actual drilling. As a result, rotational speeds, loads, and fluid volume are closely controlled. The rig operator occupies a splash-proof booth above the 'cellar floor.' The instruments on his control panel provide for application and measurement of variable axial loading on the drilling bit up to 100,000 lbs., variable rotational speeds up to 400 rpm, measurement of bit penetration over a total vertical travel of 5 feet at rates up to 180 ft. per hour, and torque. On the panel, also, are several controls for the operation of mud pump and other accessory equipment."

A smiling Howard Hughes walking through a crowd after landing the Lockheed 14 aircraft in Chicago.

Howard Hughes (bottom row, fourth from the right) standing with a group of unidentified men possibly in Texas.

Howard Hughes (facing the camera) standing amongst a crowd of unidentified men in a building possibly located in Texas.