A view of Howard Hughes in front of a B-23 converted bomber before taking off for New York City in Los Angeles, California.

A view of Howard Hughes in front of a B-23 converted bomber before taking off for New York City in Los Angeles, California.

A view of Howard Hughes in front of a B-23 converted bomber before taking off for New York City in Los Angeles, California.

Transcribed from press release attached to back of photo: "NEW PHOTO PLANE TEST-FLOWN CULVER CITY, California, July 7 -- Howard Hughes, who designed and built the new FX-11 reconnaissance plane in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers, sits in the pilot's bubble-glass canopy preparing for the first test flight. One of the world's fastest long-range photo planes, the XF-11 can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour, Army officials said. It is powered by two 3000-horsepower radial engines with eight-bladed contra-rotating propellers. Outstanding features include a full-span flap, unique eight-camera layout, and exceptionally fast take-off." Transcribed from photo sleeve: "Howard Hughes sits in the cockpit of the XF-11, a reconnaissance plane that Hughes built and designed in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers. Hughes is preparing for his first test flight in Culver City, California July 7, 1947.

A view of Howard Hughes sitting inside of a B-23 converted bomber before taking off for New York City in Los Angeles, California.