Signing of contracts for Lake Mead water pipeline at the Las Vegas City Hall. Sitting in the top row from left to right: unidentified individual, Arleigh West, Bureu of Reclamation, Oran Gragson, Mayor of Las Vegas, Paul Laxalt, Governor of Nevada, Robert Griffith, Chairman Colorado River Commission, William Taylor, Mayor of North Las Vegas, Leonard Fayle, President of Las Vegas Valley Water District, Mr. Hampton, Mayor of Henderson, Robert Broadbent, Mayor of Boulder City. Site Name: Clark County Court House, Las Vegas (Nev.)
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."
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."
View of construction of one of the wings of the Hughes Flying Boat in a hangar at the Hughes Aircraft Company, June 1, 1945. Scaffolding is seen underneath the wing.