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."
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.
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."
29 x 36 cm. Relief shown by hachures. Prime meridians: Greenwich and Washington. "Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1855 by J.H. Colton & Co. in the Clerk's Office of the Dist. Office of the U.S. for the Southern. Dist. of New York." Hand colored. Decorative border. Atlas p. number in lower-right margin: 67. Shows routes of explorers, proposed railroad routes, wagon route, mail route, Indian reserves and mines. On verso: History and statistical view of Mexico. Original publisher: J.H. Colton.