Materials contain photographs of the Hughes XF-11 prototype military reconnaissance aircraft from 1946 to 1947. The photographs depict Howard Hughes piloting the two XF-11 prototypes that were built: during the test flight in July 1946, Hughes crashed the first XF-11 in Beverly Hills, California; in April 1947, Hughes successfully flew the second prototype at high speeds and at high altitudes. However, the United States Air Force abandoned the controversial project, and in August of 1947, Hughes was called to testify before the Truman Committee in the U.S. Senate about the failures of the program.
Archival Collection
Howard Hughes Public Relations Photograph Collection
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: PH-00373 Collection Name: Howard Hughes Public Relations Photograph Collection Box/Folder: N/A
Description given with photo: "Hughes Has Session With Senate Committee, Washington, D.C. -- Howard Hughes, right, who met with members of the Senate War Investigating Committee Feb. 11, is shown after the secret session with senators Carl A. hatch (D. - N.M.), Owen Brewster (R. - ME.), and William F. Knowland (R. Calif.), left to right. Committee chairman Brewster told reporters Hughes discovered certain war contracts of his were under investigation and "asked to appear to discuss them informally with the committee." Credit Line (ACME) 2/11/47."
A view of crowds at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York. Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: ""Just one more shot' Floyd Bennett Airport-- A corps of cameramen on the run in an effort to get just one more shot of Howard Hughes. As the millionaire flier left the field in an automobile, shortly after he and his four companions landed, ending their dramatic round-the-world dash. Credit Line (ACME) 7/14/38"