Transcribed from attachment to photo: "TOUGH TEST - A hard formation drilling test is begun in the big laboratory at Hughes Tool Company, Houston, Texas, where any drilling condition found anywhere in the world can be duplicated. Here, where the vast majority of rock bits used in the U. S. and Canada are produced, is the cornerstone of Howard Hughes' industrial empire; it was principally the income from the oil drilling equipment company which enables Hughes to branch out into many other fields."
Description given with photo: "Man of the Hour, Los Angeles: Howard Hughes, for whom a subpoena was issued calling for his (?) appearance is Washington, is shown immediate candid shots as he spoke to newsmen. Three wealthy plane manufacturer said he has already put $7,000,000 of his own money into the still unflown 200-ton flying boat which is currently being investigated by a senate subcommittee, and would put in much more before construction is completed. Credit (ACME) 8/3/47."
L-R: Rea Hopper, Director of the Aeronautical Division, Hughes Aircraft Company; Howard Hughes; Clyde Jones, Director of Engineering, Hughes Tool Company Aeronautical Division; Warren Reed, Assistant; Col. Carl E. Jackson, Air Research and Development Headquarters, Baltimore; Gale J. Moore, pilot; and unidentified pilot in front of the experimental helicopter XH-17 Flying Crane on October 23, 1952. This was one of Hughes' last public appearances.