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.

Howard Hughes (taller man at left) examining machinery in Hughes Tool Company plant, 1938.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Mayor Laguardia on the steps of City Hall receiving Howard Hughes and his Globe Girdlers. They are (L-to-R) Ed Lund, Richard Stoddart, Thomas Thurlow, Laguardia, Howard Hughes, and Harry Connor. 7-15-38. (Press Association)."