A view of Howard Hughes (left) being asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane by Senator Harry Cain (right), Republican of Washington, in Culver City, California.
Transcribed from attached press release: "Howard Hughes, right, noted aircraft designer and industrialist is shown for the first time on the flight deck of the famed Hughes flying boat, which he designed and built. It is the largest airplane in the world. The plane is now nearing completion on Terminal Island, in Los Angeles-Long Bay Harbor, May 12, 1947." Los Angeles Harbor is now known as Long Beach Harbor, California.
Description given with photo: "Flying Boat Put To Test - San Pedro, Calif. : Howard Hughes pilots his much-publicized flying boat on the first of a series of taxi runs in Los Angeles harbor on November 2nd. Shortly afterward, the millionaire plane builder took the giant ship up on a surprise half-mile flight. Credit Line (ACME) 11/04/47."
Description given with photo: "Hughes Pilots Radar-Equipped Plane Culver City, Calif. -- First passenger plane equipped with radar is flown in demonstration May 1st by Howard Hughes (left) and co-pilot R.C. Loomis over Culver City. Pilots using this equipment will be warned of approaching obstacles by lights flashing on radar panel. Two lights (lefts) with 2,000-foot range, are used to guarantee clearance over mountains; two lights (right) with 500-foot range, are a safety device for approaches and landings. Either set of lights warns against approaching aircraft. Trans-World Airline plans to install radar on its passenger planes. Credit (ACME) 5-3-47."
Description given with photo: "Fight Spectators, New York -- With an unidentified companion, multi-million dollar movie producer and aviation Howard Hughes watches the Louis-Mauriello title bout from a ringside seat Sept. 18. Full big 5. Creditline (ACME) 9/18/46."
Transcribed from stamp on back of photo: "June 14, 1946; Hughes Aircraft Photo." A section of Howard Hughes' "Spruce Goose" or "Flying Boat" being moved (with a police escort) from the Hughes Aircraft plant in Culver City, California to Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor where the plane was assembled in June of 1946.