Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes' wide grin diffuses the lanky Texan's features during a lighter phase of the day's ceremonies. Credit Line (ACME) 7/15/38."
Transcribed from back of photo: "Howard Hughes in the cockpit of the new XF-11 reconnaissance plane which he designed and built in conjuntion with Air Material Command engineers. He is preparing for its first flight. One of the world's fastest long-range photo planes, it can attain a speed of over 400 miles per hour."