Possibly Richard Stoddart or Earl Martyn inside of the Hughes Flying Boat, examining its equipment near as it was nearing completion.The Flying Boat was assembled on Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor.
Photographs that accompany the attached press release: "HUGHES DEMONSTRATES NEW RADAR WARNING Howard Hughes, at the controls of the TWA Constellation, demonstrates the efficiency of his new radar safety device, which is being installed on all TWA planes and which will be available to all other airlines in the United States as soon as he can produce the equipment. The instrument warns the pilot by a brilliant red light and a warning horn the instant the plane comes too close to the ground, or any building, bridge, mountain, aircraft or other obstacle, regardless of darkness or weather conditions. The device weighs only 16 pounds and costs about $130. (Arrow points to warning lights on instrument panel). Center photo shows the Hughes-piloted Constellation approaching a mountain in Southern California's Santa Monica Range, an area usually voided by pilots because of its dangerous peaks. This particular plane's radar set was equipped with both 500-feet and 2,000-feet warning signals. The 500-feet warning range now being installed on TWA airliners was developed first because the greatest immediate need for it is during approaches and landings. The 2,000-feet warning is designed from enroute flying to guarantee clearance of mountains and other obstacles. Photo at right shows the Constellation veering to the left and climbing at a speed of 300 miles an hour after receiving radar warning of an obstacle in its flight path."
Howard Hughes sits at the controls of his 400,000 pound Flying Boat just a day prior to its first tests in the Los Angeles Harbor in California. The aircraft was 219 feet long with a wing span of 320 feet.
Howard Hughes with his flight engineer and Dave Evans, radio operator, preparing for the Flying Boat's taxi test the next day. The group is shown on the flight deck of the 24,000 horsepower craft. The Flying Boat was assembled on Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor.
A side view of the HK-1, Hughes Flying Boat, the world's largest plane, which successfully completed its first flight. The eight 3,000 horsepower engine lifted the craft from the waters of Los Angeles Harbor with Hughes at the controls.
A side view of the HK-1, Hughes Flying Boat, the world's largest plane, which successfully completed its first flight. The eight 3,000 horsepower engines lifted the craft from the waters of Los Angeles Harbor with Hughes at the controls. The plane is 219 ft long.
The interior of the 219-foot long hull of Howard Hughes' Flying Boat, on the day of the craft's initial water taxi tests. The picture was taken from the center section of the 400,000 pound aircraft. Workmen were completing the final arrangements for the test in the background.