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.

From the Las Vegas City Commission Records (MS-00237). Index 1 of 2 of Las Vegas City Commission Minutes, 1911-1960. Materials were donated in 1980 and 1985 by Guy Rocha; accession numbers 1980-188 and 1985-088.

From the Las Vegas City Commission Records (MS-00237). Index 2 of 2 of Las Vegas City Commission Minutes, 1911-1960. Materials were donated in 1980 and 1985 by Guy Rocha; accession numbers 1980-188 and 1985-088.

The grayscale view from an unidentified park of Boulder City, Nevada.

An image showing an aerial view of Boulder City. The outlines of the small city are distinctively marked by the stark contrast between the city's greenery and the surrounding desert. Bits of the airplane from which the image itself was taken can be seen in the upper right corner of the photograph.