Transcribed from back of photo: "Howard Hughes (in cockpit) warms up the XF-11 for its initial test flight. It is one of the world's fastest long-range photographic planes, July 7, 1946."

A view of Howard Hughes (right) being asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane by Senator Harry Cain (left), Republican of Washington, in Culver City, California. An unidentified man sits between the two.

Description given with photo: "102,246 - Watch Your Credit - International News Photo. Slug - (Howard Hughes) Hughes Ready For Senate Investigators, Washington, D.C. Howard Hughes, right, is interviewed by reporters at Washington National Airport after his arrival in a converted B-23 bomber from Culver City, X California. Hughes, there to face Senate Investigators, said he would be "most happy" to repeat under oath charges he has made against chairman Owen Brewster, (R) of Me., of the Senate War Investigating Committee now probing his wartime plane contracts. -Photo by G.B. Kress- 8/6/47."

A view of Howard Hughes standing in front of a plane, likely the Sikorsky S-43.

A view of Howard Hughes preparing to fly the Air Force test plane.

A view of Howard Hughes preparing to fly the Air Force test plane.

A view of Howard Hughes preparing to fly the Air Force test plane.