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."

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Mayor Laguardia on the steps of City Hall receiving Howard Hughes and his Globe Girdlers. They are (L-to-R) Ed Lund, Richard Stoddart, Thomas Thurlow, Laguardia, Howard Hughes, and Harry Connor. 7-15-1938."

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."

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "New York Acclaims World Fliers, New York City --- Looking up Broadway during the ticker-tape reception accorded Howard Hughes and his four companions in recognition of their Round-The-World record-smashing flight. The dense crowd which lined both sides of the through fare has closed in behind the parade, while further ahead fresh showers of torn paper flutter down on the motorcade. 7(3/4)-15-38. Credit Line (ACME)."

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "City Hall steps - 7/15/38. (Daily News)."

Howard Hughes on a ladder, climbing into the XF-11. A police officer is seen in the background.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Contemplative smile. Here, Howard Hughes seems in rapt thought during one of the numerous speeches extolling his feat. Probably thinking of the "men who designed and perfected to its present remarkable state of efficiency, the modern American flying machine and equipment." (The quote is from his own official statement to the press.) Credit Lines (ACME) 7/15/38."