Materials contain photographs of the Hughes XF-11 prototype military reconnaissance aircraft. Howard Hughes piloted the two XF-11 prototypes built: in July 1946, Hughes crashed the first XF-11 in Beverly Hills, California; in April 1947, Hughes successfully flew the second prototype at high speeds and at high altitudes. However, the United States Air Force abandoned the controversial project, and in August of 1947, Hughes was called to testify before the Truman Committee in the U.S. Senate about the failures of the program.
Archival Collection
Howard Hughes Professional and Aeronautical Photographs
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Collection Number: PH-00321 Collection Name: Howard Hughes Professional and Aeronautical Photographs Box/Folder: N/A
Description given with photo: "Hughes Has Session With Senate Committee, Washington, D.C. -- Howard Hughes, right, who met with members of the Senate War Investigating Committee Feb. 11, is shown after the secret session with senators Carl A. hatch (D. - N.M.), Owen Brewster (R. - ME.), and William F. Knowland (R. Calif.), left to right. Committee chairman Brewster told reporters Hughes discovered certain war contracts of his were under investigation and "asked to appear to discuss them informally with the committee." Credit Line (ACME) 2/11/47."
The black and white view of Howard Hughes sitting in an unidentified plane surrounded by unnamed people in Glendale, California. Printed on a paper included with the photograph: "Howard Hughes is shown at Glendale, Calif., after a nonstop flight from Chicago. (Press Association) (H.H. 16)."