Arrangement note: Series I. Demonstrations, Subseries I.B. Other Demonstrations and Strikes

A view of Howard Hughes attending an informal press conference in Culver City, California, after Hughes left the Senate War Investigating Subcommittee hearing in Washington.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules being transported over a bridge in Long Beach, California.

A view of Howard Hughes' Hercules being transported over a bridge in Long Beach, California.

Press Release attached to photo: "HUGHES HERCULES READY FOR TESTS. LONG BEACH, CAL. An aerial view shows Howard Hughes' giant plywood seaplane Hercules ready for taxi tests at Long Beach. The initial flight of the plane, which cost $20,000,000 and will seat 700 persons, will not be attempted until early in 1947. ACME 10/13/46." Los Angeles Harbor, Terminal Island are now known as Long Beach.

Description given on piece of paper attached to the image: "Chicago reception for Howard Hughes after completing his Round the World flight. Hughes is in the center of the car leading the parade."

Date stamped on back of photo: Nov 2, 1947. Transcribed from attached press release: "IN THE AIR Hughes Flying boat, with Howard Hughes at the controls, takes to the air at Los Angeles Harbor November 2, 1947. LONG BEACH, Calif., Nov. 2 - - Howard Hughes' 400,000-pound flying boat, world's largest plane, in the air on its first flight. The mammoth aircraft today flew one mile at a height of 70 feet over Los Angeles Harbor with Hughes at the controls. Hughes had scheduled taxi tests only for the 219-foot long ship but it 'felt so good' on the second taxi test run at 95 miles per hour that he took it off the water, as shown here, on the third and final run. The super plane's air speed was 100 miles per hour. Take-off speed was 95 miles per hour. Hughes termed the tests exceptionally successful. The eight-engine behemoth, launched yesterday off Terminal Island, passed its tests today in view of thousands on the shore and in small craft near the test area."