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.

Howard Hughes in cockpit of Lockheed-14 before take-off from Floyd Bennet Field in New York.

Description printed on photograph's accompanying strip of paper: "Checking damages of plane on arrival at Le Bourget. Le Bourget-- The thoroughness with which he planned the flight and carried it through was still with Howard Hughes when the millionaire flyer and his four companions arrived at Le Bourget, after a record smashing flight across the Atlantic. Hughes is shown here, examining the tail of his plane, just after landing, The tail was damaged slightly. After repairs were made, the fliers took off for Moscow."

Transcribed from press release attached to back of photo: "NEW-DESIGN PHOTO PLANE COMPLETED CULVER CITY, Calif., July 7 -- test-flown today for the first time, the new XF-11 was revealed as one of the world's fastest long-range photographic planes. It was designed and built by Howard Hughes in conjunction with the Air Materiel command engineers. Army officials said that it can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour and a ceiling of more than 40,000 feet. The plane has a pressurized cabin making it unnecessary for the crew to use oxygen masks. 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."

The black and white view of Howard Hughes and his crew being surrounded by crowds as they exit the Lockheed 14 aircraft after finishing the Around the World flight at Floyd Bennett Airfield in New York. Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Hughes reception at Floyd Bennett Field 7/14/38 (Press Association"

The black and white view of the Lockheed 14 aircraft taking off on a part of Howard Hughes' Around the World flight. Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes plane taking off from Minneapolis."

View of construction of one of the wings of the Hughes Flying Boat in a hangar at the Hughes Aircraft Company, June 1, 1945. Scaffolding is seen underneath the wing.