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
The black and white view of Howard Hughes in a suit. Text printed on an accompanying strip of paper: "After Hughes' record breaking flight. Howard Hughes, sportsman pilot, is shown, left as he discussed his record breaking flight from Los Angeles, California, to Newark, New Jersey, in 7 hours, 28 minutes, 27 seconds, with reporters, at the home of one of his friends in New York, January 19. Credit Line (ACME) 1/19/37 NY 13."
Press release describes Army Air Forces circling over Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles to salute Howard Hughes, who was recovering the from the crash of his XF-11 aircraft. Contains texts of telegrams to Hughes from Army Air Forces Commanding General Carl Spaatz and Twelfth Air Force Brigadier General John P. Doyle.