Transcribed from press release attached to back of photo: "NEW PHOTO PLANE TEST-FLOWN CULVER CITY, California, July 7 -- Howard Hughes, who designed and built the new FX-11 reconnaissance plane in conjunction with Air Materiel Command engineers, sits in the pilot's bubble-glass canopy preparing for the first test flight. One of the world's fastest long-range photo planes, the XF-11 can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour, Army officials said. It is powered by two 3000-horsepower radial engines with eight-bladed contra-rotating propellers. 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.
Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes after his round the world flight shaking hands with Secretary of State Cordell Hell as R. Walton Moore Counselor of the Department of State looks on. July 1938."
Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Chicago Cheers Hughes and Companions, Chicago -- Howard Hughes, leader of the quintet that flew Around the World in 3 days, 19 hours, and Mayor Edward J. Kelly, of Chicago, riding at the head of the parade that the city staged in honor of Hughes and his four companions. Credit Lines (ACME) 7/30/38. (NY)."
Description given with photograph: "Howard Hughes after landing in New York after a high altitude flight from Los Angeles during which he tested a new two-ounce oxygen mask. With him were (L to R): Charles Perrine, Glenn Odekirk, and Harry Connor."