Photograph of a second XF-11 lifting off, April 4, 1947.

The second Hughes XF-11 prototype is seen on a runway, prior to take-off. Automobiles and media members are also on the runway.

The second Hughes XF-11 prototype, seen from the front, prior to a test flight.

The first prototype of the XF-11, flown by Howard Hughes, taking off. The back of the image contains information about the plane and its power.

Back of the image with information about the plane, entitled "High-Speed Photo Plane Revealed." The inscription reads: "Culver City, Calif., July 7 -- A new high-speed, long-range photographic plane was revealed in its first test flight here today. The XF-11, designed and built by Howard Hughes in conjunction with the Army Air Force, is of entirely new design and will permit very thorough reconnaissance missions. It has a wing spread of 101 feet, 4 inches, and is powered by two 3000-horsepower radial engines with eight-bladed contra-rotating propellers. Army officials said it can attain a speed of more than 400 miles per hour and has a ceiling of more than 40,000 feet. -oo- Neg. No.HXF-1 Slug: High-Speed Photo Plane Revealed."

L-R: Thomas Black, Howard Hughes, Noah Dietrich during the 1947 Senate War Investigating Committee hearings in Washington, D.C.

Billboard reading Welcome home, Howard!, dedicated to Howard Hughes in 1972, located on Desert Inn Road behind the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Landmark Hotel tower is seen behind the Convention Center dome.