The sun., 1917-08-08
NAVY TO BUILD
$1,0OO,OO0 AERO
PLANT AT ONCE
Factory at League Island,
Philadelphia, Will Be
Ready in 100 Days.
1000 MACHINES A YEAR
Daniels Explains This VIII
Leave Country's Resources
for Use of the Army.
1000 MACHINES A YEAR


WASHINGTON, Aug. TN line with
the War Departments plan Of concen-
trating work on a large aeroplane build
ing programme Secretary Daniels an
nounced to-day that the navy would
begin Immediate construction OF an air
craft factory at the Philadelphia Navy
Yard on League Island.
The factory will begin operations
within 100 days. and will have capac-
ty Of 1000 planes year. 1t will cost
s1.Ooo,oOo The army programme con-
templates $4,000 aeroplanes the first
year.
In taking this step to equip the navy
wEh aircraft Secretary Daniels has
guarded against interfering with the
army's plans He points out that the
esta blishment of the factory at League
Island will leave industrial facilities
throughout the country free to develop
approved types to their maximum ca
paclty The navy's work Will be CEN
trallzed in this Government plant where
experimental hydroaeroplanes, as well as
the most approved types, will be con-
strueted.
Although comparatively little had
been said about the navy's aeroplane
plans, It is known that many of the
craft. turned out py the navy may be
used in European waters in conjunc-
tion with British and French seaplanes.
DanieIs's Statement.
The projected attacks on German sea
bases imply the use of seapianes, and
there Is reason to believe the United
States will have a fair proportion Of
these craft In operation by next year.
In his statement to-day Secretary
Daniels said;
in view of the enormous expansion
of the aeroplane industry now being un-
dertaken In the United States, 1t was
felt II was necessary to increase the
Navy Departments facilities along these
lines, not only to enable II to supply a
part at least Of its own needs but in
order that the private plants might be
relieved of the experimental develop
ments which they have hitherto under
taken and turn their whole attention to
the maximum production Of approved
types.
contracts nave been placed Tor the
factory on the basis of completion OF
buildings and beginning of operation In
less than 100 days. The total cost OF
the buildings and plant will be in the
neighborhood OF 81, 900. 600 and It is ex-
pected that when the completed plant Is
working up to It's capacity II will utilize
the services OF approximately 1000 en-
ployees and be capable OF producing
1000 small planes per annum, or a cor
responding output OF the larger types.
Joint Air Attack.
THE Navy Department has small
| flying field at the League Island yard
! adjacent to the factory and excellent IA
cilities for hydroplanes. so that II will
be able to utilize this plant to keep the
navy in the forefront with the latest de.
! velopments In air craft"
| Mr.. Daniels believes the navy can co.
| operate with the army effectively in bea I.
| ing Germany through air attack Or
| July he laid before the House Nava
! Affairs Committee by letter a recon.
| mendation that $45.oO0.0o be appropri
| ated for naval aeronautics
| Mr.. Daniels desires this money tc
| maintain and expand existing school.
! and stations. to establish new station,
| and training schools and TO purchas,
! necessary aircrsft-seaplanes. dirlgible,
I and kite balloons--for use on the sec
and from coastal stations at home anC
! in cooperation with the Allies,