The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-08-08
NAVY TO BUILD
100000 AERO
PLANT AT ONCE
Factory at League Island,
Philadelphia, to Be Ready
In 100 Days.

Washington, Aug. Sin line with
the War Departments plan of con-
centrating work on a large aeroplane
building program Secretary Daniels
announced yesterday that the navy
would begin immediate construction
of an aircraft factory at the Phila-
delphia navy yard on League Island.
The factory will begin operations
within 100 days.. and will have a ca
pacity of 1000 planes year. It will
cost $1,O90,000. The army program
cohtemplates $4,000 aeroplanes the
first year.
In taking this step to equip the
navy with aircraft Secretary Daniels
has guarded against interfering with
the armys plans, He points out that
the establishment of the factory at
League Island will leave industrial
facilities throughout the country
free to develop approved types to
their maximum capacity. The navy's
work will be centralized in this gov
eminent plant, where experimental
asl.well as the most
approved types. will be constructed
Although comparatively little had
been said about the navy's aeroplane
plans, it is known that many of the
craft turned out by the navy may be
used. in European waters in conjunc-
ton with British and French sea-
planes.
The projected attacks on German
sea bases imply the use of seaplapes,
and there is reason to believe the
United States will have a fair pro-
portion of these craft in operation by
next year.
In his statement Secretary Daniels
said:
I'm view. of the enormous expan-
sion of the aeroplane industry now
being undertaken in the United
States, it was felt it was necessary to
increase the Navy Departments fa-
cilities along these lines, not only to
enable it to supply q part at least Of
its. own needs but in order that the
private plants might be relieved Of
the experimental developments which
they. have hitherto undertaken and
turn their whole attention to the.
maximum production of approved
types.
CONTRACTS haye been placed for
the factory on the basis of compile
ton 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 $1,000,-
900, and 1t is expected that when the
completed plant is working up to its
capacity it will utilize the service Of
approximately 1000 employees and be
capable Of producing 1000 small
planes per annum, or a corresponding
output Of the larger types
THE Navy Department has q small
flying field at the League Island yard
adjacent to the factory and excellent
facilities for hydroplanes, SO that it
will. be able to utilize this plant to
keep the navy IN the forefront with
the latest developments in air craft. !"
Mr. Daniels believes the navy can
cooperate with the army effectively
in beating Germany through air at
tack On July he laid before the
House Naval Affairs Committee by let
ter Recommendation that Sac, 000,-
900 be appropriated for naval aero
nautics.
Mr.. Daniels desires this money to
maintain and expand existing schools
and stations, to establish new stations
and training schools and to purchase
necessary aircraft-seapl planes, dirigi-
bles and kite balloons-for use on the
sea and from coastal stations at home
and in cooperation with the Allies.