Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-09-13
NEW j. S. LIBERTY
MOTOR PERFECTED
Engine Expected to Give Uncle
Same Air Supremacy over
Germans in France.
NOTHING BETTER MADE.
In Power. Speed. serviceability ana
Minimum weight 1t Compares
FavorabIy with Europe's Best.

Washington, Sept 1.-THE Liberty mo-
tor the arplane engine upon which the
United States is relying to establish den-
mite air supremacy over the Germans over
the battle fields of France, has passed It's
final test and is q complete and gratifying
success, Secretary Baker announced to-
day.
Secretary Bakers statement follows:
THE United States aviation engine mas
passed its final tests. They were success
full and gratifying. The new motor, des-
ignated by the signal service as the Lib
erty motor" is now the main reliance of
the United States in the rapid production
in large numbers of high powered battle
planes for service in the war. In power
speed. serviceability and minimum weight
the new engine invites comparison with
the best that the European war has pro-
duced.
II regard the invention and rapid devel-
opment of this engine one Of the really
big accomplishments of the United states
since it's entry into the war. The engine
was brought about through the co-opera-
ton Of more than a score of engineers who
pooled their skill and trade secrets in the
war emergency working with the en-
couragement of the Aircraft Production
Board, the war department and the Blu
reau Of Standards.
1.-TWO Of the best engineers in the coun-
try, who had never before seen each
other. were brought together at Washing
ton and the problem of producing an all
American engine at the earliest possible
moment was presented to them. Their
first conference, on June lasted from
afternoon until 2:30 O'Clock in the morn
ing.
These two engineers were fgurativcly
locked in a room in a Washington hotel
and charged with the development of ar
airplane motor for use by American avia.
tors over the battlefields of Europe. Fol-
| five days neither man left the suite OF
rooms engaged for them Consulting en-
gineers and craftsmen from various Sec
tons Of the country were brought tc
Washington to assist them The work ir
the drafting room proceeded continuously
day and night Each of the two engineers
| in immediate charge of motor develop.
ment alternately worked a A-hour shift.
"A remarkable American engine was
actually produced three weeks before an,
model could have been brought from
Europe. 1t was promised that this engine
would be developed before the Fourth Of
July. Twenty-eight days after the draw
ings were started the new engine was SCI
up. This was on July 3.
Thirty days after the assembling OF
the first engine preliminary tests justified
the government in formally accepting the
engine as the best aircraft engine pro.
duced in any country. The final tests con-
flrmed our faith in the new motor in ever,
degree.
Both the flying and altitude tests OF
the new motor have been gratifying. One
test was conducted at Pixies Peak, where
the United States aviation engine perform
ed satisfactorily at this high altitude
One Of the engines, in an airplane, broke
the American altitude record in a recen
flying test.
while it is not deemed expedient t.
discuss in detail the performances ant
mechanics Of the new motor, it may b,
said that Standardization is a chief facto
In the development Of the government
motor. Cylinders, pistons and every par
of the motor have been standardized
They may be produced rapidly and eco
nomicaally by great many factories OPP
Grating under government contracts. The,
may be as rapidly assembled, either b,
these plants or at central assembl.
plant"