One version of the Lanzius LII story says the aircraft in the photo is the Packard powered prototype of a fighter with a variable-incidence wing. It crashed but four more were ordered by the US Army in April 1918 with Liberty engines. After the first Liberty powered one (serial 40034) lost its wings the rest were cancelled. The other version is this is 40034 and a note with the photo does say this aircraft lost its wings. It might be the prototype that became 40034 when it was re-engined and handed to the Army. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland