Yes, liquid cooled engines have been used used on airplanes since the beginning. However, engines designed for aviation applications have 'Free' counterweights on the crank so they can adjust themselves in the different constant rpm ranges to reduce harmonic vibration.....this is why slow & proggresive power changes need to be used in aircraft.....stabbing & gunning the engine up & down is a no no because the counterweights go chaotic.It is a waste. Being unused.
And liquid cooled engines were proven as viable aircraft engines decades ago. Remember the aluminum Buick 340? And there are Chevy V8s being used.
Yes, the goose is a marvel and he proved it could be done. After that it is being wasted. Like having a Hemi B body and keeping it covered in the garage.
Mmmm...Jane Russel was intoxicating.
Hughes was a reckless pilot as said by those who knew him.