In response to the $1,000,000 reward from that cranky old guy, he would have lost that money if he bet against Howard H's flying boat.
You're right. But he didn't. That was a one-of-a-kind thing, unlike the fuel saving gizmo, of which there have been hundreds that have never amounted to anything. Like the Spruce Goose.
"Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle.....razzle dazzle 'em"