The first variant began production in 1917, and the engines were used to power bombers for the French Navy during World War I.

[1] The more powerful design resulted in a heavier powertrain due to added radiators for cooling.

The engines continued to be used by the military, but were unsuitable for commercial use due to the limited travel range.

[1] The engines were mass produced at a factory in Argenteuil, to meet demands of the French Navy for bombers.

At the time of the armistice of 11 November 1918, Lorraine had hundreds of surplus engines which were later used in French Navy prototypes.