is by no means an easy problem. We have already discussed the difficulties of attack from the ground, and it now remains to examine the problem of attack by air—i.e., attack by aeroplane on aeroplane.
At one time the author was disposed to be somewhat sceptical as to the possibility, or rather the general feasibility, of such a mode of attack. It seemed as though aeronauts might spend hours manoeuvring and firing, and between them blow away hundreds of pounds weight of ammunition without any decisive result. On closer consideration, however, it would appear that, provided one machine can, either by greater speed, or power of manoeuvre, force the other to close quarters, there are conditions (as when both machines are moving in the same direction), under which gun-fire (especially machine-gun fire) could be brought to bear with conclusive effect. We have already been regaled from time to time by the Press with florid descriptions of aeroplane fights in which pilots or observers were said to blaze away at each other with automatic pistols, and it has frequently been stated that the enemy has been brought down by this means. After careful inquiries in quarters believed to be well informed, the author is disposed to discredit these stories. Doubtless attempts have been made by one pilot, or aeronaut, on another by rifle and pistol fire, but there is not, so far as the author has been able to ascertain, any definite record of casualties resulting.[1]
§ 44. The Fighting Machine as a Separate Type. It is at present uncertain whether the scouting or reconnaissance machine will itself in the future be called upon to fight: the view has already been expressed in these articles that the long-distance machine or strategic scout should not in any sense be considered as a fighter, its speed and
68
- ↑ Quite true at the date of the original article; the Press accounts were in no sense reliable. Intelligent anticipation is the usual designation.
