alight. Both these schemes are evidently practicable, and each has its advantages and difficulties.
§ 79. Advantages of Flying-Boat Type. For the former scheme the most suitable type of machine would appear to be the "flying boat"—that is to say, the type in which the flotation, when riding at anchor, is derived from a hull of boat shape and of seaworthy design, with the usual "hydroplane" stepped bottom to give the necessary lift to cause the craft to rise on the water and skim whilst acquiring the speed necessary for flight. It is by no means certain that this single hull or boat will oust the double float at present more generally adopted, but for the larger naval aircraft, weighing probably upwards of two or three tons, the single boat may be reasonably expected to prove the more seaworthy, especially in heavy weather. In discussing the question recently[1] the author made the suggestion that, for the sea-going aeroplane (such as now under discussion), it may be found advantageous to make arrangements for the abandonment of the flight organs, and to provide a marine propeller, so that in case of emergency the hull may be navigated as an ordinary motor-boat. The flying boat will thus, it is anticipated, be found the most convenient type of machine to act as sea-going air-scout to the cruiser or battleship. It is a type which may be so designed as to be readily stripped and carried in davits, the flight organs being fitted, and the boat otherwise made ready for air service, when required. For the commerce-raider, or the cruiser or cruiser squadron detailed for the destruction of the hostile commerce-raider, an air-scout capable of being carried in this manner would prove of the greatest value. In really bad weather it would not perhaps be possible to launch or fly a machine of this type; but so far as present experience
- ↑ James Forrest Lecture. Institution of Civil Engineers, 1914.
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