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Aviation History
1911
1911 - 0565.PDF
THE AIR BATTALION. THE Army Council have issued provisional regulations for the guidance of the recently-formed Air Battalion. The new unit is regarded by the Army Council as one of the most valuable means of obtaining information at the disposal of the commander of an army. It will not, however, replace other means of acquiring information, such as cavalry and agents, but will be used in conjunction with such services. The Air Battalion is to be so distributed that the units may not only be placed in the best positions to obtain information, but to co-operate with the other arms, and especially with the cavalry, in this all-important service. The manner in which reconnaissance is to be carried out is to be left generally to the discretion of those who will actually undertake the duty. It is considered that there is less risk from positions behind rather than in front or on the flank of the enemy when seeking information, as the enemy's dispositions will probably have been made wilh a view to concealment from observation from the front and flanks rather than from the rear, whilst for fear of damaging his own troops he may hesitate to fire on vessels sailing over the rear of his columns. Vessels, also, when so placed may escape fire through being mistaken for friendly aircraft. The presence of troops, if in the open, can be observed in clear weather at an altitude of 5,000-6,000 ft., within a radius of four to six miles from the aeroplane or dirigible. When nearer the earth objects will be rather more easily distinguished, but are a shorter time in view, and the area is restricted. Dirigibles, it is stated, will be exposed to considerable danger from artillery fire when lower than 4,500 ft. or within a range of 5,000 yards, and from rifle or machine-gun fire when at a height of less than 3,500 ft., or at ranges under 2,000 yards. Against aeroplanes it is thought that the fire of field artillery will rarely be effective at 4,500 ft. or at a range ot 4,000 yards and upwards, whilst reasonable security from the fire of small arms may be expected when 3,000 ft. from the earth or at ranges of 2,000 yards and over. High speed, movements in curves, and frequent changes of direction and elevation are suggested as means to reduce the probability of being shot. Concealment in the clouds, if possible, when approaching the enemy, is also another useful hint. For transmission of intelligence from dirigibles wireless telegraphy,, signalling, or carrier pigeons can be used. There are difficulties in conveying messages from aeroplanes by signal which can be over come by the use of a motor car proceeding to some suitable locality where a packet can be dropped as the machine passes overhead, and this can be then conveyed to the commander. Captive balloons and kites are warned not to be used for any length of time within 5,000 yards of the enemy's artillery, and good cover is necessary for the balloon's descent. In normal conditions of ground and weather a radius of four to six miles can be held under observation from a captive balloon or kite, whilst the effect of artillery fire can be observed at a distance of 7,000 yards, or even further in the case of heavy artillery. —- «•) In deciding whether it is advisable to open fire on airships the probability of escaping observation if fire is reserved is to be con sidered. Special observation parties of men skilled in distinguishing between friendly and hostile craft might be detailed to watch for the enemy's machines and give warning to the artillery and machine- gun commanders, who will be prepared to fire much in the same manner as against moving targets on land. On Tuesday Col. Seely, in the House of Commons, informed Mr. Ashley that the whole question of extra pay to be granted to officers of the Air Battalion was receiving consideration. AN OBJECT LESSON IN MOBILITY.—An all-British "Valkyrie" military monoplane on its own wheels passing the Marble Arch en route from Hendon flying grounds to Brighton last week, where arrangements for exhibition flights have been made. In this manner the Valkyrie military design can travel anywhere with freedom, and the planes, -which are attached to the sides, can be fitted in a few minutes, the machine then being in complete flying order. 567 C 2
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