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Aviation History
1912
1912 - 0348.PDF
(/JJGHT Aeroplanes—Steps have already been taken for the purchase of twenty-five aeroplanes for the Central Flying School, and deliveries will commence as from the 30th April, 1912. The makers have been tailed upon to meet all necessary require ments. Buildings.—Experience has shown that buildings of a permanent nature are very much more satisfactory, and ultimately more economical, than temporary buildings. Moreover, temporary huts are not well suited to the climatic conditions of Salisbury Plain. Having regard, however, to the fact that the Central Flying School may require large extension in the near future, and more especially that temporary buildings can be erected far more rapidly than (Jermanent ones, all buildings, including sheds, should at first be of a temporary nature, without prejudice to the construction of more permanent buildings in the future. All plans and ipeeincttiotM are now ready and tenders have been invited for the erection of temporary barracks, sheds, work shops, and a small hospital, at an estimated cost of approximately .£25,000. Transport.—It will be necessary that complete war transport for two flights of aeroplanes should be provided at once for the Central Flying School. General,—The Instructional Staff will require a few weeks to assemble, tune up, test and accustom themselves to the new aero planes, but it may confidently be expected that the first course will be completed before the close of 1912. The Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps. Provisional Organization.—The Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps will be established for the present at the Naval School at Eastchurch. For the immediate future its energies will be devoted mainly to elementary training in flying, so as to provide a nucleus of flyers for the first requirements of the Navy, pending the <• ;.il>lishmenl of the Central Flying School, and to experimental work in the development of aeronautics for the Navy. In a short time the preliminary training in flying will be under taken entirely by the Central Flying School, and the Naval Flying School will then be utilized for experimental work, and for the specialised training of naval ranks and ratings and of selected civilians in naval air work. It is impossible to over-estimate the importance of experiments for the development of hydro-aeroplanes, and in flying from and alighting on board ship, and in the water under varying weather conditions. Until such experiments have proved conclusively how far such operations are practicable it is impossible to forecast what the role of aeroplanes will be in naval warfare, or to elaborate any permanent organization. The present organization must therefore be regarded as provisional. Personnel.—The Naval Flying School at Eastchurch will, for administrative purposes only, be provisionally under the orders of the Captain of 11.M. ship " Aclieon," and all officers and men will be borne on the books of the " Actceon." Aeroplanes.—Steps have been taken for the purchase of twelve aeroplanes, hydro-aeroplanes and floats for first requirements. In selecting the types for purchase it has been deemed desirable to test a number of types with a view to arriving at the most suitable pattern for naval service. As soon as a satisfactory type of aero plane for future use has been evolved, orders will be given so as to ensure that there are always not less than two machines of the same type available. The prospects of the successful employment of the rigid type of airship are not Sufficiently favourable to justify the great cost, and it is therefore recommended that the naval experiments should be confined to the development of aeroplanes and hydro-aeroplanes. The utmost vigilance will be taken, however, in watching foreign developments of the airship, and the present recommendation will not be taken to prejudice a reopening of the question, should important developments occur. The Military Wing of the Royal Flying Corps. General Principles of Organization.—At present no military requirements beyond those of the Expeditionary Force, which are of urgent importance, are being dealth with. It must be borne in mind, however, that considerable extension will be necessary in order to provide for the requirements of those military forces which are not included in the Expeditionary Force. For the future, the Military Wing of the Rcfyal Flying Corps should comprise all branches of aeronautics, including aeroplanes, airships, and kites. All these are required for the same purpose and should work in close co-operation. The present Air Battalion, K.E., ceases to exist under this scheme. Its personnel and matirul should be absorbed as far as required in the Royal Flying Corps. APRIL 20, 1912. The purposes for which aeroplanes will be required in land warfare are as follows :— a. Reconnaissance. b. Prevention of enemy's reconnaissance. c. Inter-communication. d. Observation of artillery fire. e. Infliction of damage on the enemy. Having considered the organization of the aeronautical forces of other Powers, so far as information is available, the establishments laid down below would appear to provide a suitable organization for the Expeditionary Force of 6 divisions and 1 cavalry division, viz. :— Headquarters. _ 7 Aeroplane Squadrons, each providing 12 aeroplanes. 1 Airship and Kite Squadron, providing 2 airships and 2 flights of kites. . I line of communication flying corps workshop. Administration.—The administration of the Mihtary Wing will be carried out by the War Office. Flyers, &c, Required for Seven Aeroplane Squadrons.— Up to the present time the authorities have only attempted to train officers as flyers. It is now proposed to train non-commissioned officers and men as well. _ It is considered that the minimum number of trained flyers should be two per aeroplane. Of these one should be an officer, and, in the case of one-seated machines, both should be officers. For purposes of calculation, however, one officer and one non-commis sioned officer flyer are allowed. The number of flyers required on this basis is shown below :— 7 Squadrons.—Officers : commanders, 7 ; 3 sections, 84 ; total 91. Non-commissioned officers: sergeants, 7 ; 3 sections, 84; total, 91. In addition, it is necessary to provide a Reserve to meet casualties, and it is considered that this should be on a basis of 100 per cent, for six months' wastage. The total number of flyers required will therefore be :— Officers. N.C.O.'s For war establishment and 7 squadrons ... 91 91 TJ Reserve Total 91 182 9 182 348 In addition to flyers the necessary mechanics should be provided for the maintenance of machines, &c. Peace Establishments.—The first requisite is to provide the trained personnel for the formation of the war establishment of the flying service. Eventually it may be possible to draw up a more economical peace establishment, when the Reserve of the Royal Flying Corps has been developed sufficiently to enable the Military Wing to count on an effective organized Reserve. Distribution of the Aeroplane Squadrons.—N.C.O.'s and air mechanics* will be required as engine drivers, fitters, carpenters, smiths, sailmakers, riggers, &c. Selected N.C.O.'s and air mechanics should also be trained as flyers. To provide this per sonnel, it will probably be necessary to rely largely on direct enlist ment, except, perhaps, as regards flyers. The period recommended is 4 years. On completion of the period of continuous service, re-engagement should be allowed from year to year, or transfer to the Reserve of the Royal Flying Corps on the recommendation of the Commanding Officer of the Military Wing, or of the Commandant of the Central Flying School. Commissioned officers joining the Royal Flying Corps should be seconded, and other ranks should be transferred. Aeroplanes.—The total number of aeroplanes required for the seven squadrons of the military division will be eighty-four. The completion of these squadrons, however, and the training of flyers for them at the Central Flying School must occupy some considerable time. Sheds.—A shed of a portable type, suitable for service in the field, should be at once provided for each aeroplane as it is ordered. Permanent sheds should be provided at headquarters of squadrons, when the locations have been fixed. The Use of Airships for Military Purposes.—Careful con sideration has been given to the question of whether airships should still be used for military purposes. The airship possesses the great advantage over the aeroplane in military warfare of being able to receive messages by wireless telegraphy ; it is also able to transmit to greater distances. Other countries can establish permanent sheds or shelters at convenient intervals throughout the country, where their airships can seek refuge in bad weather, and they are therefore able to make better use of dirigibles than this country, whose Expeditionary rorce is more likely to be employed oversea. It is hoped, * The term "air mechanic" is applied to denote men of the Royal Flyinz Corps below the rank of petty officer or Serjeant.
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