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Aviation History
1913
1913 - 0363.PDF
MARCH 29, 1913. ITygtrg NAVY LEAGUE AND AVIATION. THE following memorandum on the subject of aerial defence has been submitted to the Prime Minister by the Aerial Defence Committee of the Navy League:— In_ the opinion of the committee an examination of the present condition of this country as c >mpared with Continental Powers with regard to the provision of aircraft for the purposes of defence reveals a measure of inferiority which, in the judgment of the committee, calls for the earnest and immediate attention of his Majesty's advisers. The committee, after most careful consideration, advocate, as a moderate proposal, that a sum of not less than .£1,000,000 sterling —as set forth in the schedule attached hereto—to initiate a definite national policy for aerial defence should be provided at once. The committee strongly maintain that adequate preparation of efficient aircraft, including airships and aeroplanes, with the necessary personnel and equipment for the purposes of defence, is of such gravity that it brooks no delay. In order to indicate to his Majesty's Government possible outlines of a workable policy the committee present the following proposals :— 1. The provision for the immediate construction of airships and airship stations as the nucleus of a fleet of dirigible balloons, with adequate provision of aeroplanes, hydro-aeroplanes, and all essential equipment, as a concrete part of naval defence organisation. 2. That immediate steps should be taken for the promotion of such scheme of organisation as will bring the aeroplane squadrons of the military wing of the Royal Flying Corps to the full strengih of their establishment (material and personnel). As the number of aeroplanes allowed for in the establishment to replace those broken in service is quite inadequate, at least 100 per cent, over and almve those already allowed for in the full establishment are required. 3. In order to provide for the expansion of our aerial defence it is necessary to establish a healthy industry in this country, so that it may supply material in case of need. To do this the makers of aeroplanes and hydro-aeroplanes must be assured o( continuity of orders. In order to encourage development in aeroplane designs, an expenditure is urged of a definite sum of money annually in the purchase of experimental types for war purposes. 4. In addition to the requirements of the foregoing paragraphs, it must lie mulct stood that as the production of aeroplane engine* is of fundamental importance, and as a satisfactory engine takes considerably longer to produce than an aeroplane, it is urged that firm orders far such engines should l* placed with British manufacturers daring the forthcoming financial year as would make this production a manufacturing possibility. The committee recognise that the number purchased may be in excess of immediate needs, but it is strongly felt that by this means only can an adequate inducement be given to firms who arc obviously in a position to supply the best brains and organisation. 5. The committee urge the conduct of extensive experimental work of every kind concerning the production of defence air craft. The committee earnestly hope that no time will l>c lost in giving effect to these recommendations by his Majesty's Government. Suggested Expenditure. Schedule, submitting heads upon which useful and necessary ex penditure upon preparation for aerial defence should be immediately employed :— Aeroplanes to replace those used up by five squadrons, on £ basis of one for one iao,000 Transport for five squadrons ... ... ... .•• 120,030 Permanent squadron headquarters, including erection of barracks, aeroplane sheds, workshops, and vehicle sheds, at £50,000 per squadron of five 250,000 Workshops depot 25,00 Four large rigid experimental dirigibles 200,000 Three double sheds for dirigibles .. 150,00 Hydrogen (three stations) 60,00 Hydro-aeroplanes 100,00 Royal aircraft factory (experiment only) 100,000 Land for aeroplane sheds 30,00 Aerodromes at £1,000 6,00 1,161,000 On Tuesday a statement prepared by the Aerial Defence Com mittee appointed by the Navy League and circulated for the information of Members of both Houses of Parliament, Presidents of Chambers of Commerce, and Lord Lieutenants of Counties, was issued to the Pres . It reads as follov/s :— 1. The rapid and efficient development of aircraft for the pur poses of defence and for general use in war is the most startling feature in the recent progress of Naval and Military organization at the instance of at least five great European Powers. 2. The preparatory measures undertaken by the British Govern ment have been up to the present of such meagre character as to be practically negligible in any estimate made of comparative Air-Power with other nations. 3. The view entertained by Continental strategists in respect to England's position as an Air-Power may be gathered from the observations of Captain von Pustau in the Tagliche Rundschau :— " No country has forfeited so much of its military position through the advancing improvement of Aerial Craft as the Island Kingdom of England. Its otherwise all-mighty Fleet is powerless against our Zeppelin and Schtitte-Lanz Airships, and what is still more bitter, it has nothing similar to oppose to their possible attack, as the French have in their Flying- Machine Squadrons." This comment of a German officer is submitted to the earnest consideration of the British people. 4. There can be nothing more clear, nothing more convincing, than the fact that the modern dirigible is now a powerful weapon of destruction in war quite apart from its in%-aluable aid in scouting and observation. 5. The importance which attaches to the construction of airships as a part of active defence organization will be understood from the direct interest taken by the German Government in the private production of these vessels. A special subsidy has been provided for the Zeppelin Company, the Government retaining control of output and forbidding any orders being executed for foreign countries. 6. Tables are presented hereunder showing the comparative air- power of nations comprised in the Triple Alliance and Triple Entente so far as information has been available, but it will be obvious that absolute accuracy is impossible on account of the secrecy which surrounds the air construction programme of Con tinental nations. 1. 2. 3- 4- 5- 6. 7- 8. 9- 10. 1.'. 12. I J. 14. TABLE A.—The Triple Alliance. (a) AIRSHII'S OwNut) uv GOVERNMENT. GERMANY. AUSTRIA. Airship. B Airship. IIAI v. Airship. Zeppelin IV Zeppelin ... Schiitte- Lanz Zeppelin Siemens Zeppelin Suchard I'arseval Do. Gross Do. Do. Parseval Zeppelin ... eft. 776,000 706,000 688,000 627,000 529,000 423,000 414,000 353.°°° 353. 282, 247,000 183,000 183,000 141,000 750,000 Astra I ... Astra 11 Hallborn Astra III Kortling Parseval... eft. 300,000 300,000 247,000 131,000 118,000 65,400 Military III 1 Military II 1 Military I 1 6,302,000 1,161,400 (b) AIRSHIPS OWNED PRIVATELY. But available for Government use. •5- 16. 17. 18. «9- 20. 21. 22. *3- 24- Zeppelin ... Parseval Vech Parseval Ruthenburg Parseval Ciouth Parseval Do. 660,000 660,000 Stagel ... Estaric ... 282,000 | 282,000 265,000 140,000 113,000 65,000 63,500 63,500 2,594,000 268,000 24,000 292,000 Da Vinci Usuelli Da Schio Ansonia 417,000 120,000 100,000 50,000 50,000 3<59 320,000
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