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Aviation History
1934
1934 - 0552.PDF
FLIGHT, JUNE 7, 1934 two-seater fighter is itself still in the nature of an experiment. So far the experiment has showed sufficient promise for the number of regular squad- rons so equipped to be increased from one to two. It is generally expected, however, that a class of aeroplane will be thoroughly tried out by the regulars before it is given to non-regular units. Technically the change would not be a great one, for the chief difference technically between the " Hart " and the " Demon " is in the engine. The former has a normal " Kestrel " and the latter a supercharged Kestrel." The equipment of the two types of course differs, but a pilot who can fly one would not iind any difficulty in flying the other. Tactically, however, the change would be of no small importance. For one thing, there would be a certain effect on the Auxiliary squadrons themselves. Despite the similarity between the " Hart " and the " Demon," much greater precision in handling a fast machine is required of a- fighter pilot from what is demanded of the pilot of a bomber. His whole frame of mind must be different. Hitherto it has been the general opinion that only the con- tinuous, incessant practice which is impossible out- side a regular squadron would fit a man to handle fighters with good effect. This opinion may have been modified by the extraordinarily high standard which all the Auxiliary squadrons have shown them- selves able to attain. Their keenness is such that in their spare time they put in a goodly number of flying hours, and so perhaps have convinced the authorities that they would be able to handle fighters as well as they have handled bombers. It is just possible, too, that the Auxiliary squad- rons would gain in popular estimation if they were able to call themselves fighters. The proceedings at Geneva have, quite unjustifiably, made the word bomber rather unpopular. Thoughtless propa- gandists have associated the word with poison gas and baby-killing. Actually bomber aeroplanes are only the artillery of the air, and as the Royal Regi- ment of Artillery carries no stigma, there is no reason at all why such should attach to bomber squadrons of the Royal Air Force. Certainly there is no lack of applications for commissions or for enlistment in the Auxiliary Air Force, and so its popularity could hardly be increased. Still, perhaps some parents might feel happier if their son were a pilot in a fighter squadron. In general, Geneva has found it impracticable to distinguish between a weapon of offence and one of defence. The fighter aeroplane is one case where no confusion is possible. Strategically it can only be used for defence. It has not the range or the carrying capacity to be used for invasion. Defence, not aggression, is the air problem of the United Kingdom. Gen. Denain, the French Air Minister, stated the other day that " in Great Britain aviation was wholly directed to the defence of the country," and that despite our possession of some bomber squadrons. If our proportion of fighter squadrons is to be increased, we shall consider the move a wise one. FAST FIGHTERS FOR PORTUGAL : One of a batch of Hawker " Furies " (R.R. " Kestrel ") which have been purchased by the Portuguese Government. (FLIGHT Photo.) Ifj'Z-Cb 552
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