Engineering Wonders of the World
Volume III
Forfatter: Archibald Williams
År: 1945
Serie: Engineering Wonders of the World
Forlag: Thomas Nelson and Sons
Sted: London, Edinburgh, Dublin and New York
Sider: 407
UDK: 600 eng- gl
With 424 Illustrations, Maps, and Diagrams
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DIRIGIBLE BALLOONS.
63
it would take no part as com-
batant in a general engagement.
As for aerial invasions — great
numbers of men wafted through
the air on to the enemy’s country
—they will not happen for many
years to come.
The military value of airships
was tested at this year’s ma-
noeuvres of the French and Ger-
man armies, La République and
Gross II. being selected for the
purpose by the respective Govern-
ments. The Gross II. got within
rifle range, and was ruled out of
action, but subsequently was “re-
stored” to her side and did good
work. The République managed
to get over the “ enemy ” during
a thick mist, and when the latter
cleared away, and while the
troops below were gaping in
astonishment, feeling like par-
tridges under a hawk, those on
board the airship took full and
accurate notes of the disposition
of the attacking force and sailed
away.
ENGINES OF “ ZODIAC HI.”
{Photo, Topical.)
The flying machine has also to be taken
into consideration. When it is able to rise
to heights comparable with those of a balloon,
and maintain its ©levation for an hour or two
at a stretch, it will be practically safe. Its
small size and speed will render the chances
of its being hit, even by guns that could reach
it, quite negligible. We may fitly close this
side of the subject with the weighty words of
Sir Hiram Maxim : “ The value of a successful
flying machine, when considered from a purely
military standpoint, cannot be over-estimated.
The flying machine [we may add the navigable
balloon] has come to stay, and whether we
like it or not, it is a problem that must be
taken into serious consideration. If we are lag-
gards, we shall unquestionably be left behind,
"w ith a strong probability that before many
years have passed over our heads we shall have
to change the colouring of our school maps.”