Frederick William Lanchester

“ On the other hand, if the airship is to continue as a factor in warfare at all, it must be able to defend itself against hostile aircraft, and in particular be capable of repelling the attack of the enemy's aeroplanes. Now the only power of defence possessed by a dirigible when attacked by an aeroplane is counter-attack by gun-fire ”

“ It may escape for a time, and may render a certain amount of useful service, but only thanks to the circumstance the number of high-powered, fast-climbing aeroplanes is comparatively limited, and to the fact that scientific methods of attack have not yet been fully worked out or put into practice. However, even to-day, the finest of Germany's fleet of Zeppelins would be absolutely at the mercy of a modern aeroplane in the hands of a man prepared to make his one and last sacrifice. ”

“ The effective area of the target presented by an aeroplane is but a few square feet. The effective target area of a torpedo boat or destroyer is more than one hundred times as great. The time during which an aeroplane is visible and under fire, owing to its small size and high speed, is short compared to that of torpedo craft at sea. [2] The armament which a Zeppelin can bring to bear on an attacking aeroplane is confined to that which she can carry on a platform arranged on top of the structure, since the hostile aeroplane making its attack from above ”

“ On the question of storage or housing the advantage of the aeroplane is overwhelming; the aeroplane, especially if furnished with folding wings, can be stowed away in any ordinary shed or barn, or may be anchored in the open without serious risk, whereas the "balloon hall" necessary for the safety of an airship is not only costly, but is an unmistakable landmark for hostile aircraft at 20 miles distance. ”

“ Some of the most strenuous supporters of the airship as an auxiliary to the aeronautical service are fond of drawing a parallel between the air service and the Navy, the airship being put forward as analogous or comparable to the battleship or battle-cruiser, and the aeroplane to the torpedo boat or destroyer. ”

“ The horse-power per unit weight of motor is roughly the same whichever type of aircraft is in question, and any future advance in the art of motor construction tending to diminish weight will, we may presume, be equally available for either type. The laws of resistance of the aeroplane and dirigible are well understood ”

“ Beyond the above, the speed of the aeroplane is approximately double that of the airship, whereas the speed of a fast destroyer is not more than 25 or 30 per cent, superior to that of a fast and heavily-armoured cruiser or battleship of modern type, and even this advantage is lost in heavy weather. ”

“ It is important to note that though it is possible effectively to armour an aeroplane, at least to be proof against small-arms fire, and that in any case the vulnerable target is small, the dirigible, presenting a mark larger than the proverbial haystack, cannot be effectively protected. ”

“ If we were concerned with the primary function of the aeronautical arm alone, there appears to be no reason to doubt that both kinds of aircraft would have their place; the large air-ship has unquestionable advantages under suitable conditions: cruising at high altitudes over the battlefield, or over or in the rear of the enemy's lines, and reporting to headquarters by wireless every movement of strategic or tactical importance, it might render the most vital service. ”

“ Again, bad weather affects the storage of an aeroplane but little, whereas the housing or getting out of an airship in a strong wind is a difficult and risky business, even under the best of conditions. A large Zeppelin may sometimes call for the services of 300 men. ”

“ On the other hand, for bearing despatches, for flying at low altitude within range of shot and shell, as may be necessary for detail reconnaissance or in cloudy or misty weather, for bringing machine-gun fire to bear at some important point or at a critical moment, etc., all these are duties for which the aeroplane is pre-eminently suited, as also for rapidly locating and signalling gun positions, directing fire, and duties of such-like character.
It is more than questionable whether actual fighting is any part of the primary function of a dirigible at all ”

“ The steep or vertical descent is admittedly a dangerous feat of airmanship, but it is not intrinsically dangerous; the risk involved is due to the structural stresses to which the machine is subjected when "flattening out." ”

“ It is an open question whether airmen will be found ready to step forward at the critical moment to go to certain death, and so the general feasibility of ramming tactics must for the time being remain in doubt. However, there are many other modes of attack open to the aeroplane pilot, all more or less untried at present ”

“ Beyond this, no ordinarily fatal hit is effective under the conditions in question; no injury to the motive-power installation is of the least effect as a stopper, and the pilot is in almost perfect security in his position behind the engine. If by an exceptional chance he should be wounded, he is still able to effect his purpose, unless totally disabled. ”

“ It is able to carry a complement of officers trained to observation, capable of giving an accurate interpretation of what they observe, and acting under most favourable conditions, such as are not possible in any existing aeroplane; it can move at some fifty miles per hour, if required, or remain to all intents and purposes stationary ”