AERIAL DEFENCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1749, 14 May 1913, Page 8

AERIAL DEFENCE.

PROPOSALS BY NAVY LEAGUE COMMITTEE. ,£1,161,000 AT ONCE. The following memorandum oil the subject of aerial defence has been submitted for the consideration of the JJritish Prime Minister by the Aerial Deter,ce Committee appointed by tho Navy League:— In tho opinion of the committee an explanation "of the present condition of this country as compared with Continental Powers with regard to the provision of aircraft for tho purposes of detenee reveals a measure of imenority which iu the judgment of the committee calls for tho 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 ■C 1,000,000 sterling—as set forth in the schedule attached hereto—to initiate a definite national policy for aerial defence should Ixi provided at once. The committee strongly maintain that adequate preparation of efficient aircraft, including airships and aeroplanes wn the necessary personnel and equipment for the purposes of defence, is of such gravity, that 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 tho immodiato construction of airships and airship stations as the nucleus of a fleet of dirigible balloons with adequate provision of aeroplanes, hydro-aeroplanes, and nil essential equipment as a concrete part of naval defence organisation. (2) That immediate steps should bo taken for tho promotion of such scheme or organisation as will bring the aeroplane squadrons of the Military Wing of the Royal Plying Corps to tho full .strength of their establishment (material and personnel). As the number of aeroplanes allowed for ill the establishment to replace those broken in service is quito inadequate, at least 100 per cent, over and above thoso already allowd for in tho 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 caso of need. To do this tlio makers of aeroplanes and hydro-aeroplanes must bo assured of ctfitinuity of orders. In order to encourage development in aeroplane designs ail expenditure is urged of a delinito sum of money annually in the purcliaso of experimental types for war purposes. (4) In addition to the requirements of the foregoing paragraphs, it must be understood that as the production of aeroplane engines is of fundamental importance, and as a satisfactory engine takes considerably longer to produce than an aeroplane, it is urged that firm orders for such engines should ba placed with British manufacturers during the forthcoming financial year as would make _ this production a manufacturing possibility. The committeo recognise that the number purchased may be in excess of in l " mediate needs, but it is strongly felt that by this means only an adequate inducement be given to firms who .are obviously in a position to supply the best brains and organisation. , L . (5) The committee urgo the conduct of extensive! experimental work of every kind concerning the production of defenco aircraft. The committee earnestly hope that no time will be lost in giving effect to these recommendations by His Majesty s Government. . , Schedule submitting heads upon which useful and necessary expenditure "Pf 11 preparation for aerial defenco should bo immediately employed:— Aeroplanes to replace those used up bv .5 squadrons on basis of one for one MM Transport for 5 squadrons 120,000 Permanent squadron headquarters,'including election of barracks. aeroplane sheds, workshops' and vehicle sheds, at .£50,000 per squadron of fivo .... 250,000, Workshops depot ' 25,000 Four largo rigid experimental • dirigibles .00,000 Three doublo sheds for dirigiljles 150,000 Tydrogen (3 stations) CO,OOO Hydro-aeroplanes 100,000 Royal aircraft factory (espen- ' * ment only) ••••• 5 !M!2 Land for aeroplane sheds 30,(100 Aerodromes at £1000 0,000 ■' £1,161,000