HOW THE NEXT WAR WILL BE FOUGHT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 446, 9 March 1912, Page 7

HOW THE NEXT WAR WILL BE FOUGHT.

AEROPLANE CAVALRY AND GRAPPLING FLEETS. It is rumoured that one European Power has secretly under construction fifty airships, and another has fourteen nearly ready. Experiments have also been carried out which prove the practicability of discharging bombs from airships. And Major Baden-Powell says, in a paper, the airship is here, and it is not likely that the last war has been fought. When scouting b> aerial machine is compared to the cavalry scout, it will readily be realised, says the Major, how great is the superiority of the former. To receive reports from all along a line that the scoatr, have been fired upon gives but little real information. There is the curtain—what is behind it ? That curtain can seldom be penetrated. With' any form of apparatus capable of travelling in the upper regions for even a few miles, complete, reliable and full information is obtainable of the enemy's position, movements, armaments, and even numbers. Though it has been suggested that large bodies of troops could be transported over long distances by dirigible airships, the idea, our authority thinks and we agree, is hardly feasible. Even if in future much larger vessels are constructed than are dreamed of to-day, it seems unlikely that one would ever carry more than, say, 100 armed men, so that an enormous fleet would be required to take any considerable force and the matter is altogether beyond the scope of present-day practice. However, Major Baden-Powell contends that as regards the aeroplane, it is different. If such machines continue to develop as they have done, it is quite probable, he thinks, that they will soon be used in hundreds, if not thousands. He adds :—ln all probability we shall soon have machines capable of carrying three or four men in addition to the driver. Then the aeroplane may be looked upon much in the same light as the motor car ; but, going straight across country, independent of roads, regardless of all obstacles, anc travelling at a high rate V>f speed, it would be infinitely more efficient. Such "mounted infantry" would be transported to any tactical position and deposited there within a few minutes, and the machines sent back for reinforcements. Eventually this might even become a means of invasion. T SENSATIONAL BATTLE PICTURED. As a point of vantage for the com mander-in-chief during action, p. good airship, our authority is of opinion, would be unsurpassed. It would be presumed that constant communication could be kept up by wireless telegraphy or otherwise, and it would .probably only be used to make short flights from one spot to another, and to take advantage of such a view T of the whole battlefield as could not be obtained by any Dther means. But here again all depends upon the ability of the hostile artillery or air fleet. The Major depicts a sensational battle in the air, aeroplane against aenrplane. If it be granted that both machines must be travelling at a very rapid pace, and that they are oot very vulnerable to bullets, it looks at first as though they were not able to do one another much harm. To collide would probably prove fatal to both. If one got just above the other and could travel at exactly the same rate, some damage could be caused by dropping grenades, etc., but the damage is not likely to be of such consequence as is the case with a balloon. It ie possible that grappling irons suspended below the aeroplane could be used to upset the lower one, or a ;railing rope carried to foul his propellers. Seeing that in any kind of aerial craft lightness and ease of manipulation are bound to be desired, it seems improbable that large gimi ?.an he carried, in all events in such vessels as we have to-day. A few rifles, perhaps of large bore, may be sufficient, and some form of rocket would undoubtedly be most effective against gas balloons. Eventually pom-poms may be possible. As regards explosive bombs, which may possibly be carried, a good deal of diversity of opinion seems to exist. It is doubtful, we are told, if a charge of explosive carried in o light case is likely to do much harm whereas if enclosed in a strong shell the weight would soon mount up. It is reported that grenades weighing 90 pounds each have been made for trial by the German Government. Some form of incendiary bomb would be useful for dropping on balloons or for setting on fir; stores, magazines, etc. A missile of the nature of a dart with knife-like barbs could be made very light, and used for dropping on to balloons beneath, to cut holes in the envelope. The application of various chemicals have been suggested which would set light to hydrogen on coming in contact with it. Finally, Major Baden-Powell thinks there can be no doubt that the machines which are now actually in existance, both dirigible balloons a,nd aeroplanes, can be made great use of itt war ; and it seems fairly certain that in another few years' time theii efficiency will be greatly increased. If properly used, not by ones and twos, but by hundreds, they will greatly affect our warfare.—"Popular •Science Siftings."