AIRCRAFT OF THE POWERS.
It is safe to say that no reliable estimate which could be supported by official figures could be given which would set out accurately the relative strengths of the air-fleets of the Groat Powers. The efficacy of these fleets will now bo thoroughly tested, but their war establishment cannot even be approximated, because allowance must bo hiacle for a large contribution from volunteer airmen to fho strength of their respective countries. The ' following table sets out the ascertainable strengths—only approximate —of the Great Powers up to the end of 1913, but accelerated construction since then has beep very marked in the case of Russia, Franco and Great Britain, while the huspnejss of organising these fleets on a military footing has been developed in a great measure within a comparatively recent period;
TRIPLE ENTENTE. Aeroplanes and Seaplanes, Airships. Great Britain ... 130 5 France ... ••• 750 21 Russia ... 330 8 Total 1260 34 •France had also at that stage a call on four other aoroplnnei. TRIPLE ALLIANCE. Aeroplanes and Seaplanes. Airships. •Germany 350 21 Austria 150 6 Italy 200 5 Total ••• ••• 700 32 •Germany also then had a call on an additional 400. Tho condition of Great Britain, in point of numbers, has been very largely improved and it has also to be noted that that nation’s fleet includes only the strictly oflicial aircraft. A call for volunteers would no doubt effect a substantial change in the comparative tables. British development iu seaplanes has been greatly accelerated within recent months, and in this department of flying the Admiralty is stated to bo in a very efficient state, and ahead of rival Powers. . -t Referring to Mr Churchill s latest Navy Estimates, the Morning Post complimented the First Lord of tho Admiralty on “the iurther proof of redeeming his pledges to provide Britain with an efficient air service, though in both cases the rate of expanse is hampered by tho negligence or lack of enterprise of previous Ministers in charge of the Admiralty and War Office. Wo are therefore still in tho position only of starting to match the airship equipments of Franco and Germany; for to-day m this particular we are actually no better, if »» well, off as Italy. Happily, however, we havo a lead in seaplane experience, ana, with our excellent personnel and clover constructors, ws have every prospect of maintaining it.”
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1281, 6 August 1914, Page 4
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394AIRCRAFT OF THE POWERS. Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1281, 6 August 1914, Page 4
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