The Daily News. MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1916. COMMAND OF THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1916, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1916. COMMAND OF THE AIR.

The Xew York Herald recently stated that the Allies are to take command of the air just as they have taken command of the sea. Jt is somewhat curious that this pronouncement should appear almost simultaneously with the publication of some interesting details concerning Germany's new aeroplane—the Fokker—which is said to he stronger, faster, and better •■quipped than any aircraft, possessed by the, Allies, although France is credited with.having the largest battle aeroplane; in existence. The evolution of aerial craft for war purposes has been phenomenally rapid, and like that of battleships is ever advancing on new lines as the result of experience and the inventor's skill. > The theory advanced by .the Xew York Herald that "the day of the bij>- aeroplanes with larger guns is at hand," is one that seems to be founded on good reasoning. High speed, rapid manoeuvring, and the maximum of lifting power have become essential to> air craft, with the result that the race for the possession of the most powerful machines is likely to be strenuous. It is abundantly evident ithat armored aeroplanes arc destined to play an important part in modern warfare, but the suggestion that the European struggle may he decided in the. air is one that bears all the impress or American imagination, and cannot be .taken seriously. There is, however, considerable force in in the contention that if the Allies can develop their aerial war craft as they have developed their battleships and other marine vessels, they will obtain the command of the air—an advantage that will go far to assist the land and sea forces of the Allies, on their way to victory. The new Herman machine has evidently attracted much attention in England, questions being asked on the subject in the House of Commons. Mr. 'Pennant's reply may be regarded as reassuring, for he stated that Britain had aerial naehines equal in speed and efficiency to the Fokkers, adding, that the air service had given a good account of itself. Tfte matter cannot rest there, anymore than was the case in Britain's shipbuilding programme. Germany'h advances in the building of ■Armored aeroplanes must be mc.,, by faster .*.i:d ni.rc powerful Brii'di and French machines and with an adequate supply to enable absolute supremacy to ,bo attaintd. Apparency, the rh'ef advantage of the Fokker is the anrnini arrangement of its guns and steering apparatus. /The system adopted has already been in use, but as the success of the machine depends entirely on the steering gear, together with its swooping power; it stands to reason that a clever and resourceful pilot could without difficulty outmanoeuvre a Fooker. At the same time the suggestion that British makers should be giren a free hand to devise superior machines to Germany's latest) is worthy of the attention of the Home authorities. In the general way there is too much red tape in connection with the British system in all matters pertaining to naval and ihilitary matters. It being essential to success that the Allies should have supreme control of the air, every effort should be made to attain that end, and every encouragement given to inventive genius in ntrthorhig the evolution of the war aeroplanes. Although the Allies have hitherto refrained from using aircraft for raiding enemy towns otherwise than for legitimate war purposes, a time may come when reprisals will be necessary. In any event, the Empire will expect the Allies, and especially the British, to control the air and be prepared for any new developments (hat the enemy may unfold. Aerial science is still in its infancy, but having attained lusty growth should be expanded and improved in every possible direction.