The latest
types of explosion-motors range from 100 to 150 horse-power; the
advantages of these are obvious.
Upon the outbreak of hostilities the French possessed an enormous
number and variety of aeroplanes and this aerial fleet had been
brought to a high standard of organisation. The aerial fleet is
sub-divided into squadrons called "escadrilles," each of which
comprises six machines and pilots. These units are kept up to
strength, wastage being made up from reserves, so as to maintain
the requisite homogeneity.
But ere the war had been in progress many weeks an official order
was issued forbidding the employment of the Bleriot, Deperdussin,
Nieuport, and R.E.P. monoplanes. Those which received official
approval included the Caudron, Henry, and Maurice Farman,
Morane-Saulnier, and Voisin machines.
This drastic order came somewhat as a thunderbolt, and the
reason for the decree has not been satisfactorily revealed.
Suffice to say that in one stroke the efficiency and numerical
strength of the French aerial navy were reduced very appreciably.
For instance, it is stated that there were thirty escadrilles of
Bleriot monoplanes together with pilots at the front, in addition
to thirty mixed escadrilles of the other prohibited types with
their fliers.
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