Three broad types of Government machines are manufactured at this
establishment. There is that designed essentially for scouting
operations, in which speed is the all-important factor and which
is of the tractor type. Another is the "Reconnoitring" machine
known officially as the "R.E." to-day, but formerly as the "B.E"
(Bleriot-Experimental), a considerable number of which are in
commission.
This machine is also of the tractor type, carrying a pilot and an
observer, and has a maximum speed of 40-50 miles per hour. If
required it can further be fitted with an automatic gun for
defence and attack. The third craft is essentially a fighting
machine. Owing to the introduction of the machine-gun which is
fixed in the prow, with the marksman immediately behind it, the
screw is placed at the rear. The pilot has his seat behind the
gunner. The outstanding feature of these machines is the high
factor of safety, which attribute has astonished some of the
foremost aviation experts in the world.
Great Britain lagged behind her Continental rivals in the
development of the Fourth Arm, especially in matters pertaining
to motive power.
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