Although elaborate trials were carried out upon the testing
ranges with the weapons devised especially for firing upon flying
machines, captive balloons being employed as targets, the data
thus obtained were neither conclusive nor illuminating. The
actual experiences of airmen have given us some very instructive
facts upon this point for the first time.
It was formerly held that the zone of fire that is to be
considered as a serious danger was within a height of about 4,500
feet. But this estimate was well within the mark. Airmen have
found that the modern projectiles devised for this phase of
operations are able to inflict distinctly serious damage at an
altitude of 9,000 feet. The shell itself may have but little of
its imparted velocity remaining at this altitude, but it must be
remembered that when the missile bursts, the contents thereof are
given an independent velocity, and a wide cone of dispersion,
which is quite sufficient to achieve the desired end, inasmuch as
the mechanism of the modern aeroplane and dirigible is somewhat
delicate.
It was for this reason that the possibility of armouring the
airship was discussed seriously, and many interesting experiments
in this field were carried out.
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