Sighting and firing downwards, even if
absolutely vertically, imposes the minimum physical effort, with
the result that the marksman is able to bring a steadier aim upon
his adversary. Even if the machine be carrying only the pilot,
the latter is able to fire upon his enemy without necessarily
releasing control of his motor, even for a moment.
If he is a skilled sharpshooter, and the exigencies demand, he
can level, sight, and fire his weapon with one hand, while under
such circumstances an automatic self-loading pistol can be
trained upon the objective with the greatest ease. If the
warplane be carrying a second person, acting as a gunner, the
latter can maintain an effective rifle fusillade, and, at the
same time, manipulate his machine-gun with no great effort,
maintaining rifle fire until the pilot, by manoeuvring, can
enable the mitrailleuse or Maxim to be used to the greatest
advantage.
Hence the wonderful display of tactical operations when two
hostile aeroplanes sight one another. The hunted at first
endeavours to learn the turn of speed which his antagonist
commands. If the latter is inferior, the pursued can either
profit from his advantage and race away to safety, or at once
begin to manoeuvre for position.
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