All things considered an aeroplane duel is regarded as a fairly
equal combat. But what of a duel between an aeroplane and a
dirigible? Which holds the advantage? This question has not
been settled, at any rate conclusively, but it is generally
conceded that up to a certain point the dirigible is superior.
It certainly offers a huge and attractive target, but rifle fire
at its prominent gas-bag is not going to cause much havoc. The
punctures of the envelope may represent so many vents through
which the gas within may effect a gradual escape, but
considerable time must elapse before the effect of such a
bombardment becomes pronounced in its result, unless the gas-bag
is absolutely riddled with machine gun-fire, when descent must be
accelerated.
On the other hand, it is to be presumed that the dirigible is
armed. In this event it has a distinct advantage. It has a
steady gun-platform enabling the weapons of offence to be trained
more easily and an enhanced accuracy of,fire to be obtained. In
order to achieve success it is practically imperative that an
aeroplane should obtain a position above the dirigible, but the
latter can ascend in a much shorter space of time, because its
ascent is vertical, whereas the aeroplane must describe a spiral
in climbing.
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