It must be capable of
firing at an angle only a few degrees less than the absolute
vertical, and in order to follow the rapid and involved movements
of its objective, must be so mobile that it can be trained
through a complete circle at any angle of inclination less than
its maximum. At the same time, if the weapon is being used in
field operations it must be mounted upon a carriage of adequate
mobility to enable it to follow the airship, and thereby keep
pace with the latter, so that the aerial craft may be sorely
harassed if not actually hit. The automobile is the obvious
vehicle for this duty, and it has accordingly been extensively
used in this service.
The automobile and the gun mounted thereon follow widely
different lines. Some vehicles are designed especially for this
duty, while others are improvisations, and be it noted, in
passing, that many of the latter have proved more serviceable
than the former. Still, the first-named is to be preferred,
inasmuch as necessarily it is designed to meet the all-round
requirements imposed, and consequently is better able to stand up
to the intended work, whereas the extemporised vehicle is only
serviceable under favourable conditions.
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