The one is the incendiary shell--obus fumigene--while
the other is a shell, the contents of which, upon coming into
contact with the gas contained within the gas-bag, set up certain
chemical reactions which precipitate an explosion and fire.
The incendiary shells are charged with a certain compound which
is ignited by means of a fuse during its flight. This fuse
arrangement coincides very closely with that attached to ordinary
shrapnel, inasmuch as the timing may be set to induce ignition
at different periods, such as either at the moment it leaves the
gun, before, or when it strikes the envelope of the dirigible.
The shell is fitted with a "tracer," that is to say, upon
becoming ignited it leaves a trail of smoke, corresponding with
the trail of a rocket, so that its passage through the air may be
followed with facility. This shell, however, was designed to
fulfil a dual. Not only will it fire the gaseous contents out of
the dirigible, but it has an explosive effect upon striking an
incombustible portion of the aircraft, such as the machinery,
propellers or car, when it will cause sufficient damage to throw
the craft out of action.
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