An alternative method, especially when a
cable carried only a single mine, would be to wind in the captive
balloon directly the wire was fouled by an invading aerial craft,
the process being continued until the mine was brought against
the vessel and thereby detonated.
Another proposed mining method differs materially in its
application. In this instance it is suggested that the mines
should be sent aloft, but should not be of the contact type, and
should not be fired by impact detonators, but that dependence
should be placed rather upon the disturbing forces of a severe
concussion in the air. The mines would be floating aoft, and
the advance of the airship would be detected. The elevation
of the mines in the vicinity of the invading craft would be
known, while the altitude of the airship in relation thereto
could be calculated. Then, it is proposed that a mine within d
certain radius of the approaching craft, and, of course, below
it, should be fired electrically from the ground. It is
maintained that if the charge were sufficiently heavy and an
adequate sheet of flame were produced as a result of the
ignition, an airship within a hundred yards thereof would be
imperilled seriously, while the other mines would also be fired,
communicating ignition from one to the other.
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