The
experiment seems to prove that it would be simpler and more
effectual to attack a hostile aircraft such as a Zeppelin in this
manner than to drop free bombs at random. Moreover, we cannot
doubt that the sight of a mine containing even ten or twelve
pounds of high explosive dangling at the end of a wire would
precipitate a retreat on the part of an airship more speedily
than any other combative expedient.
The advocate of this mine-trawling method, who is a well-known
aviator, anticipates no difficulty in manoeuvring a mine weighing
30 pounds at the end of 300 feet of fine wire. Success depends
in a great measure on the skill of the aviator in maintaining a
constant tension upon the line until it falls across its
objective.
The process calls for a certain manifestation of skill in
manoeuvring the aeroplane in relation to the airship, judgment of
distance, and ability to operate the aeroplane speedily. The
rapid ascensional capability of the airship, as compared with
that of the aeroplane, is a disadvantage, but on the other hand,
the superior mobility and speed of the aeroplane would tell
decisively for success.
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