But at
the same time it indicates a promising line of research and
development.
Then there are the problems of weight and the aerial. So far as
present knowledge goes, the most satisfactory form of aerial yet
exploited is that known as the trailing wire. From 300 to 700
feet of wire are coiled upon a reel, and when aloft this wire is
paid out so that it hangs below the aeroplane. As a matter of
fact,when the machine is travelling at high speed it trails
horizontally astern, but this is immaterial. One investigator,
who strongly disapproves of the trailing aerial, has carried out
experiments with a network of wires laid upon and attached to the
surface of the aeroplane's wings. But the trailing wire is
generally preferred, and certainly up to the present has proved
more satisfactory.
The greatest obstacle, however, is the necessary apparatus. The
average aeroplane designed for military duty is already loaded to
the maximum. As a rule it carries the pilot and an observer, and
invariably includes a light arm for defence against an aerial
enemy, together with an adequate supply of ammunition, while
unless short sharp flights are to be made, the fuel supply
represents an appreciable load.
Pages:
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277