Its
participation, however, would be governed entirely by climatic
conditions. The fact that the dirigible is a weak unit of attack
in naval operations is fully appreciated by all the belligerents.
The picture of a sky "black with Zeppelins" may appeal to the
popular imagination, and may induce the uninitiated to cherish
the belief that such an array would strike terror into the hearts
of the foe, but the naval authorities are well aware that no
material advantage would accrue from such a force. In the first
place they would constitute an ideal target for the enemy's
vessels. They would be compelled to draw within range in order
to render their own attack effective, and promiscuous shooting
from below would probably achieve the desired end. One or more
of the hostile aircraft would be hit within a short while. Such
disasters would undoubtedly throw the aerial fleet into
confusion, and possibly might interfere with the tactical
developments of its own friends upon the water below.
The shells hurled from the Zeppelins would probably inflict but
little damage upon the warships beneath. Let it be conceded that
they weigh about 500 pounds, which is two-thirds of the weight of
the projectile hurled from the Krupp 128-centimetre howitzer.
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