sequently the V formation arises naturally from each bird seeking the air which gives the best support, a matter in which most birds show consummate skill. There is very little doubt but that, by this manner of flight (formation flying in fact) a flight of birds is able to cover the ground with a material saving of work done. If the point in question is as important as it appears, it will certainly have to be taken into consideration in connection with aeroplane tactics, and more particularly formation flying. The follow-my-leader formation will evidently be on a V or diagonal plan rather than in line ahead.
§ 98. Formation Flying. Machines disabled. Whatever formation plan be adopted, it is evident that provision must be made for machines shot down or disabled to be able to leave the lines without creating confusion; evidently the closer the formation the more danger there will be of a real mix up and debacle in case of any confusion arising. Similarly, it is important that the enemy shall not be able, by ramming tactics or otherwise, to throw the formation out of gear; once more the "upper berth" clearly has every advantage.
§ 99. Conditions in Aerial and Naval Tactics Contrasted. The conditions, both as to armament and otherwise, which obtain in the Navy and in the Air Fleet offer many striking contrasts, the disparity is such as should preclude too much reliance being placed on analogies between the Services, except where the issue under consideration is of the broadest description. The range of the gun-fire of an aeroplane (or other aircraft) is less a matter of the ultimate range of the gun employed than it is of the angular magnitude of the objective and of those other factors, such as speed and light, which contribute to render accurate shooting more or less difficult. In this the conditions differ remarkably from those which obtain in the Navy, where the useful
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