yet been fully worked out or put into practice. However, even to-day, the finest of Germany's fleet of Zeppelins would be absolutely at the mercy of a modern aeroplane in the hands of a man prepared to make his one and last sacrifice. So fragile and combustible a contrivance as a dirigible, whether rigid, or non-rigid, can never, in the author's opinion, survive in the face of the rapid development of the aeroplane and the engines of offence with which before long it will be furnished.
Before proceeding to the broader considerations, it has been thought desirable to dispose of the airship as a factor in the aeronautical service—its dismissal being an initial simplification. It is not altogether important whether or not this conclusion turns out to be literally true. It may be that, in spite of all that has been put forward, the large airship may retain some degree of utility; even if this be so, the main conclusions will be unaffected. It is the aeroplane, and the aeroplane only, either as a reconnaissance or a fighting machine, acting independently or in flights or squadrons, which will in effect constitute the aeronautical Arm; and whether the considerations we discuss are strategic or tactical, it is: the potential capabilities and limitations of the aeroplane that we require to keep constantly in mind.
