MASTERY OF THE AIR

Evening Star, Issue 16629, 11 January 1918, Page 6

MASTERY OF THE AIR

VAST GERMAN EFFORTS. types under forced construction. . The vital importance of the question of ■air supremacy for the allied nations could not be more effectively illustrated than bv ■the following facts, which, have recently come to the knowledge of the French Genera] Staff: The Germans are well aware that some time next year the new American air squadrons will come into action on tho western front, and they are already straining every nerve in order to be able to meet the allied air offensive next spring. The number of German battle planes is to be doubled during the coming winter, and the aeroplane and motor-building factories throughout Germany are enlarging their plant and obtaining reinforcements of labor to enable them to cope with the sudden influx of orders. Switzerland is being laid under contribution. Two hundred and fifty' Argus motors ha-vo been ordered from a firm°in the Zurich district. The Fokker firm, who are building fighting biplanes in great numbers, as. well as a triplane remarkable for its speed and climbing powers, have taken over the great Berzina piano factories in Schwerin. For bombing formations heavy three-seater machines are being built, which can carry between 1,7001b and I,Boolb weight of bombs. They have Mercedes 250 h.p. motors, and, when loaded, can climb 12,000 ft in 35 minutes. In every type of flying machine the Germans are feverishly producing new models for long-distanoe scouting expeditions. The 1917 Rampler, with 250 h.p. Mercedes motor, is said to be the best machine. They are also building a machine made entirely of metal to operate in conjunction with infantry on the battlefield. It has no great speed, and is a notably slow climber, and does not seem to bo able to rise much above 10,000 ft. The enemy are also using a new six-cylinder Maybach motor, developing 240 h.p., which is lighter than the ordinary Mercedes and gives greater speed in climbing. A big German bombing machine which lately landed* in Holland was fitted with an electric installation driven by motor for the purpose of warming the aviator. During the six months from February to August 29 important industrial establishments were added to the number of factories making aeroplanes or their accessories in Germany. Simultaneously with this great increase in tlve output of machines, the Germans are looking everywhere for recruits for the flying service.'' Applications for transfer to the air' service are now received from both infantry and engineers, instead of being restricted to cavalry, as was the case not long ago. Applications are now dealt with in a month, instead of two modths, and there is no doubt that in the course of the present year the personnel of the German air service has been largely reinforced. Volunteers are wanted chiefly' for the fighting planes, because it is chiefly among the fighting squadrons engaged on the battlefields that casualties occur; but a large number of officers are being trained as observers for observation planes. It is interesting to note that, while the enemy are making all these efforts in order at least to be able to hold, their own in the air next spring, German commanders are being recommended to use their airmen and machines, for the moment, as economically as possible. An order, signed by General Von Ludendorff, dated June, which has fallen into our hands, says that the Allies are employing their aeroplanes economically, with a view to the great battles of the future. It adds: “We should be wrong to overwork and wear cut our air formations, which are inferior in numbers, by sending them put several times every day. Consequently, the infantry and artillery must be told that it is impossible to prevent the enemy’s planes flying over our lines, and they must not get nervous when they see them overhead. Airmen are to be' used sparingly in calm times, in order that Germany may have as many of them as possible for great emergencies."