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Fig. 9. Types of Aeroplane Bombs. The Tail Surfaces Guide the Bomb So That It Strikes on the Firing Pin and at the Same Time "Safeties" the Bomb So That it Will Not Explode Until it Has Fallen for Some Distance. In Falling, the Tail Blades Rotate and Release the Firing Mechanism After the Bomb Has Fallen Clear of the Aeroplane. Courtesy of "Flying."

Fig. 9-a. Curtiss "JN" Twin Motor Biplane. Observer Is Seated in Front.

In the navy the aeroplane has proved of much value in scouting and particularly in defense against the submarine. Because of its great speed it has a daily radius of action many times that of a torpedo boat, and because of its altitude the effective range of vision is still further increased. At a fair height the observer can easily detect a submarine even when submerged to a considerable depth, a feat impossible when near the sea level. For disclosing the conditions existing in an enemy harbor the aeroplane is fully the equal of the dirigible since it can approach and retreat rapidly, and without much danger at comparatively low altitudes. While the dirigible can float indefinitely at one point, it must be done at an altitude that is safely out of range of the enemy guns, and this is usually at a point where observation is a difficult proposition. It does not take long to get the range of such a target as a hovering dirigible, yet at a much lower altitude it is difficult to handle naval anti-aircraft guns effectively against a speeding aeroplane. The smaller scouting seaplanes can report the position of a submarine to a torpedo boat or "sub-chaser," while the larger machines are perfectly capable of dealing with the submarine at first hand. On the large bombing type, a three-pounder gun and a number of large bombs can be carried, either of which would be sufficient for the purpose.