Airships in Peace and War
Being the Second Edition of Aerial Warfare

A British assessment of developments in aerial warfare, published in 1910 at a time of intense European military rivalry.

R. P. Hearne (Author), Hiram Stevens Maxim (Introduction by)

9781108061551, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 June 2013

488 pages, 75 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.62 kg

In 1908, the motoring journalist R. P. Hearne published Aerial Warfare, the first book on the subject to reach an audience beyond military strategists. Enormous advances in aviation resulted in the publication of this substantially revised edition in 1910. At a time of intense European military rivalry, the book highlighted differences in the way countries were adopting new aerial technology. Hearne makes the assumption that conflict with Germany at some point is inevitable, and identifies the airship as 'practically an invisible enemy'. At this point Germany had ten airships compared to Britain's one, and while the British regarded them as useful only for reconnaissance, the Germans had identified potential offensive uses. Reviews commended the book for its depth and numerous illustrations, but also suggested it was alarmist and anti-German. However, it brought the subject to wider attention, and was a factor behind the government's decision to invest properly in aviation research.

Preface to second edition
Introductory
Foreword
1. Flying machines
2. Balloons
3. Dirigible balloons
4. Balloons in warfare
5. Feasibility of airships
6. Applications and limitations
7. Aerial fleets
8. Armament
9. Terrestrial forces against airships
10. War in the air
11. Over-sea operations
12. Can England be raided?
13. Coast and colonial defence, tropical expeditions, etc.
14. Aerial navigation
15. Aerial law
Appendices
16. The commercial uses of airships
17. Aeroplane progress in 1909
18. Aeroplane racing
19. Aeroplanes of the year, and aeroplane records
20. Future developments in flying machines
21. The Wright military trials
22. Dirigible balloons in 1909, and airship fleets of the world
Index.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]