Airships in Peace and War
Being the Second Edition of Aerial Warfare
Cambridge Library Collection - Naval and Military History Series

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.