cable, after extending
downwards a certain distance, is divided, one rope being attached
to one, and the second to the other side of the car. The two-bladed
propellers are disposed on either side of the car, in each of which a
500 horse-power motor is placed.

The Astra-Torres type of dirigible may be said to represent the latest
expression in airship design and construction. The invention has given
complete satisfaction, and has proved strikingly successful. The French
Government has completed arrangements for the acquisition of larger
and more powerful vessels of this design, being now in the position to
contest every step that is made by Germany in this field. The type has
also been embraced by the Russian military authorities. The Astra-Torres
airship has a rakish appearance, and although the lines of the gas-bag
are admitted to increase frictional resistance, this is regarded as a
minor defect, especially when the many advantages of the invention are
taken into consideration.

CHAPTER V. GERMANY'S AERIAL DREADNOUGHT FLEET

Although Germany, as compared with France, was relatively slow
to recognise the immense possibilities of aircraft, particularly
dirigibles, in the military sense, once the Zeppelin had received the
well-wishes of the Emperor William, Teuton activities were so pronounced
as to enable the leeway to be made up within a very short while. While
the Zeppelin commanded the greatest attention owing to the interesting
co-operation of the German Emperor, the other types met with official
and royal recognition and encouragement as already mentioned. France,
which had held premier position in regard to the aerial fleet of
dirigibles for so long, was completely out-classed, not only in
dimensions but also in speed, as well as radius of action and
strategical distribution of the aerial forces.

The German nation forged ahead at a great pace and was able to establish
a distinct supremacy, at least on paper. In the light of recent events
it is apparent that the German military authorities realised that the
dawn of "The Day" was approaching rapidly, and that it behoved them to
be as fully prepared in the air as upon the land. It was immaterial that
the Zeppelin was the synonym for disaster. By standardisation its cost
could be reduced while construction could be expedited. Furthermore,
when the matter was regarded in its broadest aspect, the fact was
appreciated that forty Zeppelins could be built at the