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ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRING (page 12). It is not believed that it is possible to determine even approximately the results of the deviations of bursts by visually estimating them from the ground. Paragraph 31 a. - This assumes an ideal condition for the use of anti-aircraft. Consideration is not given to the fact that anti-aircraft and searchlights are vulnerable to attack by Pursuit and Attack Aviation, searchlights offering a particularly excellent target, nor to the fact that bombers by the use of parachute flares can shield themselves from the view of the anti-aircraft and searchlight personnel. Paragraph 31 c.- This is in error in stating that a constant altitude, speed and course maintained by bombers engaged on bombing missions is not an abnormal condition. It is only necessary to maintain a constant speed, altitude and direction for a distance of one-half of a mile from the target to do effective bombing. Previous to that time altitude, speed and course will be varied to counteract the effect of anti-aircraft fire. 2. DISCUSSIONS AND DEDUCTIONS (Page 16). It is not believed that sufficient data was obtained in the investigation and analysis of fundamentals nor that the data derived can be assumed to be sufficiently correct to warrant definite conclusions being made to the questions demanded by the War Department. Power - (Paragraph 35.) While the shell and the bomb of appropriate size are adequate in power if properly placed with respect to the target, it is believed that the bomb has the advantage for the reason that fatal effects can be obtained either with a direct hit on any portion of the ship, or by an under-water explosion within 50-feet, which normally should result in either sinking the vessel or putting it out of action. On the other hand, for the shell to produce a fatal effect, it must hit some vital part of the ship. While no records are available of the effects of modern Coast Artillery fire on battleships, the results obtained by guns of similar power from naval vessels show in general that the ship is put out of action or sunk, not as a direct result of the explosive power of the shell, but as a result of the explosion of the magazines or boilers resulting from the hit. The bomb is not comparable to the torpedo shell. Attention is invited to paragraph 3-c, of the attached study of this report, by Captain W. H. Hale, which is concurred in. Accuracy. (Paragraph 36.) Bombardment, when properly employed in conjunction with Pursuit and Attack Aviation, can launch its bombs from the most advantageous altitude for bombing and under such 4
