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airplanes should be of large gas capacity, high speed, and high ceiling, should patrol in pairs, and, if bad weather is encountered, fog or rain, they should be directed to the airdrome which is free from these conditions.  With the multi-motored type of plane which it is now possible to obtain, these surveillance airplanes would be almost as safe over the water as over the land.  In addition, should a fleet approach coast artillery elements or any long range artillery capable of attacking shipping, these same airplanes would be ideal ones for adjusting the fire of these defenses.  This is the true solution of the system for coast artillery observation.  Our coasts could be covered by seventeen flights, making a total of one hundred and two (102) airplanes. 
The observation air service which is required with an army for reconnoissance purposes (both visual and photographic), for the adjustment of artillery fire, and for liaison between the various elements of the ground forces should be so organized that it could take the offensive during the period of mobilization and concentration of ground forces, because during this time it will have no work with the ground forces and if not used actively against the enemy will have nothing to do.  These observation airplanes should be designed as two-seater pursuit planes with super-chargers so as to act at the highest altitudes, and should be 

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