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Rh difficulties of design are not confined to the weight problem; the gun would have a length from muzzle to breech of 4 ft, or 5 ft., in addition to about 1 ft, representing its movement on recoil, as permitted by the buffer mechanism. To accommodate such a weapon, with reasonable freedom in elevation and traverse, would almost require that the gun be designed first, and that the aeroplane be designed round it. The difficulties can only be properly appreciated by taking a drawing-board and paper and endeavouring to find a practicable solution. Beyond the initial difficulties of the problem, it is very doubtful whether it will be found to pay to attack a hostile aeroplane with so large a shell as required by the 14 oz, limit. If a thoroughly sensitive fuse were available, so that the shell would explode on impact with canvas, matters would wear a different aspect, for the wing spread of an aeroplane presents a target of respectable size. However, as things stand, with a total of only about 100 rounds at command, and so small and elusive a target, it is doubtful whether, save under very exceptional circumstances, it would pay to throw away ammunition in pursuit. If the problem be that of attacking a dirigible, it may be considered more hopeful; there is actually more to hit, besides the fact that the aeroplane, in the matter of speed, has the balloon always at a disadvantage; here again the importance of a sensitive impact fuse is paramount.

The necessity for being sparing in the use of ammunition must not be taken to mean (as sometimes represented) that there is no advantage in rapidity of fire, but rather the contrary, and any aeroplane armament gun must be essentially a quick-firer, if not actually automatic or semi-automatic; it is of vital importance that when the opportunity does occur, the utmost use should be made of it. When an aeroplane is within