exceeding the flying
altitude of the Zeppelin. That the above calculation is within reason is
supported by the statements of Count Zeppelin himself, who has declared
that his airships are useless at a height exceeding 5,000 feet.
Confirmatory evidence upon this point is offered by the raid upon the
British East Coast towns, when it is stated that the aircraft were
manoeuvring at a height not exceeding 2,000 feet.

CHAPTER VI. THE MILITARY VALUE OF GERMANY'S AERIAL FLEET

Although the Zeppelin undoubtedly has been over-rated by the forces to
which it is attached, at the same time it must not be under-estimated by
its detractors. Larger and more powerful vessels of this type have been,
and still are being, constructed, culminating, so far as is known, in
the "L-5," which is stated to have a capacity of about 1,000,000 cubic
feet, and to possess an average speed of 65 miles per hour.

While it is generally maintained that the Zeppelins will prove
formidable in attack, greater reliance is being placed upon the
demoralising or terrifying effect which they are able to exercise. Owing
to the fact that from 3 to 5 tons of fuel--say 900 to 1,500 gallons of
gasoline or petrol--can be carried aboard, giving them a wide radius of
action, it is doubtful whether they could travel from Cologne to London
and back upon a single fuel charge, since such a raid would entail a
journey of about 600 miles. The latest types of this craft are said to
possess a high ascensional speed, which offers a distinct protection
against aeroplane attack. According to such official information as
has been vouchsafed, a Zeppelin, when hard pressed, is able to rise
vertically 3,500 feet in about three minutes. This is far in excess of
the ascensional speed of even the speediest aeroplane, of course, the
penalty for such a factor has to be paid: the loss of gas is appreciable
and may lead to the craft's ultimate undoing. At the same time, however,
it is able to maintain the superior position as compared with the
aeroplane for a considerable period: the upper reaches of the air are
its sanctuary.

Nor must the nocturnal activities of the Zeppelin be overlooked. So far
as night operations by these vessels are concerned, little has leaked
out, so that the possibilities of the airship in this direction are
still somewhat hypothetical. The fact remains, however, that it is
night movements which perhaps are the most to be dreaded by the enemy.
According to