only necessary here to draw attention to their influence. It would thus appear that there is nothing to be gained at the present time by attempting anything heroic in the direction of aeroplane design; the large machine will come (if it does come) by a natural process of evolution.
In contrast to the large machine the present author has frequently expressed the opinion that the single-man machine for many purposes would be able to effect all that is required of it (chiefly reconnaissance), and in this he has found himself opposed by the official specifications of the Departments concerned. However, the experience of the present war seems to indicate that there is something in this view, and it is more than probable that in the future the single-man machine will become a recognised type for military purposes. The advantage of the single-man type is that the machine can be altogether smaller and more compact, it can be designed to possess, speed for speed, a higher degree of inherent stability, and so will fly itself, leaving the pilot quite free to make observations and notes. Beyond this it is more difficult to hit and may more easily escape observation; it is also better to manage when it comes to alighting in a difficult situation. Needless to say, the single-man type is not a fighting type, although for bomb-dropping and such like duties it seems clear that the weight of a second man in extra bombs would be of far more value than the man himself.
§ 100. Aircraft bases at High Altitude. Aeronautical tactics will present many fascinating problems and opportunities to the air-fleet commander of the future, entirely without parallel in the pre-existing Arms of the Service, and there will be ample scope for originality and resource. Take, for example, the operations of aircraft in a mountainous country such as the Alpine regions of Europe; the selection of aeroplane stations or
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