ARMY GUN CAN HIT AIRSHIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3339, 4 October 1911, Page 8

ARMY GUN CAN HIT AIRSHIP.

HAS SEVEN-MILE RANGE.

HURLS PROJECTILES CONTAINING HIGH-POWER EXPLOSIVES.

A now six-pounder gun, equipped with specially adapted high explosive projectiles and shrapnel shells to demolish aeroplanes and balloons in battle, has been perfected by the United States Army. It can be elevated at any angle and possesses a maximum, effective range of seven miles.

The construction of the now rifle has just boon completed at the Rock, Island Arsenal- Experiments with- it will begin at the Sandy Hook proving grounds within a fortnight. The Army •thus is in advance of the Navy in the solution of the problem of defence against airships. The' Navy only a few days ago conducted its first teste with the carriage of a one-pounder guar. The shells which this Army gun will hurl into the skies are described as remakable devices.Thev will be loaded with dunnite or the high explosives, -and cn bursting will send forth a shower of shot fin a cone-like area, similar to the performance of a, skyrocket, almost certain to strike an airship if aimed with any degree, of accuracy.

Other projectiles which have been designed for the new gun contain only a high explosive, which on exploding would wreck any airship near by. Following in the wake of these powerful projectiles will be tracers which will aid in aiming the gun on the course of a hostile airship. The tracers to bo used in daylight will be of smoke, while sparks will show the path of the shell at night. The sight of the new gun also has been perfected, designed to meet the changing conditions of the trajectory of a projectile fired at varying angles. The gun is the result of experiments held at 'Bandy Hook several months ago. In coming experiments the Army will shoot at balloons and box kites and possibly a real airship will be used for the purpose of sighting at 1 great distance.