From the Chairman of the Air Fleet Department, Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich
Abstract Generated abstract
This appeal reviews the early development of Russia’s military air fleet and argues for renewed voluntary donations to sustain and expand it. It reports the funds collected, the establishment and growth of the officers’ aviation school at Sevastopol, the number of trained aviators and aircraft acquired, and the planned transfer of the school to Kacha to accommodate newer aircraft. Comparing Russia’s efforts with state and private support for aviation in France, Italy, Germany, and neighboring countries, the text warns that Russia risks losing its strong international position unless aviation training and procurement are accelerated.
Full Text
From the Chairman of the Air Fleet Department, Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich
Russia’s air fleet must be stronger than the air fleets of our neighbors. This should be remembered by everyone to whom the military might of our homeland is dear.
Two years ago I issued an appeal, asking for donations for the creation of an air fleet.
During this time 226,923 rubles in donations have been received; in addition, for the creation of an air fleet, in accordance with the donors’ wishes, 880,000 rubles remaining from the sums donated during the Russo-Japanese War for strengthening the navy were allocated.
The Air Fleet Department of the Special Committee, established by IMPERIAL command for the strengthening of Russia’s military fleet through voluntary donations, set as its first task the formation of a corps of military aviators, and for this purpose an officers’ aviation school was founded in Sevastopol.
In November 1910 the school began its work, and in August 1911 it was already able to command 19 airplanes and 20 aviators for the maneuvers of the St. Petersburg, Warsaw, and Kiev military districts. In November 1911 the first aviators graduated, 30 men in number. The composition of the school, which in November 1910 had 18 officers and 20 lower ranks with 6 airplanes, had by April of the current year increased to 102 officers and 200 lower ranks with 55 airplanes. At the present time, in view of the acquisition of new high-speed airplanes, part of the officers’ aviation school has been transferred to the Kacha River, 12 versts north of Sevastopol, and in the winter of the current year the entire school will move to the new site. By the end of the year the school expects to graduate up to 100 military aviators. In two years a total of 77 airplanes have been purchased abroad and built in Russia. Thus, the Air Fleet Department, to the extent of its powers and means, is doing everything possible, but the need for military aviators exceeds many times over the number that the school can train. The valiant spirit of our army and the selfless courage of its officers are shown by the fact that the number of those wishing to enter the school exceeds 1,200 men.
II
France, Italy, and our neighbors, having come to the conclusion that airplanes are necessary for the army—as scouts and as a means of striking the enemy from above—do not spare state funds for the creation of an air fleet. At the same time, in these countries large sums are being collected for this purpose through private donations; in Germany, an aeronautical committee has been formed to collect donations, under the chairmanship of the Emperor’s brother.
There can be no doubt that if we do not make every effort to develop what has already been begun, we shall lose the place—second in the world—that we now occupy with respect to the air fleet, and shall fall behind our neighbors. The danger of the situation is clear; this must not be allowed, and I again consider it my duty to issue an appeal for donations to the air fleet.
Chairman of the Air Fleet Department,
Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich.
From the Editors: Donations are accepted at the Office of the Court of HIS IMPERIAL HIGHNESS Grand Duke ALEXANDER MIKHAILOVICH, St. Petersburg, Ofitserskaya 35.