Mediterranean hegemon

Radar, anti-aircraft guns and rockets are the three major weapons that can break the advantage of aircraft, and now they were suddenly revealed by Contini. Although the things he is currently describing cannot be equipped except for anti-aircraft guns, and they are not even experimental products. They are only concepts close to fantasy, but Douhet does not reject them narrowly, because "Supremety in the Air" also describes future wars. Imagine.

In Douhet's mind, the theory of air superiority is not based on the present but on future war strategies. It is estimated that it will be truly effective 20 years from now. He ambitiously hopes that this theory can be presented in a relatively complete form and be effective for 100 years. . The three weapons Contini mentioned either do not exist. If they exist, he must incorporate them into the air supremacy theory and make modifications.

"Second question, you highly praised bombers in your discussion, believing that fighter jets are defensive in nature, bombers are offensive in nature, and the air force's offensive nature is far stronger than its defensive nature. But I think this understanding is one-sided. Attack and defense will be in the future It will be balanced..."

"I saw a lot of air battles during the last war, and I don't think my opinion can stand up to the evidence."

"The experience from the last war may be good, but it may not be applicable to the next war." Contini smiled slightly, "Don't you think that fighter jets can't deal with bombers? I think that in the future, bombers will not be the opponent of fighter jets at all."

"How can I see it?"

"The first trend is that airplanes are getting faster, higher, and more powerful?"

"That's right!"

"In the future, the speed difference between fighter jets and bombers will be far wider. Now the speeds of the two sides are basically close. Even if there is a speed difference of 20-40 kilometers per hour, if the speed of aircraft can be increased to 600-700 kilometers per hour in the future, According to a similar ratio, the fastest fighter should be 150-200 kilometers/hour faster than the fastest bomber, which is a very lethal speed advantage. "

Duhei nodded: "Keep talking."

"The second trend is that the firepower is becoming more and more intense. Nowadays, aircraft generally only have one machine gun, and a very few have only two. The caliber generally does not exceed 8mm. Unless this kind of firepower directly hits the pilot's body or key parts, the fighter jet will not be able to defeat the bomber. , but with the increase in engine power, future aircraft may be equipped with 4, 6 or even 8 machine guns, and the caliber will also be expanded from 8mm to 20mm, 30mm or even 75mm. Of course, the body structure can also be strengthened simultaneously, but do you still think this kind of firepower Can’t the fighter jets defeat the bombers?”

Although Contini's statement was exaggerated, Douhet believed that it made sense: everyone was panicked as soon as the tanks appeared. Later, they found that artillery, especially direct-fire artillery, could deal with tanks more easily, and everyone felt more at ease. Of course, tank armor can continue to be thickened, but the armor-piercing ability of artillery will also gradually increase. In this process of spear tip or shield, the spear has an advantage, because tank armor cannot be thickened without limit!

"In your own words, offense is always more beneficial than defense, but in the specific tactics of air combat, fighters are offensive and bombers are defensive. Which one do you think is more advantageous?"

"What a boy, you actually learned sophistry!"

Contini was unfazed: as long as Douhet didn't get angry, he decided to finish the story.

"The third point is about the relationship between the independent air force and the army and navy. Let me not talk about the army first, let's talk about the navy first. I wonder what you think about aircraft taking off from the sea?"

"I don't think so..." Du Hei's face darkened, "It's normal for the navy to have a few seaplanes!"

"I'm not talking about seaplanes, I'm talking about carrier-based aircraft - aircraft that can take off and land from the deck of a warship and don't carry pontoons."

Du Hei glared: "Isn't this an aircraft carrier? Are you kidding me for not being good enough?"

"The Washington Naval Treaty stipulated the tonnage of aircraft carriers, which shows that various countries have certain aspirations for the use of aircraft carriers and aircraft, but I think they are still conservative. In my opinion, aircraft will not only dominate the sky and dominate the land, but also dominate the ocean...those The mighty and majestic battleships will all be killed by aircraft in the future. In 20 or even 15 years, aircraft carriers will replace the decisive role of battleships in naval battles, and the arrogant battleships will have to seek a position as a subordinate of the aircraft carrier. "

"Hahaha, this is what I like. Airplanes are destined to dominate everything, but..." Douhet stared at Contini and said, "Do you dare to say such arrogant words to your father? Let's see if he knows how. Beat you up."

The old Ciano was a naval officer in World War I and served in the traditional surface fleet until he reached the rank of colonel. Douhet's ridicule was obviously aimed at the traditionalists.

"Aircraft carriers will definitely shine in the future. Whether the traditionalists accept it or lose it, the historical trend is irreversible. But after the aircraft carrier is confirmed to be the main force and core position in the navy, what do you think of the relationship between the independent air force and naval aviation? To maintain the relationship? Should the Navy manage the naval aviation itself or should the naval aviation be unified under the control of the Air Force? "

"This..." Du Hei hesitated. It would definitely not work to control both sides, but it does not seem to make sense to confidently say that it would be under the control of the Air Force.

"Continuing to extend, if the aviation on warships is under the control of the navy, then who is in charge of the aviation on the military ports and islands?" Contini continued to ask, "For example, the island of Malta is a very important stronghold. If the Italian Navy occupies it and Do you think it is better for the Air Force to manage the deployment of aircraft to cooperate with fleet operations, and for the Navy to coordinate operations through complex coordination, or for the Navy to manage and coordinate within its own system? "

"You are so brave, you are staring at the British Malta!"

"Malta is a very key stronghold. If Italy wants to project influence to North Africa, effectively control Libya and expand in other directions, Malta will become an unavoidable bottleneck." Contini smiled slightly, "And according to your theory, air superiority It is the core key to victory in the war. If the British deploy powerful aviation forces on the island, this war will..."

"Are you sure you will fight the British instead of the French?"

"Who can say what will happen in the future? However, in order to radiate influence to Africa and effectively control the Mediterranean, Malta must control it. Do you think Italy can expand its power like Europe?"

Douhet shook his head: It is not easy to change the geographical and political map of Europe. Italy is not a seed player in the race for European hegemony. Not to mention Britain and France, even Germany, which is currently forced into dormancy, and Russia, which has just completed its revolution, are more powerful than Italy. potential, if Italy wants to improve its international status, the only way left is to explore Africa.

The discussion lasted until late at night and ended in the format of Contini asking questions and Douhet answering. Contini asked questions about the future, what-ifs, etc., and Douhet answered about his thoughts and possible responses, but the roles of both parties occasionally switched. Contini was not proficient in real air force theory, but At least for Douhet's thoughts on "Air Dominance", he can share the other party's subsequent improvement ideas, which can win a strong resonance.

Antonio, who was observing, did not understand aviation, but he understood clearly: The issues pointed out by the young master were all incomplete or not comprehensive enough in the theory of the minister. His focus was not on specifically refuting Douhet's views, but on more , deeper areas to help Douhet think about and improve his own theories - if the word "enlightenment" is too condescending.

Douhet was indeed very open-minded in this regard. He was not angry because of Contini's shocking words. Instead, he nodded frequently and said: "Your concerns are right on this point." "I completely understand this view." I didn't expect it", "If this is the case, further analysis, thinking and improvement are indeed needed", etc. You can see the clues.

In the end, Contini couldn't help but wanted to sleep, and Douhet still wanted to drag him to continue the discussion.

Early the next morning, the train entered Austria. Douhet, who had been thinking about it all night, became more and more excited: Although Contini's question was only a purely academic discussion, it had full practical significance and was of great significance to him. He was inspired, and the more he saw this young man, the more he liked him. Finally, he woke up the sleepy Contini: "Calais, you can work in the Ministry of Aviation after graduation. I will appoint you as the assistant to the minister!"

"My father wants me to work as an assistant minister in the Ministry of Transportation."

"No, no, you are his son. You cannot be the assistant to the Minister of Transportation. You must be careful about the political impact."

Contini yawned and stretched, and said in a tone of voice that he wanted to beat: "But the aviation department has no future. If it becomes an independent air force, I might be willing to go there and become a veteran of the air force in the future. Wait until 4. You can still be a general at the age of 50.”

"You kid, can you put aside your thoughts of getting promoted and getting rich, and use your energy to pursue a career in learning?" Douhet was angry and funny, "Who said in the newspaper that he would not hesitate to make Italy rich and powerful? Shattered into pieces? Do you want me to expose this hypocrite?"

"Uncle Duhei, are you serious?"

"It's settled, come and report to the Aviation Department as soon as you graduate! I can't treat you badly! I'll negotiate with your father!"

Antonio smiled slightly: It seems that the young master's challenge to the academic authority of the Air Force has been successful. Tsk tsk, Assistant Minister, this is a good position where you can advance, attack, retreat and defend...?