Germany's naval flying detachments operated only two or three dozen aircraft, far fewer than its reputation in the dreadnought race might suggest. The fleet also had one naval airship in 1914, while the Royal Navy had built six partly in response to German airship development. Sixteen Friedrichshafen FF.19 floatplanes formed an important part of the German force. Their design drew on a British Avro 503 demonstrator purchased in 1913, showing that technical exchange crossed the same national rivalry. German aircraft later tried to intercept the British ships involved in the Cuxhaven raid and demonstrated genuine operational value. Their small establishment nevertheless supports the argument that concentrating resources on the battle fleet left other German naval capabilities underdeveloped.
Chapter · 41:10-45:24
Germany's naval aviation beyond the dreadnought race
Germany had useful aircraft and airships, but its naval air arm remained much smaller than its dreadnought reputation might suggest.