A spotting aircraft could direct Queen Elizabeth's eight 15-inch guns onto a target. That gave it access to more destructive power than its own early bombs and unreliable torpedoes could deliver. Madden's demand for numerous artillery-observation aircraft followed the weapons available in 1919. Aviation could therefore improve the effectiveness of battleships while other forms of air attack developed.
Notable Point · 14:49-15:34
Gunfire spotting harnesses battleship firepower
A spotter directing Queen Elizabeth could bring eight 15-inch guns onto a target when aircraft bombs and torpedoes remained limited.