Air patrols imposed operational pressure as well as delivering weapons. RNAS aircraft systematically searched thousands of square miles around the Channel approaches and attacked many of the U-boats they sighted. Because First World War submarines spent much of their patrol time on the surface, the mere appearance of an aircraft could force a dive and consume endurance. Confirmed sinkings therefore understate the reconnaissance and suppression value of early naval aviation.
Notable Point · 21:41-23:18
Aircraft as an anti-submarine patrol tool
World War I seaplanes could search for surfaced U-boats, force dives, and reduce submarine endurance even when they did not score a confirmed kill.