4 As such, Douhet advocated the battle plane design. He believed that this battle plane could be used for all purposes. He did not see the need for different types of aircraft for different missions, although he did recommend a small number of fighters to protect the bombers.
Mitchell's Theory of Air Power.
Like Douhet, Mitchell also believed in the capability of the airplane. In 1930, Mitchell wrote:.
The advent of air power that can go to the vital centers of gravity and entirely neutralize or destroy them has put a completely new complexion on the old systems of war. It is now realized that the hostile main army in the field is a false objective and the real objectives are the vital centers. The old theory that victory meant the destruction of the hostile main army is untenable. Armies themselves can be disregarded by air power if a rapid strike is made against the opposing centers.5.
(WWII: A Photographic history, Netherlands, 1998).
Unlike Douhet's concept of aerial bombing, Mitchell's concept was more on pinpoint and specific targets. (Above) The battleship Hyuga sinks after air raids on Kure naval base.
As such, rather than concentrating air attacks on population centres (Douhet's theory) or the main army, airplanes should be used as strategic weapons to strike deep into the enemy's territory, focusing on the inner cities, military related industries and other vital areas. Unlike Douhet's concept of aerial bombing, Mitchell's concept was to more pinpoint and bomb specific targets.
Mitchell also advocated that combat aircraft should be used in collaboration with or to support the land and sea forces, i.e. joint operations. Air power could provide offensive actions against ground and naval forces that could include close air support, anti-surface ships and anti-submarine warfare. .
Mitchell advocated that different aircraft types were necessary for different types of mission. An innovative Mitchell felt that there should be troop-carrying aircraft, long-range bombers, and even in his time, he encouraged the development of ski-equipped aircraft, bombsights for more accurate bomb delivery, engine superchargers and aerial torpedoes.
