Dawn of Planes

As Mehmet gazed out over the bustling shipyards of Istanbul, he felt a surge of determination. The Ottoman Empire, once perceived as a waning power, was on the verge of a remarkable transformation. In his vision for a modernized military, the air force would play a pivotal role, allowing the empire to project power across continents. He recognized that to stand shoulder to shoulder with the great empires of Europe, he needed to innovate beyond traditional military capabilities. Thus, he turned his focus to building a formidable navy and, more ambitiously, an air force.

Mehmet initiated a groundbreaking program for developing biplanes and bombers. Inspired by the burgeoning possibilities of aviation, he envisioned a fleet capable of reshaping the dynamics of warfare. His plans were met with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism among the military elite. To gain their support, he hosted demonstrations showcasing the potential of aerial warfare, drawing attention from not only Ottoman officials but also foreign diplomats eager to witness the empire's resurgence.

To equip his biplanes and bombers effectively, Mehmet outlined a comprehensive arsenal. For the biplanes, he opted to mount light machine guns, particularly the Maxim gun, known for its rapid-fire capabilities. This would give pilots the ability to engage in dogfights and provide ground support with precision.

The bombers would carry an array of weaponry, including incendiary bombs designed to ignite enemy encampments and disrupt their supply lines. Fragmentation bombs would scatter shrapnel over a wide area, effective against troop formations, while high-explosive bombs would target key military installations, allowing the Ottomans to strike from above and gain a strategic advantage.

Additionally, Mehmet commissioned the development of small, guided rockets that could be attached to the bombers, giving them the ability to execute precision strikes against fortified positions. He also envisioned aerial cannons, artillery pieces specifically designed for aerial application, which would enhance the firepower of the bombers and enable them to engage both surface targets and naval vessels.

With the development of the air force well underway, Mehmet felt a renewed sense of purpose. The promise of an aerial force equipped with innovative weapons would not only bolster the empire's military strength but also serve as a formidable deterrent against foreign powers. As he stood before his advisors, sharing the details of the aircraft capabilities and their strategic implications, he saw the spark of enthusiasm igniting within the room. His vision was becoming reality, and the Ottoman Empire was preparing to take to the skies.