if they need them for Arty observer, don't aircraft is qualified enough to do the jobs? not to mention everybody could use it, just need training. no mana needed. was it to provide additional CAS (Close Air Support) for ground troops? but again, don't aircraft is well qualified enough to do CAS instead?
I know one would be screwed if they dare to question logic in manga and anime (if we want reality, we go to 3D. don't need to waste time in 2D world). but I can't help but asking this, since this series so far is quite logical enough
I suppose this topic is more about aircraft VS Flight mage... because we don't have magic in our war I suppose aircraft could cover those jobs. However the problem lies with aircraft in their era isn't as advanced as the present in our world to be as combat effective as Mages. By Tanya's description in chapter 7, Mages has superior agility and mobility over all kind of forces in Imperial Army's arsenal and this is proven especially in their 203's inspection parade. Their air acrobat rival modern aircraft, and not to mention as arty observer... Mages are smaller target that could easily evade anti-air weapons, and also can make decoys. Unless they're hunted by their fellow mage, other kind of enemy forces would be hard pressed to hunt down an airborne mage.
Same reason for CAS, I think chapter 4-5 shows in short distance battle aircraft is sitting ducks when unprotected against mages. Flight mages, again in Tanya's description in chapter 7 has firepower of artillery. Well, there's their spell called 'artillery'
The upside of Aircraft in their era is... as machine obviously they can cover longer distance, and strangely not as obvious 'due to not emitting mana' so they would be undetected. Also... as mentioned, everyone who learn can pilot the plane.
Not really. Its mentioned later on that anti-aircraft guns can kill mages and are used against Tanya and her battaltion. Due to sheer size of shells and volume of fire.
Yeah, that's true and Tanya also lament about how no matter how tough her mage's shell is she would say no to testing it against any weapon with unspecified piercing power.
It won't matter much if they're agile enough to dodge and out of firing range. In their parade Tanya seems to emphasize 'dodging' a lot LOL for her wing. Unless they're under order to stand by and delay like in anime EP 08, anti-craft gun while a threat is still manageable for Tanya's wing. Dunno about other mages though, Tanya's men is the cream of the crop after all.