Chapter 736, New Equipment

When Wu Shaoting opened this folder, he saw that there were many engineering drawings and annotated texts. Most of these engineering drawings were hand-drawn sketches, and some more complete draft drawings. Just looking at these complex graphics, he couldn't see the reason at all. Fortunately, the annotated texts next to him revealed some meaning. It turned out that this was a mechanical design drawing about fighter aircraft carrying torpedoes and bombs.

"You invented a fighter bomb dropper?" Wu Shaoting asked in surprise. Although he remembered that there were precedents of fighter bombs carrying bombs during World War I, the battle has just begun now, and it is obvious that Zhang Zhicheng has basically completed the test of bomb dropping machinery. Even if dropping bombs is not an advanced thing, using aircraft to drop torpedoes is an amazing innovation.

"Look, that's right, but to be honest, this is not my credit. Those German engineers have helped me solve many problems, especially the movers connecting the chain and the operating rod. The bomb has completed the third phase of the test. With the horsepower of our current fighter jets, we can carry two five-kilogram bombs or a fourteen-kilogram bomb." Zhang Zhicheng introduced proudly.

"Can you release two bombs separately with them? Not yet, the movable device can only control one valve, so once the valve is released, both bombs must be placed down." Zhang Zhicheng shook his head and said.

"If you say that, it's better to carry a 14 kilogram bomb." Wu Shaoting said thoughtfully.

"This... to be honest, I personally think so, but the German engineer said that carrying two is beneficial to two, so that the attack range will be slightly wider, and it also said that it is beneficial to kill and damage the enemy troops hiding in the wounded trenches. Anyway, I don't understand military matters, the specifications of the ammunition carrier are the same. If you like to install one, just one, and if you like to install two, just two." Zhang Zhicheng said without objection.

"That's right." Wu Shaoting nodded, "Where is the torpedo?"

"The airborne torpedo launcher has been manufactured. Although it is a test type, it may need to be further modified." Zhang Zhicheng said with a smile.

"So, the airborne torpedo launcher has not yet entered the test?" Wu Shaoting asked.

"The ground test has been completed. Alas, it's a pity that the airborne torpedo launcher is relatively large and heavier. All of our fighter models are not suitable at present. We tried to unload all the machine guns and bullets of the fighter, and then install the torpedo launcher to take off. Unfortunately, the maximum flight altitude can only be limited to less than 100 meters. So I discussed with the German engineer and decided to build a larger aircraft first and equip a stronger engine." Zhang Zhicheng said.

"As you say, is it made in China to build a new aircraft?" Wu Shaoting thought that Europe had started war and Germany would definitely not develop projects that they did not pay attention to during the war.

"Yes, our Huangpu Machinery Company and Mawei Shipbuilding Factory jointly developed it, but the engine must be imported from abroad. At present, we are in contact with an American engine supplier. The new aircraft is manufactured smoothly, and the final shape can be immediately completed when the American engine is in place. If you have time, I really want to take you to see this new aircraft. This is a new work." Zhang Zhicheng said with sighing, which is quite a bit like a Wang Po selling melons.

"Haha, since you have said it, don't I believe it yet? I will witness your research results sooner or later. By the way, how big torpedo do you plan to carry to the heaven?" Wu Shaoting asked again.

"Oh, of course it can't be the kind of torpedo on warships and torpedo boats. How big a plane should such a large torpedo be carried? I forgot to tell you that while studying the airborne torpedo launcher, I was already studying the supporting torpedo bombs. However, there are no drawings here, and the design records of the airborne torpedo are in the office." Zhang Zhicheng said with a smile.

Wu Shaoting was very excited. Now he is determined to establish a large-scale fighter unit in China. However, if he only relies on a machine gun, it is obvious that the combat value is not as good as the reconnaissance value. In the past, the use of aircraft on the civil war battlefield completely relies on aircraft as fresh weapons to cause psychological impact on the enemy, and its real lethality is very limited. Now Zhang Zhicheng has invented airborne torpedoes, which are not only advanced weapons and equipment, but also bring new practical value to fighter jets.

He believed that airborne torpedoes would definitely increase the power of China's economy by a certain level, and at the same time rewrite the history of the world's military equipment, and even create newer tactics and troops. However, he was still a little worried that even if the aircraft-borne torpedo was successfully used, it would be difficult to exert all combat power with the current material and endurance of the fighter. Torpedoes are naturally used to deal with ships. When a ship can travel on the vast ocean, fighter jets must not only consider the range, but also the marine meteorology. A slightly strong sea breeze can cause flight failures.

Perhaps in the future, torpedo fighters can only act as short-range defensive troops in the nearshore period!

He nodded happily and said, "Zhicheng, I fully believe in your ability. I guess the airborne torpedo must have been reduced a lot, but since the torpedo is used to deal with ships, can the destructive power of small torpedoes penetrate naval armor?"

Zhang Zhicheng sighed, shrugged his shoulders and said, "To be honest, I can't guarantee it. The power of the airborne torpedo was indeed much reduced during the land test. However, I think fighters are originally a group combat organization. When they really went to the battlefield, a flight squadron dropped thirty small torpedoes on a warship. Even if they were not sunk, they could make it disabled. Furthermore, the fighter's degree of freedom is very high, and it may not necessarily attack heavy warships, or sneak attack light ships or supply ships."

Wu Shaoting felt that what Zhang Zhicheng said was reasonable. With the cost of aircraft and torpedoes, dozens of aircraft could be repaid as long as they could destroy a warship. In addition, aiming at supply ships and attacking small gunboats is a good way.

At this time, Zhang Zhicheng said again: "By the way, in addition to these projects that I am mainly busy with, I have also designed some infantry equipment. I think it should be nothing serious, just put it into production according to the format."

Wu Shaoting's military focus has been on the army. He asked curiously: "Is that so? What is it?"

Zhang Zhicheng took a very thin folder from the bookshelf and handed it to Wu Shaoting, saying, "These are the sketches I drew later. One is a military helmet, the other is a marching backpack, and the last one is a 38mm Chandler-style machine gun seat. Although the machine gun is relatively bulky and not conducive to mobile combat, if it is position defense, it can be used. This is more powerful than the Maxim heavy machine gun."

Wu Shaoting sighed secretly: The firepower is strong enough. Such a heavy and large weapon must be the priority target for enemy artillery. But he didn't care much about this. After all, Zhang Zhicheng was enthusiastic, not to mention that even if the machine gun is not suitable for use in land combat, it can still be used for air defense in the future. He exclaimed: "You are really mean. But... the shape of your military helmet is really unexpected..."

The helmet designed by Zhang Zhicheng is completely the armor of ancient heavy infantry, which almost covers the entire head. If soldiers are asked to bring such helmets to the battlefield, it will not only be bulky, but also hot in summer and soldiers in winter, which is very inconvenient.

"This is how you can provide maximum protection."

"Zhicheng, when I was studying in Germany, I had seen the German team assemble copper helmets, but it was definitely not heavy armor like this. Such armor not only consumes too much metal material, but also is not conducive to soldier design. Well, with the current capabilities of our Chinese factories, we can already produce helmets, so I have such plans." Wu Shaoting said.

"What should we design like?" Zhang Zhicheng asked purely curiously.

"That pen," said Wu Shaoting. Zhang Zhicheng found a pencil from the desk and handed it over. Wu Shaoting cut a cross-section across Zhang Zhicheng's sketch, turning the helmet into a semicircular shape, similar to the German army's m35 type helmet during World War II. "I remember there were a batch of stamping machines among the machinery and equipment that Germany assisted us in Germany, right?"

"That's right, the stamping machine has been handed over to my father's company, and I'm still going to use them to press the steel plates." Zhang Zhicheng said.

"Making a helmet is not that simple. The material of the helmet must be repeatedly stamped. You gave me an inspiration. I will write down the helmet production. I will leave it to the Ministry of National Defense to be responsible for this matter. After the detailed design and manufacturing plan is determined, he will then hand it over to the Guangdong factory for production." Wu Shaoting said, and he had already made up his mind. Although the helmet cannot be bulletproof, it can at least add some psychological comfort to the soldiers, and maybe it can also make some money from foreign trade exports.

"Okay then." Zhang Zhicheng nodded.

"As for military backpacks and machine gun seats, I think they are both very good. I will definitely mention this matter in a few days when I meet with the Ministry of Defense. However, the top priority is that I pay more attention to your airborne torpedo project, which is an absolutely valuable innovation. At that time, I will name the torpedo fighter "Zheng" fighter, which will definitely make you, the great military inventor, famous for your generation." Wu Shaoting said heroically.

"First it was the Zhicheng light machine gun, and now it was the Cheng-style fighter. Haha, you really praised me." Zhang Zhicheng said with a smile. Although he was kind-hearted, he was very happy.

"This is what you deserve." Wu Shaoting said.
Chapter completed!