Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 661 Second-Generation Aircraft Modification and Test Flights, Joint War Conference

Fang Wen's prototype Taishan multi-barrel aircraft machine gun (Gatling type) successfully completed its first live-fire test, with excellent results.

To ensure that the project team's engineers had a clearer understanding of the new weapon, Fang Wen held a new weapon report meeting the day after the live-fire test.

At the start of the meeting, the engineer responsible for compiling and recording the test data came to the stage.

"At this meeting, I will be presenting the live-fire data of the new weapon," he paused and looked at Fang Wen, "Before presenting the data, I want to say that our general manager is simply a genius. The weapon he invented and manufactured has overturned my understanding of machine guns. It's simply amazing."

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience. Fang Wen waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's get to the data."

The applause stopped, and the engineer continued his report.

"For this live-fire test, I used the 12.7mm M2 aircraft machine gun commonly used in the Taishan fighter jet as a comparison. Next, I will describe the parameters of the two weapons one by one."

He spoke eloquently, and the engineers below listened attentively, taking notes on paper as they went.

These data clearly demonstrate the performance of the two machine guns, and also allow everyone to clearly see the outstanding features of Taishan Aviation.

After the engineer finished his report, Fang Wen took the stage.

"What did everyone see from the test report data? You can ask any questions here."

The engineers all raised their hands, and Fang Wen called on one.

The man stood up and said, “General Manager, the multi-barrel Gatling gun you developed has a rate of fire that is six times that of the M2, and its firing rate in a short time is astonishing. But there is one thing I don’t understand: why is the heat dissipation effect better than the M2 despite such a high firing rate? It doesn’t even have the problem of needing to cool down or replace the barrel after a long period of firing like the M2 does.”

Fang Wen explained, "The key is the multi-barrel rotating natural air-cooled heat dissipation structure, which eliminates the need for additional water cooling or forced cooling devices. It achieves efficient heat dissipation through a unique mechanical design. Imagine, the four barrels sequentially complete loading, firing, and ejection during rotation, with each barrel only handling 1/4 of the total firing volume's heat dissipation. This method also creates a heat dissipation time difference; the barrel fires only once per rotation, significantly extending the non-firing time and providing ample opportunity for heat dissipation. Therefore, this structure can continuously fire 1,000 rounds without overheating, thus greatly extending the barrel's lifespan."

Then he called on another engineer who raised his hand.

The engineer asked, "The M2 machine gun we used before had a range of 1500 to 2000 meters, while the Taishan multi-barrel Gatling gun uses 7.92mm bullets and has a range of only 800 to 1000 meters. Will the shortened range affect the actual combat situation?"

Fang Wen nodded: "Your question is very good. I must explain it to everyone here so that all members of the project team can understand my thinking."

He stood up, walked to the blackboard, and picked up the chalk.

He wrote and spoke at the same time.

"Through two years of combat experience, I have gained a deep understanding of air combat. Given the current technological conditions, aircraft performance, and pilot skills, I don't think firing range is the optimal choice. Air combat is all about accuracy. While the old 12.7mm machine guns could hit targets more than 1000 meters away and had good penetration, was it necessary? I don't think so. No matter how powerful the bullet, it's useless if it can't hit. In reality, in aerial combat, pilots only have 2 seconds to bring the target into aiming range. At the speed of the aircraft, the effective firing range will definitely not exceed 1000 meters. In fact, 300 meters is the optimal hitting distance. That is to say, we only need to fire as many bullets as possible within a firing range of 1000 meters to cover a wider area in order to increase the probability of hitting the enemy aircraft."

With that, Fang Wen finished writing.

He turned around. "Do you have any more questions?"

The engineer replied, "Yes, if we reduce the effective air combat firing range to within 1000 meters, that is, if we replace the M2 machine gun with the Taishan multi-barrel rotary machine gun, how many machine guns would a high-speed fighter jet need to achieve the effect you want, General Manager?"

"I will answer this question with mathematics."

Fang Wen pointed to the blackboard behind him.

He pointed to the calculation formula on the blackboard. (Firepower density = (Number of machine guns × Rate of fire per gun × Contact time) ÷ (Firing distance × Target cross-sectional area))

"Not long ago, a young girl in the UK calculated how many machine guns a Spitfire fighter jet should carry to achieve optimal hit rate. She designed a calculation model that considered ballistics, relative velocity, and hit probability. This inspired me, and experts from the research institute and I also designed a calculation model based on the aircraft data and machine gun data from Taishan. After the calculation was performed by the computing center, the results showed that our high-speed fighter jet, equipped with six multi-barrel rotary machine guns on both wings, can form a firepower density of 0.46 rounds per square foot at a distance of 310 meters within 2 seconds. In other words, as long as an enemy aircraft is within this firing range, it is basically impossible to escape the coverage of such a density of bullets, and this density of fire is enough to penetrate any aerial defenses."

An engineer below couldn't help but interject.

"General Manager, can the bulletproof shields on our gunship aircraft also be penetrated?"

Fang Wen nodded seriously: "Our gunship's bulletproof shields were developed to counter the Japanese devils' 7.7mm machine guns. If they were to be subjected to a barrage of fire from our multi-barrel rotating machine guns, they would not be able to withstand it, and penetration would be inevitable."

Through this series of reports and Q&A sessions, the project team's engineers gained a clearer understanding of the power of the new weapon developed by Fang Wen, as well as the ideas for modifying the aircraft.

Next, they disassembled the wings of the Qinyuan and replaced the structural components.

Fang Wen standardized the design drawings of the Taishan multi-barrel rotary machine gun and also standardized the production design of the parts.

These materials were combined to form the complete manufacturing process for the new machine gun. Engineers at the ammunition factory first conducted trial production, and only after they had thoroughly understood the process could they set up a mass production line.

(Taishan Type 2 First Generation Aircraft, the king of firepower for aerial interceptors, equipped with six rotary multi-barrel aircraft machine guns and one rocket launcher)
In early November 40.

The transformation of the Taishan first-generation aircraft is nearing completion.

Following Fang Wen's plan, the Qinyuan completed a magnificent upgrade to its weapon systems.

With six Taishan rotary multi-barrel aircraft machine guns and a rocket launcher, it was the absolute king of firepower in this era.

Its only problem is that it consumes too much ammunition, but as long as the hit rate is high and it can shoot down enemy aircraft, it is worth it.

After the aircraft modification was completed, Fang Wen prepared to pilot the Qinyuan for a test flight.

Inside the aircraft manufacturing hangar.

Fang Wen climbed into the cockpit of the plane, sat down, and used his supernatural abilities to sense the plane's condition as the engine started.

All good.

He took out the necklace hanging around his neck, which, in addition to the eye-shaped gemstone, now had a black bead.

Fang Wen pinched the black bead and infused it with energy.

The black bead instantly transformed from a solid into a liquid, flowing along Fang Wen's fingers and quickly reaching the control lever.

He then climbed into the aircraft by following the control stick.

This is Fang Wen's new ability: creating clones.

Although it has a volume of only 0.25 liters, this magical substance that can move freely and change form inside the aircraft can replace Fang Wen in performing many operations that were previously impossible.

Once the black substance had entered the pipe area, Fang Wen started the engine and steered the aircraft out of the hangar and onto the runway.

After a burst of acceleration, the plane took off smoothly.

The voices of ground personnel were transmitted through the radio equipment.

"General Manager, how are you doing now? Can we rule out the target drone?"

Fang Wen picked up the microphone: "The situation is very good, let the target drone take off."

"Yes."

A moment later, on the runway of the No. 2 aircraft manufacturing plant below, Zhai Xiaojun, a newly appointed instructor at the aviation school, took off in a Taishan high-speed fighter jet.

After the plane took off, it quickly flew in front of Fang Wen and activated the target towing device.

A white flower blooms in the air, being towed by the plane.

Fang Wen controlled the aircraft to approach and quickly completed the aiming.

emission.

Six multi-barreled aircraft machine guns fired simultaneously, covering the white towed target with thousands of bullets, instantly turning it into a sieve.

Even the towed target's connecting rope was hit by a barrage of bullets, causing the towed target to fall directly to the ground.

Zhai Xiaojun's voice came through the radio.

"Commander, this weapon is amazing! Could you equip our Yan'an Air Force with it?" "We'll definitely upgrade your aircraft. But the prerequisite is that you all have to come back and learn how to operate the new weapon system," Fang Wen replied, picking up the microphone.

“That’s great, Commander. You teach me first, and when they come from Yan’an, I can be their teacher. Then we’ll see if they call me instructor.”

"You little rascal, thinking about this? By the way, I'm planning to go check on the school. We'll go back together after we finish flying."

After exchanging a few words, Fang Wen continued with the flight test.

He controlled the aircraft's climb altitude, flying from the normal combat altitude of 4000 meters to an altitude of 8000 meters.

At this altitude, the aircraft is still relatively normal, except that the oxygen content in the air inside the combustion chamber decreases, and the combustion quality also decreases accordingly.

In the past, the air density in the fuel chamber was maintained by the compressor, but in some emergencies, even if Fang Wen discovered them, he would not be able to take control.

But now, with the black substance, Fang Wen installed a real-time control device on the Qinyuan engine, and this test flight was just to experience it.

He was highly skilled and daring, and controlled the plane to continue climbing.

The plane climbed from 8000 meters to an altitude of 10000 meters.

At this altitude, the temperature drops sharply, and the air pressure and oxygen content also decrease.

The engine compressor is working, but even so, the combustion chamber cannot function at full capacity.

Fang Wen touched the white beads on the necklace.

Inside the aircraft, in the engine room, black material flows to a newly installed control panel on the side of the engine.

The liquid seeped into the narrow tube and opened the backup high-pressure gas valve.

The injection of compressed air restored the engine to its 4000-meter operating state, and the aircraft's speed increased immediately.

Fang Wen smiled.

This attempt proved that his idea was correct. Since black matter can achieve this, then in the future, more customized improvements can be made to the Qinyuan based on this capability.

He flew at high altitude for a while, and as the high-pressure gas was consumed, he descended to a lower altitude. Half an hour later, the plane landed.

After getting off the plane, Fang Wen said to the testing team, "It passed. Let's finalize it based on this design."

The completion of the design meant that the production design of the second-generation Taishan high-speed aircraft could proceed. The staff present cheered, celebrating that a month of hard work had finally yielded results.

In response, Fang Wen smiled and instructed, "Have the canteen serve extra food tonight, and each of you will have one day off. If you want to rest, ask your factory manager."

This made the project team even happier.

Fang Wen then called Zhai Xiaojun, who was waiting for him on the other side, and together with his bodyguard Gong Xiuneng, they left the No. 2 Aircraft Manufacturing Plant and boarded a seaplane to fly to Yangon.

More than an hour later, the plane arrived at Yangon Sea Airport.

Inside the airport, Zhao Junping stood next to a black sedan and waited.

Fang Wen and the other two got off the plane and went straight over.

Seeing that there was no driver in the car, Fang Wen asked in surprise, "Junping, you've learned to drive?"

“Yes, I drove here myself. As an assistant, how can I not drive?” Zhao Junping replied with a touch of pride.

Gong Xiuneng patted him on the shoulder: "Then you're wrong. Our regimental commander always drives himself. I've been with him for so long, and I've never even touched a steering wheel."

Fang Wen smiled, opened the driver's side door and got in. "You know what's going on, so what are you waiting for? Get in, same old way, I'll drive."

The three quickly got into the car, which drove out of the sea airport and headed towards the Taishan Entrepreneurship Park in the city.

A dozen minutes later, the car drove into the business park and stopped inside the No. 1 aircraft manufacturing plant.

The group got off the car and headed towards the aviation school in the factory.

At this time, the aviation school was holding outdoor classes. Because Fang Wen had not notified anyone, no one from the school came to greet him.

This allows us to see the most authentic situation.

The group went up to the top of the teaching building and looked down from there.

On the playground below, Du Jiahuai is teaching the students.

Two groups of trainees stood on either side.

Fang Wen had excellent eyesight; he even noticed the look of disgust on the face of a Chongqing student as his gaze swept over the Yan'an student.

"Where is Bai Yunfei?" he asked.

"I'll go call him." Zhai Xiaojun jogged upstairs.

After he left, Fang Wen looked at Zhao Junping. Bai Yunfei's identity was a secret. Although Junping was a reliable child, it was best not to let him know.

He instructed, "Gong Xiuneng, you and Junping go down and talk to the teachers here to see how the two groups of students are getting along."

"Okay." Gong Xiuneng led Zhao Junping away.

After a while, Bai Yunfei, the school's dean of students, arrived.

He had already embraced this role, and it came naturally to him saying, "General Manager, you wanted to see me?"

“It’s just the two of us here, so you can speak more directly. I don’t think the relationship between the two groups of trainees is very good. What’s going on?” Fang Wen asked.

Bai Yunfei's face showed helplessness: "That's right. Those students sent by the Nationalist government are very arrogant and look down on our students. But their attitude towards the anti-Japanese war is the same."

It seems my plans came a little too early.

These flight cadets from Chongqing nowadays certainly regard the Nationalist government as the legitimate authority, so how could they possibly look down on Yan'an?

Thinking of this, Fang Wen encouraged Bai Yunfei: "It's okay, we can take it slowly. You should select students who are idealistic and patriotic. Don't say too much at the beginning, just focus on getting to know them."

"I understand." Bai Yunfei nodded solemnly.

At this moment, Zhao Junping jogged upstairs.

"General Manager, I just received a call from China. It's specifically for you. They say there's a joint meeting and they'd like to invite you to attend."

"Joint Conference?" Fang Wen had no recollection of this unfamiliar term.

But he still left the aviation school and returned to the company headquarters.

In his headquarters office, Fang Wen saw the telegram.

The telegram was very simple.

A joint meeting was convened by the Guangxi Clique, inviting representatives from the 12th Army Group stationed in northern Guangdong and various anti-Japanese forces in eastern and southern Guangdong to Guilin for the meeting.

Fang Wen, as the leader of the Yangjiang Independent Regiment stationed in southern Guangdong and the commander of the air battle in southern Guangxi, was also invited to participate.

This meeting was very meaningful, and Fang Wen decided to attend to see how the anti-Japanese forces in Guangdong and Guangxi were preparing for the upcoming war.

(End of this chapter)