Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 682 Lingyun-1 Individual Soldier Flying Vehicle: Test Flight and Special Forces Recruitment

Fang Wen was thrilled after the successful testing of the new turbocharger prototype.

This signifies that Taishan Military Industry's aero-engine technology has truly reached world-class levels.

At the same time, only General Electric in the United States possessed this technology.

Even the British are still refining mechanical supercharging technology in the field of fighter jet engines.

The reason why the American P-40 fighter jet can maintain both high performance and low price is that it uses the Allison V-1710 inline engine with turbocharger.

This transformed the V-1710 from an air-inlet engine into a turbocharged piston engine, significantly increasing its performance.

Taishan's proprietary Xiluo improved aero engine uses mechanical supercharging technology. If it were replaced with a turbocharger, its performance could be improved by 20%-30%, which is a very significant technological breakthrough for aero engines.

To this end, while presiding over the work of the individual soldier flying vehicle project team, Fang Wen also mobilized engineers from the engine manufacturing plant to conduct engine upgrade and modification experiments.

The modifications are divided into two types.

V12 and V4 models.

Under Fang Wen's leadership, the engineers improved the cylinder structure in the experimental workshop, removing the original mechanical supercharger and replacing it with a turbocharger.

The structural changes were minor, and the improved engine performed well in subsequent tests.

The overall performance of the V12 engine is improved by more than 23% compared to the original engine, and there is even room for further optimization and improvement.

The V4 engine was made smaller in size so that it could be used in rotorcraft, and the precision of its components was also higher.

Fang Wen focused his main efforts on the V4 engine.

The key challenge in developing V4 engines lies in balancing the need for "small size" with the need for "high reliability".

To fit the fuselage space of the "Lingyun-1" single-soldier aircraft, the engine length must be controlled within 60 centimeters and the weight must not exceed 30 kilograms. This reduces the volume by 30% compared to the original model, but the components must withstand the higher pressure brought by the turbocharger.

The cylinder burst pressure soared from the original 6.5 MPa to 8.2 MPa, which ordinary cylinder blocks simply could not withstand.

To save time, Fang Wen simply lived and worked in the experimental workshop, working overtime with the engineers from the engine factory to continuously test and develop the engine.

One cylinder component after another failed to be prototyped, but each failure allowed Fang Wen to identify the problems and try to improve them.

After four days and four nights of intensive trial production, the V4 engine cylinder components met his requirements.

The assembled V4 engine was then tested.

There is still a problem.

Because the turbine size of a V4 engine is relatively smaller, it needs to reach the corresponding speed to match its performance. In other words, it takes about 3 seconds for the engine to reach its peak torque after starting.

This performance defect means it absolutely cannot be used in high-speed fighter jets.

However, this is not a problem for low-speed 'single-soldier flying vehicles'.

After all, Fang Wen's design for individual flying vehicles was never intended for direct assault.

With the V4 engine completed, the last missing component for the individual soldier's aircraft is now available.

Immediately, Fang Wen and the project team members began assembling the equipment.

The assembled "Lingyun-1" single-soldier aircraft needs to be test-flown to check its performance.

In response, Fang Wen decided to become the test pilot himself.

This time, his decision was met with opposition from various parties at the base in northern Myanmar.

Because of their lack of understanding of this aircraft, no one wanted Fang Wen to test fly it. To put everyone at ease, Fang Wen took the heads of various departments from the northern Myanmar base to experience this 'small plane' together.

4 month 10 day.

On the open ground next to the seaplane base, a man-sized single-soldier flying vehicle was placed, and the project team members were inspecting it intently.

Fang Wen brought Huo Duanyang, Jiang Wenjin, Lu Zexuan, Shen Weitao, Lin Yifei and others over.

"Look, this is the assembled prototype of the Lingyun-1 manned aerial vehicle. It is 2.7 meters long, 1.2 meters wide, and has a rotor diameter of 3 meters. It is powered by a rear-mounted propeller. Maximum level flight speed: 70 km/h, cruising speed: 55 km/h, service ceiling: 500 meters, endurance: 4 hours, maximum range: 220 km."

Everyone was surprised when they heard the data Fang Wen presented.

It is a 'small plane' that can only fly at an altitude of 500 meters and is very slow, only a quarter of the speed of the Shuiyun-1 civilian passenger plane.

But if it really can fly, you can imagine how simple it would be to operate.

Jiang Wenjin asked, "How does it take off and land?"

Fang Wen replied, "It can take off after a short run of a few dozen meters and land on unpaved surfaces such as grass, mud, and shallow water. Let's go, let's get closer and take a look."

The group walked up to the 'small airplane'.

The closer you get to it, the more you realize how small it is.

The plane only has one seat, and it's very narrow.

There is a little space behind the seats, which is used to store equipment and supplies.

Beyond that is the enclosed engine compartment.

On both sides of the engine compartment, there are small doors that can be opened, leading to fuel tanks with fuel inlets.

Fang Wen explained: "The empty weight of the aircraft is 80 kilograms, and the takeoff weight is 200 kilograms: including the weight of the passengers (70 kilograms), 12 liters of fuel, and 30 kilograms of other items."

"General Manager, how is the engine performance?" Huo Duanyang asked.

"The Taishan V4 turbocharged piston engine has a maximum power of 22 horsepower, 6-liter fuel tanks on each side of the engine, and a fuel consumption of 3.2 liters per hour," Fang Wen replied.

"So little fuel consumption?!" Bai Zeshan, the head of the semiconductor factory, was very surprised. Because his skills were not relevant, he had not attended the seminar and did not know the flight principles of gyroplanes.

"In fact, the engine does not need to be running the entire time during flight," Fang Wen explained.

He opened the hatch. "Now that you know about the small plane, you don't need to worry anymore. Everyone disperse, I'm about to begin."

The group exchanged glances, unable to find any words to dissuade him. After all, Fang Wen was China's top pilot; shouldn't he be able to handle such a low-speed aircraft with ease?

Therefore, they retreated.

Fang Wen lifted his leg and boarded the 'little airplane'.

Fang Wen's physique made the driver's seat feel a bit cramped.

In front of me is the dashboard: level, speed, direction, altitude, fuel level—simple and clear.

The control group (control stick, throttle) is located between the legs. The left hand controls the tail fin, and the right hand controls the engine start switch.

The project team came over and reported: "Visual inspection: rotor blades are undamaged, landing gear is secure, and there are no loose parts in the fuselage; equipment inspection: fuel level is sufficient, instrument display is normal, and the power system is idling smoothly."

Fang Wen nodded: "Begin the test flight."

He lowered the canopy, activated the engine brake with his right hand, and slowly pushed the throttle. The rear propeller of the aircraft spun rapidly, and the thrust propelled the fuselage to glide.

As the fuselage glided forward, the rotors overhead began to spin faster and faster.

The taxiing speed quickly reached 40 km/h, which is also the airspeed threshold of this small aircraft.

Fang Wen gently pulled the control stick back, causing the rotor to tilt slightly backward.

The resulting rotor lift causes the fuselage to lift off the ground naturally.

It's flying!

The audience was stunned!

It turns out that manned flight can be achieved without a high-powered engine or a very complex structure.

They cheered, waved, and applauded. Fang Wen glanced at the scene below out of the corner of his eye, but was not distracted and continued to drive attentively.

This time, he did not use his superpowers, but drove with the feeling of an ordinary person.

As the aircraft lifted off, Fang Wen maintained a gentle throttle and climbed, gradually adjusting to an altitude of 200 meters.

The entire takeoff process is very simple; with a little training and enough courage, one can fly it into the sky.

Next, it's time for the flight test.

Fang Wen activated his supernatural ability and inspected the aircraft.

The rotor mechanism is working fine, and the engine is running well.

He placed the control stick in the middle position to keep the rotor horizontal and maintain a constant speed and level flight.

The plane flew steadily at an altitude of 200 meters, over the sea airport.

On the water's surface, Fang Wen made left and right turns as he flew.

To fly to the left, gently push the control stick to the left to tilt the rotor to the corresponding side, while simultaneously using your left hand to make minor adjustments to the rudder, causing the fuselage to turn in the tilting direction.

To fly to the right, gently push the control stick to the right to tilt the rotor to the corresponding side, while simultaneously making minor adjustments to the rudder.

These tests were passed easily.

Next comes climbing and dealing with air currents.

Fang Wen pulled the control stick back, maintaining a low throttle for climbing, and the aircraft reached an altitude of 400 meters.

At this altitude, Fang Wen activated his supernatural ability, becoming one with the aircraft and sensing the surrounding airflow.

He flew the plane northward for several hundred meters and encountered a turbulence.

The airflow causes the rotor to rotate faster, which increases the rotor's lift. Small adjustments to the control stick are needed to change the rotor angle to maintain the aircraft's stability.

What if you encounter even stronger air currents?
There are also ways to deal with this, such as appropriately increasing the throttle to increase airspeed to counteract the effect, while avoiding sharp turns or large pitches.

At this point, the test flight is considered complete; only the descent remains.

Fang Wen flew the 'small plane' back to the airspace above the takeoff site.

But then he changed his mind.

This 'small plane' is piloted by someone else and may glide for 20 meters before landing.

But in his hands, he can glide for shorter distances, allowing him to land in more complex locations.

The vacant former semiconductor radio assembly plant opposite the Taishan Research Institute would be a good landing target.

He picked up the walkie-talkie on his right: "The landing area has changed. I will land on the roof of the vacant semiconductor assembly plant office building."

"General Manager, please be careful," a staff member said with concern over the walkie-talkie.

Immediately, the project team members left the seaplane base and ran towards the target area, with the others quickly following.

Before they even arrived, Fang Wen had already flown his 'small plane' over the office building.

Fang Wen gradually reduced the throttle, maintaining the airspeed at around 45 km/h.

Then push the control stick to lower the flight altitude.

300 meters, 200 meters, 100 meters, 50 meters.
As they approached the rooftop, Fang Wen gently pushed the control stick forward to reduce the rotor pitch angle and slowly descend.

A few seconds later, as the wheels approached the ground, Fang Wen reduced the throttle, kept the aircraft level, and allowed the wheels to gently touch the ground.

After the three wheels touched down, the deceleration brakes were applied, and the aircraft only taxied a few meters before coming to a stop.

The 'small plane' came to a stop.

Fang Wen opened the hatch and got off the plane.

He had just stepped off the plane when a group of people came panting up the stairs.

They looked at the 'little plane' parked in the center of the roof and breathed a sigh of relief.

Lu Chengzhi, a young engineer on the project team, put his hands on his knees and gasped for breath, "General Manager, you scared us to death."

Fang Wen laughed and said, "Such a slow aircraft is too easy for me. You mainly find it difficult because you lack flying experience. If you use pilots from the Independent Regiment, I only need to teach them once and they will be able to learn. Alright, I hereby declare this test flight a complete success. The Lingyun-1 single-soldier aircraft has already acquired the functions required for actual combat flight."

Everyone applauded to celebrate the birth of new equipment at Taishan Military Industry.

After the applause subsided, Fang Wen said, "Alright, everyone can go back to work now. Lin Yifei, stay here, I have something to talk to you about."

Huo Duanyang and the others went downstairs.

The project team disassembled the small plane on site, preparing to take it back.

Fang Wenze and Lin Yifei walked downstairs through the empty semiconductor assembly plant area, with their bodyguard Gong Xiuneng following behind them.

Lin Yifei, the factory director of the No. 2 aircraft manufacturing plant, asked, "So, should we allocate some of our production capacity to produce aircraft parts and V4 engines?"

Fang Wen's thoughts were racing.

Although the Lingyun-1 individual soldier aircraft was a success, no matter how cheap it was, it could not be used by ordinary infantry, but rather by special forces.

The special operations brigade of the Taishan Independent Regiment has not yet been established, so large-scale production is not required.

However, the production line and the workers who have mastered the corresponding production technology must be prepared in advance.

However, the No. 1 aircraft manufacturing plant currently has excess capacity.

The No. 1 Aircraft Factory produces civilian aircraft, and currently mainly produces the 'Xuanming-type long-haul seaplane' for Pan Am, used for transoceanic seaplane routes in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

However, due to the impact of the war in Europe, Pan Am abandoned its plan to open a new sea route in the Atlantic and took the initiative to postpone the delivery of the 'Xuanming-type long-haul seaplane', which led to the suspension of aircraft manufacturing at Plant 1.

Thinking of this, he said, "Lin Yifei, our No. 2 Aircraft Manufacturing Plant's production capacity is already very tight. Diverting manpower and resources to the Lingyun-1 single-soldier aircraft will definitely affect the original production plan. How about this, transfer people from No. 1 Aircraft Manufacturing Plant to set up a small aircraft manufacturing plant. You can do more work, so you can also serve as the plant manager of the small aircraft manufacturing plant."

Lin Yifei nodded: "Okay, General Manager, I accept the task."

"There's one more thing. I plan to fully upgrade the V12 engines currently in stock. The upgraded engines will be used in future high-speed fighter jets. In addition, I've decided to recall the four high-speed fighter jets of the Yan'an Air Force and replace their Shiro A1 V12 engines with Shiro A2 turbocharged V12 engines."

Fang Wen paused for a moment: "There's a lot of work to do, all of it is on your shoulders. Can you handle it?"

"No problem," Lin Yifei assured, patting his chest.

"Then I'll have to trouble you. I'll also be working with the No. 2 Aircraft Manufacturing Plant these next few days to keep up with the technology updates. If you get too busy, just let me know."

"Okay, then I'll go back to the factory."

Lin Yifei left in a hurry.

Fang Wen stopped and turned to look at Gong Xiuneng who was following behind him.

"Do you remember what I told you about the special forces team when we were in Yangjiang?"

“I remember. You said you wanted to gather a group of skilled people,” Gong Xiuneng replied.

“I’m currently unavailable, so this task will be assigned to you. Go to the headquarters in Yangon; Fang Shouxin from the administration will arrange for you to return to China to conduct recruitment.”

"Recruit from back home? Aren't you recruiting from the Independent Regiment?" Gong Xiuneng asked, puzzled.

"The Independent Regiment needs fresh blood, and the Special Operations Team will naturally be mainly composed of people from the Independent Regiment, but we also need to recruit a group of good people to supplement it. My idea is to send you to Yan'an to ask for help and borrow a group of people from the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army."

Upon hearing that he was going to Yan'an, Gong Xiuneng didn't say anything more.

Fang Wen thought for a moment and added, "After you arrive in Yan'an, just wait for news. After I finish what I'm doing here, I will return to China to handle the compensation work for the fallen soldiers of the Independent Regiment. We will meet in Yan'an then."

(End of this chapter)