Mystery Detective of the Steam World

Chapter 520 Is this even possible?

Good heavens, this is really something.

Li Wei stared at the huge crater in the distance, speechless.

When did you guys develop missiles with this level of power? If you hadn't told me, I would have thought it was a small tactical nuclear warhead!
Are you messing with me?

"Not bad, really not bad."

However, unlike Li Wei, the Queen was now looking through her binoculars at the distant crater, growing increasingly satisfied with her observation. Then, she turned to look at General Haig.

"General Hag, do you think this weapon could possibly break through the defenses of the Kingdom of Krant?"

"This... I think it should be fine."

General Haig, his face pale, stared at the massive crater, a chill running down his spine. This weapon was far more terrifying than cannons; after all, mortars make a sound when they fire, and people know to take cover. But this thing was fired from a hundred kilometers away; by the time you noticed it, it was obviously too late.

He even imagined the Krant army, what if he were standing guard or training here, and suddenly a shell fell from the sky without warning...

Thinking of this, General Haig couldn't help but shudder, and a hint of fear appeared in his eyes as he looked at Li Wei.

As an imperial general, he genuinely liked this thing, but as a soldier, he was truly terrified…

They were blasted into the sky before they could even see the enemy's face; that's terrifying.

Sir Levi.

Her Majesty the Queen turned and looked at Livy.

"This... missile, how do you launch it? I remember you said it could fly on its own and didn't need a cannon?"

This is something Li Wei mentioned when he introduced it to them. After all, it's useless to use those technical terms with laymen like the Queen.

"Of course, a launch bracket and loading are still needed."

"So, can it be used like a cannonball?"

"???"

Li Wei didn't immediately understand Her Majesty's meaning, and the Queen then offered an explanation.

"Now, aren't the Empire's warships capable of mounting dozens of gun turrets and firing simultaneously? So, could we build a warship and launch several missiles at the same time?"

“……………………”

Your Majesty, you're even more impressive than me, you've come up with the idea of ​​a missile destroyer!
"Your Majesty, the sea is not safe at present..."

General Haig hurriedly reminded them that Krant's chimeras were still wandering the seas and had clashed with the Imperial fleet several times. The Imperial fleet had inflicted some damage on these deep-sea chimeras with depth charges, but it could only be described as a back-and-forth exchange. After all, the chimeras were hidden in the deep sea, making them difficult for Imperial warships to detect. Although reconnaissance airships could spot them, it was often too late.

"Then, we can use an airship... By the way, I heard that the Cyclops's refitted version is outstanding? Could we put missiles on it?"

Li Wei could understand why the Queen asked that question; after all, being able to fly was definitely the best option, allowing them to go anywhere. Right now, the military factory was still using ground-based launchers…

Air-launched missile destroyer — this is getting more and more futuristic.

"It should be possible."

Li Wei gave an irresponsible answer: "Anyway, even if I were to be modified, it wouldn't be me losing my hair. Better to die for my fellow Daoists than for myself."

"Then it's decided, General Hao."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing the Queen's order, General Howe stepped forward speechlessly, drawing sympathy from the crowd. The reason was simple: the missile was indeed incredibly powerful, far exceeding the force of artillery shells… Therefore, it was clear that if anything went wrong… the Cyclops would likely disintegrate in mid-air, leaving not even fragments behind.

From General Hao's perspective, he really didn't want such a dangerous thing on his warship. However, unfortunately, he couldn't disobey the emperor's orders.

"The refitting of the Cyclops must begin immediately, Sir Levy. How many missiles do you have in stock?"

"There shouldn't be many... I didn't ask, after all, it's just a military factory with limited production capacity."

"Accelerate production as much as possible; this may be the key to ending the war, and the Empire will provide support."

"Yes."

The Queen remained as decisive as ever, making her decision on the spot, after which everyone naturally went home to do their own thing. Levi hurriedly went to the military factory to inquire with John about the contents of the missiles.

And when faced with Li Wei's question...

"Your suggestion when you left last time inspired me."

John smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

"Indeed, from a physics perspective, it is very difficult to ensure that a missile hits its target with perfect accuracy. After all, wind speed and direction at high altitudes will affect the missile's trajectory, and we can only reduce this problem to a certain extent."

"Reduce? How?"

"A difference engine will suffice."

John briefly explained it to Levi: Essentially, it involves installing a small differential engine inside the missile, an air intake in the warhead, and sensors inside. When the missile is launched, the airflow through the intake allows the small differential engine to perform basic calculations and then fine-tune the direction of the jet engine's airflow.

Well, Li Wei still didn't understand, but he knew that this small differential machine should be able to solve problems just like a chip.

As for the explosives inside…

“I found a colleague I knew before, Sir Levy, whom you've met before, on that train!”

"Ah, um..."

Li Wei immediately recalled the terrifying explosion of the Orient Express train... a truly unforgettable memory.

Do you think it's possible to install it on an airborne warship?

"Aircraft carrier?"

John paused, then began to think.

"That's certainly possible, and it would extend the range even further. However, there's still a small problem with the missile..."

"Ok?"

"We need to obtain the coordinates of the attack location and the launch location, then input them into the missile before it can be launched."

John explained to Levi.

"We were able to conduct this test because we knew exactly where the test site was and the coordinates were readily available. However, if we were to use it in actual combat, we would need the front lines to provide the location coordinates before we could launch it; otherwise, we wouldn't know where the missile would end up."

That's quite normal, since modern missiles also require coordinates. Artillery attacks also need them, but missile units need to launch from far from the battlefield, so orders can't be transmitted as quickly as they would on the battlefield.

"That's no problem."

Li Wei nodded.

"Then get ready, I think you'll be busy very soon."

(End of this chapter)