WWII military commentator? Even a dog could be one.

Chapter 88 Acquisition of Lockheed, Jet Aircraft Ahead of Schedule

Noon on July 8, 1940.

The news from Europe shocked the United States.

The biggest topic of conversation for ordinary people remains the legendary commentator Sean Wayne.

"The curse maniac has been right again."

"Yes, Greece is in trouble."

"Sean Wayne's curse is an inescapable nightmare, hahaha, Europeans are going to have sleepless nights again."

"This is not a curse; he accurately predicted that Germany would carry out an airborne operation."

"Yes, is he really a wizard? I think he is."

Churchill even mocked his prediction that the airborne landing would fail.

"The British have all shut up now, hahaha!"

Laymen watch the spectacle, experts see the details.

German paratroopers have deployed a new type of automatic weapon.

This weapon nearly changed the course of the war.

The entire Colt company was energized.

"Assault rifle, it's an assault rifle! This is the best individual weapon Mr. Sean mentioned. My God, its appearance has almost changed the course of the war."

"We must develop an assault rifle. Has Winchester's M1 carbine been completed yet?"

"I heard it'll be soon."

"Ask them if they need technical support. If so, Colt will help them unconditionally. We're going to develop an assault rifle, a revolutionary weapon."

"Mr. Sean has always been right, and we must follow in his footsteps."

"Yes!"

Thor Manufacturing, General Electric, and even Lockheed were excited. In their eyes, Shawn Wayne was the Midas touch of war, never making a mistake.

Robert Gross paced excitedly back and forth in his office. "Contact Mr. Sean's secretary and ask him when he can visit Lockheed. We need him."

Sean lay lazily on the sofa reading the newspaper, his right hand clasped around his thigh and knee. His skin had been dry and itchy lately.

To be honest, he himself was shocked by the Germans. Their Operation Mercury should have been an airborne landing on Crete, but instead they airborne to Athens to carry out a decapitation strike.

The royal family and the commander-in-chief were captured in two hours.

This scene is so familiar.

"Oh My God."

Sean is completely confused now. History is deviating more and more, and he doesn't even know if things will become unfamiliar after World War II.

This time, it's entirely thanks to Italy.

If they hadn't messed things up, Germany wouldn't have rushed its Balkan plans, and Britain wouldn't have been able to develop the decoding machine.

"It seems the Greek campaign will end sooner than expected." Given the current situation, with Germany and Italy attacking from both sides, the two hundred thousand or so Greek troops in Bandus and Southern Albania will soon surrender.

The remaining six divisions' home defense forces will collapse in an instant, possibly in less than a month. This battle, which has lasted for half a year, has become so bizarre.

God, suddenly you seem so unfamiliar.

San Dezi looks a bit out of shape.

Hannie, standing to the side, failed to notice the grammatical errors in Sean's words.

His Excellency Sean's judgment is never wrong.

He said it would definitely be earlier than expected, that Your Excellency actually knew the time of Greece's surrender.

Kudos to Sean!

Hanni's eyes gleamed with intense fanaticism; at that moment, she was a fanatic.

Your words are the truth.

Another person, far away in Berlin, also had a fervent glint in their eyes.

Hiram clenched his fist. Your words were a prophecy.

This is an irresistible, mysterious force.

The patient's condition worsened due to severe superstition.

"Sir, Lockheed Martin called to inquire about your availability for their office."

Hanni stood to the side, speaking meekly and obediently.

Now she doesn't dare to look up casually, avoiding looking directly at sages, as that would be blasphemy.

"Can't wait any longer?"

Sean suddenly sat up from the sofa. He had left Lockheed out for more than ten days, which made them anxious. Now that news from the Greek battlefield had arrived, they were even more impatient.

It's time to meet the chairman of this future US defense industry giant.

"We'll head to Hollywood now."

"Yes, sir."

Mercedes-Benz Daimler left Sean's apartment and drove towards Hollywood.

Hollywood is located in the northwestern suburbs of Los Angeles. It was originally a village and was upgraded to a city in 1903. However, it is part of Los Angeles and has only a so-called honorary mayor.

Sean looked out the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Lockheed was still just a small bird; its headquarters hadn't moved to Maryland, and the world-famous skunk factory hadn't been built.

It's exciting to think about. The B-1B strategic bomber, the F-117, the F-35, the C-130 Hercules, and even the fastest aircraft at the time, the SR-71 Blackbird, were all developed by this small factory hidden in the plains of California.

Skunk Works has consistently been at the forefront of the world in stealth coatings and stealth fighter jets.

"Hanni, I'm rich now, right?"

Sean's voice came from behind the car.

"Yes, you are very rich."

Hanni answered affirmatively.

That's settled.

Sean was inwardly laughing hysterically.

Influence alone is not enough, nor is a strong network of contacts; even having a military company is not enough; one also lacks a strong ability to generate revenue.

Defense giant Lockheed Martin is the best choice.

Complete the last piece of the puzzle.

Now that he can protect himself, will the US hand him over?

Sean Wayne is America's own hero.

He was already in an invincible position.

Upon hearing the news that Sean Wayne was about to arrive at Lockheed Aircraft Company, the company's two largest shareholders, the Robert brothers, along with the management team, stood downstairs in the simple company building, eagerly awaiting his arrival.

A stylish Mercedes-Benz Daimler pulled up to the side of the road, followed by a Ford Explorer.

This display of force startled Robert.

Heidel and his men got out of the car first, keeping watch over their surroundings; Lord Sean's safety was their mission.

He looked left and right before opening the car door.

The moment a foot touched the ground, it drew the attention of everyone at Lockheed.

A relaxed, casual style of dressing, with his shirt not tucked in, seems to have become Sean Wayne's signature look.

This unconventional style is indeed Mr. Sean's.

Robert stepped forward excitedly and extended his hand.

"Mr. Sean, welcome, welcome, we've been waiting for you."

He hoped to get Sean's help.

To ensure his company stands out in the future wars, rather than being marginalized, only Sean Wayne can help him.

Sean also extended his hand.

The two held hands tightly.

"I want to acquire your company."

What?

What did you say?

We came here to ask you for advice; we didn't think of anything else.

This answer was completely different from what they expected.

Sean made a surprising statement.

They might even be blunt: "Yes, I've got my eye on your company. Sell it to me."

The scene was awkward; the person who arrived was not a savior but an ambitious schemer.

"Mr. Sean, your words put us in a difficult position."

Robert said awkwardly that he had also bought Lockheed Seaplanes from the Lockheed Brothers for $50,000.

Now Sean shares the same idea as him.

But Robert doesn't intend to sell.

"Mr. Robert, during the Great Depression, you bought Lockheed, but it went bankrupt quickly and was acquired by Detroit Aircraft, which also went bankrupt."

You should know that anything can happen in this day and age.

Lockheed is a small company with limited technology, unable to compete with the big companies for orders. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't even have gotten a parts manufacturing order this time.

Robert remained silent.

"Only I can make Lockheed a US military giant. I only need controlling interest; you brothers will still run the company. Think about the future; the shares you hold will make you billionaires."

Lockheed will also become a favorite of the U.S. War Department.

"We'll think about it."

"No need to think about it. I will buy 60% of the shares for one million US dollars and point out the direction for your future. We will definitely succeed."

$100 million was a considerable sum for Lockheed at the time.

Looking at the hesitation on Robert's face.

Sean naturally understood that Lockheed's Lightning fighter jets would soon be officially purchased by the US military. The P-38 also had another name: Twin-Winged Devil.

It is most famous for carrying out the mission of shooting down Yamamoto Koroku.

Currently, most of Lockheed's orders are for licensed production and spare parts.

This was far from enough for Robert, who was eager to succeed; he hoped to make the most of this opportunity in the war.

"Mr. Sean, please come inside to talk."

Robert gestured an invitation.

The group entered the company. The environment here was far inferior to that of later generations, and Norma's scale was too small, with not many people.

When they saw Sean walk in, many people still hid to the side and whispered among themselves.

Looking at the L-10 Electra twin-engine sports jet model displayed in the company lobby, Sean walked up to it curiously. This was Lockheed's first self-developed aircraft, and it should be said that it was a relatively well-selling product. Although only 40 were produced, it was still an achievement during the Great Depression.

Moreover, this aircraft was later improved into the prototype of the Hudson bomber.

"Could you send me a small model?" Sean asked, pointing to L-10.

"Of course." Robert smiled happily; this was a good start.

Sean led the way upstairs. "Your funds aren't very plentiful, are they?"

coming!

Robert nodded honestly.

Have you ever thought about making a ground receiver for paratroopers?

"Paratrooper ground receiver?"

"It's a ground guidance beacon for paratroopers."

This is not technically difficult at the moment.

But Sean knew that even Germany, which was at the forefront of the world's airborne forces, hadn't done so, because they were currently upgrading their communications.

Unlike radios, guidance beacons are transmitters that help aircraft quickly locate airdrop sites.

Although this thing is inconspicuous, it is very effective in actual use in airborne operations.

The Air Force first needs to find the airdrop location.

Upon receiving ground signals, the aircraft can accurately reach its drop position.

It's worth noting that there are many comical examples throughout history of people submitting their documents to the wrong place.

"A signal transmitter?" Robert knew that this was indeed not difficult to obtain.

The key is its usefulness.

"Hmm. This unassuming little thing will at least allow you to earn some money in an environment without competition."

Of course, Sean's Midas touch is quite crude, as seen in the current quick-release parachute design.

This is equally important for paratroopers.

However, Lockheed is not an equipment package company, so giving them to them would be useless.

"Write it down." Robert gladly accepted Sean's offer, but that wasn't enough.

Hanni took notes, listening intently as well; these were all requirements of the German Air Force.

Robert led Sean past a design studio where many engineers and designers were working.

Upon seeing a group of people enter, they immediately stopped.

"Mr. Sean, how long did it take for Greece to be defeated?"

"Mr. Sean, will Germany attack Britain?"

A group of people were as excited as if they had seen a celebrity.

Robert was a little embarrassed. "Mr. Sean, I'm sorry."

Sean waved his hand and walked into the design studio. "Yes, Germany will attack Britain."

Hanni's eyes nearly popped out of her head. The Sea Lion Project isn't even finished yet, and you already know about it?

Becoming Sean Wayne's enemy is terrifying; she can't even imagine it.

He is the best early warning machine.

"Mr. Sean, what is the best kind of airplane?"

I heard that after you said in Las Vegas that the best rifle was the assault rifle, many people laughed at you, including former West Point superintendent MacArthur. But this time, Germany used a completely new automatic weapon.

"Yes, that's an assault rifle."

"Wow!" Everyone exclaimed. Sean Wayne was not only a prophet, but also the historian of weapons and equipment development.

"My God, this weapon changed the course of the war. Greece was beheaded in two hours, and Athens fell."

Hearing the shouts below, Robert's heart raced even faster. What would Sean Wayne say today?

"Mr. Sean, what's the best airplane you can imagine?"

Sean laughed as he walked to the blackboard, looked at the sketch of a two-winged demon on it, turned around, and said, "Jet plane."

"jet plane?"

The scene fell silent instantly.

Sean's forward-thinking ideas once again amazed everyone.

Good heavens, he really has an idea! Robert clenched his fist excitedly. This is Lockheed's chance.

Jet planes? Hanni was stunned. Wait a minute, Germany has those.

The HE-178 made its maiden flight in 1939.

However, it is not valued.

In 1942, Mercedes-Benz designed and produced its first jet fighter, the ME-262, but the young artist insisted on turning it into a bomber.

What a pity! It's not that Germany lacks technology, but rather that it likes to mess around.

Sean sighed, thinking that in the era of dogfights between airplanes during World War II, the advantages of jet fighters were obvious.

The speed of light alone is enough to crush it.

"Mr. Sean, could you elaborate?" Robert stepped forward excitedly, raising his hand, his meaning clear: write it all down.

"The core of a jet aircraft is naturally the jet engine, which generates thrust by ejecting high-temperature, high-pressure gas."

The people present were all tech-savvy; they nodded in agreement without Sean needing to explain.

"Air intake, combustion. I think swept wings can improve maneuverability."

Swept wings?

Many designers are sketching.

My God, Your Excellency is omnipotent.

Hanni silently took notes.

Sean didn't think he knew much about it; it was all common sense, and he could only give a general overview.

But the idea is the most important thing; during World War II, no one thought they would ever land on the moon.

"Can it really be done?" many engineers asked excitedly.

Of course we can! We've even test-flown it in Germany.

Hanni thought it with certainty.

"Of course, many countries have this idea. The idea itself is not ridiculous. The key is that we move towards our goal."

Clap clap clap.

A round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

I like technicians; they're easy to fool.

Sean kept laughing; it was much more comfortable than chatting with those laymen, and no one questioned him.

The group entered Robert's office, and the chairman gently closed the door.

"Mr. Sean, while your idea of ​​jet aircraft is very appealing, with our current technology, starting from scratch would require a lot of funding for research and development."

"What if you have mature technology, along with manufacturing processes and design drawings?"

"Our engine is somewhat lacking."

"What if it were also there?"

What?

Robert's expression froze slightly. "If you have it, I'll sell the company to you."

"make a deal."

Sean reached out his hand and looked at Hanni strangely.

Hanni stood to the side, nodding subconsciously, understanding, Mercedes-Benz Daimler, right?

I understand completely.

Given Sean's current status and prestige in the Air Force, if he wants something, it's a piece of cake.

Hanni believes that Goring is going to be busy again soon.

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