Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1281 Turning Back the Clock of History (5k)

Low-altitude supersonic penetration has too high technical requirements and consumes a lot of fuel, but the advantages it brings are not significant, so it is unnecessary. For modern bombers, low-altitude high-pressure supersonic penetration, like that of the B-1B and Tu-160, is the most suitable.

Gao Zhendong's words reminded the comrades that the Zhan-7 fighter jet, which Gao Zhendong led the modification of, followed the same path after being equipped with Doppler radar.

Moreover, compared to high-altitude, high-speed penetration, this method is indeed much more difficult to deal with.

Having shot down many planes, the comrades have gained a lot of experience in shooting down high-altitude aircraft, at least they can see them at a glance.

As for high speed, it's like a person running fast can't compete with a bullet; if you get caught, it's a big problem.

"Should we also develop a low-altitude, high-subsonic penetration bomber?" The comrades in the army had fallen back into their old habit of wanting anything they saw.

In fact, Gao Zhendong also wanted to do the same, but unfortunately he didn't have the money.

However, he couldn't very well object to this right away, as it would dampen his enthusiasm. Besides, it's becoming increasingly inconvenient for him to express his opinions at the outset, for reasons that those who know, know.

He didn't speak, but the other comrades were having a very pleasant discussion.

"No need. We're not going to launch attacks at low altitudes, just defend. The Zhan-7 is sufficient. This aircraft has low-altitude penetration capability, a payload of one or two tons, and its precision-guided munitions are quite effective."

"Isn't the combat radius a bit too small?"

"It's not exactly small, is it? A combat radius of 500 to 800 kilometers, although not large, is sufficient to deal with any existing threat. The biggest threat, from the sea, is that the combat radius of carrier-based aircraft does not exceed this number. Under these conditions, an aircraft carrier absolutely cannot compete with land-based fighter jets."

After the 1990s, there was a period of time when there was an argument that aircraft carriers were invincible, as if the 70 to 90 aircraft on an aircraft carrier could wipe out the air force of any country.

This phenomenon stems from two main reasons. First, the British military's long and arduous expedition resulted in them picking on an easy target. Although this easy target caused them considerable damage, their propaganda machine greatly exaggerated the role of aircraft carriers. Frankly, given the conditions in the "Crying Country" (a fictional nation in the game), they didn't need to upgrade their equipment; simply replacing their personnel with any of the "Monster House" (another fictional nation) would have been enough to thoroughly defeat the British task force, which was essentially a makeshift fleet. For instance, expanding the airfields on the Falklands and deploying fighter jets there would have prevented their attack aircraft from being so badly damaged by the Sea Harriers. As for the landing forces… well, let's just say that starting with Season 2, the British army was actually quite weak, only really effective against opponents like the "Crying Country."

Secondly, while the article criticizes the Gulf War for its overwhelming victory over Iraq, it overlooks the immense effort Iraq went through to assemble those aircraft carriers, and how, having offended everyone, it also deployed significant air power from land to participate in the battle. Furthermore, Iraq lacks reliable air combat and anti-ship capabilities.

In reality, when the technological advantage of aircraft on an aircraft carrier is not that significant, the only way for an aircraft carrier to face a land-based air force of a certain size is to fly kites outside the enemy's combat radius, and it cannot afford to engage in attrition warfare, as the aircraft carrier's small number of aircraft cannot withstand such attrition.

When the enemy's combat radius is the same as the combat radius of its own carrier-based aircraft, the best option for an aircraft carrier is to stay far away.

Therefore, it makes a lot of sense that our comrades say that the combat radius of the Zhan-7 is sufficient even for ground/sea attacks.

"It's enough, but it still feels like something's missing, like a certain capability. We don't have a medium- to long-range bomber with sufficient penetration capability."

The copy of the Tu-16 can be considered a medium-to-long-range bomber, but its penetration capability is almost zero.

Gao Zhendong laughed: "That's easy. We can install terrain radar on the Z-6 bomber, which can effectively reduce the Z-6's sea penetration altitude to between 50 and 100 meters, which is enough."

"Sixth Master?" Chief Engineer Gao's way of addressing the bomber was surprisingly affectionate.

However, the sea surface is flat, so it is relatively easy to fly 50 to 100 meters. On land, it depends on the terrain. Plains are not a big problem, but mountains and hills are quite challenging.

In reality, if later B-1B and Tu-160 aircraft were to attempt ultra-low-altitude, high-subsonic penetration missions at altitudes of 50-100 meters in places like the Qian Mountains, it would most likely be more like a fireworks display.

This is what the comrades in the army are worried about: "Chief Engineer Gao, what about the mountainous and hilly areas?"

"Our main focus is on fighting at sea, so we should just concentrate on the main contradictions," Gao Zhendong said.

Upon hearing this, the comrades suddenly understood. That's right, who would attack us from the ground? Even if someone did come, other ground attack aircraft would swarm in, and there would be plenty of ways to deal with them.

The army comrades never even considered relying on the air force to solve the problem; all their preparations were aimed at solving the problem themselves.

Moreover, unless someone is seriously mentally ill, no one would consider attacking us on land.

Even when our relationship with the North was the worst, and they had a million troops stationed on the border, they were actually in a precarious situation, afraid of both sides attacking.

Dirty Three: Hey, guess what? That's not necessarily true.

Jiaozhi: That's right...

In any case, these two idiots represent the past and the future, respectively. At least for now, the situation on land seems relatively easy to control.

Of course, as long as the problems at sea can be solved, everything will be easy.

The comrades in the Air Force and Navy thought about it more and more and felt that this was a reliable idea.

In this way, with the range and payload of the J-6, it would be able to pose a sufficient threat to any target within a 1000-kilometer radius at sea.

Well, the comrades in the army also started using the name "Sixth Master" like Gao Zhendong.

Even if the range of the escort fighters is reduced to 600-800 kilometers, this radius is still enough to keep the enemy at bay.

Moreover, if pushed to the brink, a pure assault without escort is not impossible; the USS S2 has done it, and so has the Japanese. In such a situation, the strike range could be even greater.

At the same time, given the combat capabilities of our fighter jets, even if we were to face the Americans, in a pure technical comparison, we would be at least evenly matched, or even have a slight advantage.

Doppler PD, Raiden-2, Raiden-3, these are not even included in the equipment under research.

When the dedicated air superiority fighter currently under development, which Chief Engineer Gao requires to have no weight of even one kilogram for ground attack, comes into service, the situation will be much better, at least the combat radius will be increased.

Therefore, it seems there is indeed no need to develop another bomber. In terms of nuclear strikes, the main enemy is not even close enough to reach it. The J-6 can be used for deterrence, while the real strikes will have to rely on missiles.

Gao Zhendong added, "Moreover, if the engine we just discussed in cooperation with the Gauls is developed well, and modified for use on the J-6, its payload and range will be significantly improved. As long as we don't think about bombing the American homeland, it will definitely be sufficient. Instead of focusing our efforts, we should focus on improving the J-6; it will definitely be a small investment with a large return."

Wow, no wonder you insisted on cooperating with the Gauls on engine development; the results were truly immediate.

The leaders of the National Defense Industry Committee looked at Gao Zhendong with a big smile. Comrade Zhendong is good in this respect. He is very clear-headed and will not be reckless. He will spend money where it is necessary and save money where it is necessary, and he can still achieve results without affecting the achievement of the main objectives.

However, the soldiers' attention was not on that at all, but on other things.

He just mentioned Sixth Master's improvements, right? Right? Right? Comrades, you all heard that, right?

The soldiers were extremely interested in this, as everyone knew that he could always pull out something good in this situation.

"Chief Engineer Gao, you just mentioned Sixth Master's improvements..."

The leaders of the National Defense Industry Committee glanced at them and said, "You guys have a good nose, but I'm also very curious."

"Yes, Comrade Zhendong, what are your thoughts? Whether they're mature or not, feel free to share them." Although he said that, he felt that Gao Zhendong's ideas were probably mature.

Gao Zhendong laughed. The comrades in the army never let go of any opportunity. "Actually, my idea is very simple. Now we're modifying the J-6 because we don't have a good engine, so we don't need to make major changes. We just need to modify two things on the existing basis—the radar and the missiles."

"This change seems a bit too simple..."

Gao Zhendong nodded: "Simplicity is best. Simple modifications allow us to achieve sufficient improvements in the shortest time with minimal cost. Bombers are just launch platforms; their true combat effectiveness depends on the munitions they carry. They now have various guided bombs, but their range and accuracy are still somewhat lacking."

The comrades sensed something was wrong when they heard this: "Chief Engineer Gao, the range of guided bombs has reached 60 kilometers, which is farther than missiles."

"That's right, that's the problem!" Gao Zhendong slapped his thigh and laughed.

Hmm? Is this a problem? The comrades wondered.

Then I realized, damn, this is a real problem.

Unpowered bombs can fly 60 kilometers and still hit their targets relatively accurately, but powered missiles, which are more accurate, can only travel about 50 kilometers.

Of course, half of the reason for this range was due to the limitations of radar at the time.

"So, you want to increase the strike radius of the Sixth Master by improving missiles and radar?" The Air Force comrade roughly understood Gao Zhendong's meaning.

“Yes!” Gao Zhendong said decisively, “We don’t need many radars. We’ll use the latest pulse PD radar. With the space and power supply of the Sixth Master’s nose, this radar can see much farther than the old ones. It can also take into account terrain following during low-altitude penetration, killing two birds with one stone. It even solves the most important problem of low-altitude penetration.”

The most important aspect of low-altitude penetration is automatic terrain following. Otherwise, even the most skilled crew would find it almost impossible to manually operate low-altitude penetration for extended periods, as people always get tired.

No wonder Comrade Zhendong wanted to modify the radar; this is consistent with his usual approach: to solve as many problems as possible with minimal cost.

"Moreover, replacing the radar is very simple and easy for the aircraft, and there is no need to re-test the aircraft. It can effectively utilize the existing J-6 fleet and improve combat effectiveness as soon as possible." Everything must be done quickly.

"Yes, change it! Change it! Change it as soon as possible!" The leaders of the National Defense Industry Committee and the comrades from the Air Force and Navy exchanged glances. This matter was reliable.

"What about the missile issue? Should we increase the range of the Zhengxian-62K?" This shouldn't be too difficult. After all, the Zhengxian-62K is pretty good except for its relatively short range. Increasing its range isn't hard. With a better radar and HTPB propellant, the range will naturally increase.

Gao Zhendong shook his head: "No, the improvement of the Zhengxian-62K is a natural minor modification after the technology is in place. It will definitely be done, but it's not just about modifying it."

The comrades were completely confused. Huh? What else could be modified besides the Strive for Excellence-62?
"Are we going to build a new one?" the Air Force comrade asked. That would be a bit troublesome, mainly because we were worried about not being able to keep up with the schedule.

Comrades, including the leaders of the National Defense Industry Committee, looked at Gao Zhendong with great interest.

Gao Zhendong shook his head again: "No, we should strive to be number one!"

His words immediately silenced his comrades; wasn't this turning back the clock of history?

"No, Comrade Zhendong, is there still a need to modify the Zhengxian-1?" That thing is obviously outdated. The navy and air force, who are used to the Zhengxian-62, are not happy with this thing and are accelerating its obsolescence through foreign sales. If Gao Zhendong doesn't say anything, we probably won't see this thing next year or some other year.

Gao Zhendong nodded and said, "It is necessary. There is no such thing as useless equipment, only unsuitable equipment. I suggest improving the Zhengxian-1 as the main weapon for the Sixth Prince's anti-ship strikes."

Why is Comrade Zhendong so insistent? The leaders of the National Defense Industry Committee know that it is often at times like these that good products are more likely to be produced. This shows that Comrade Zhendong has given this matter a lot of thought, and he is very certain about its necessity and feasibility. He has even prepared the technology and route.

"Tell me your reasons and proposed improvements."

"The first and biggest reason is that the Zhengxian-1 is big enough! Its 500kg warhead is not in the same class as the Zhengxian-62. You have to know that the Zhengxian-62 is going to strike not only destroyers and frigates of a thousand or two thousand tons at sea, but also larger cruisers, battleships, aircraft carriers and other large and super-large ships. Unless you are extremely lucky, the warhead of the Zhengxian-62 is very limited in its power against these types of ships."

Being strong and powerful is never a disadvantage; everyone understands this principle.

"Hiss...that makes sense. The issue of power cannot be ignored. We're so used to taking down small ships that we've forgotten about this major threat." As for why it's become a major threat, isn't it directly related to our important objectives?

It's fair to say that our comrades have forgotten the pain of past wounds. Before this, destroyers, despite being only one or two thousand tons, were always considered "large ships." But here, they've been relegated to the category of "small ships."

"A 500kg warhead does indeed have an advantage under these conditions." No analysis is needed; just calculate the weight.

"Comrade Zhendong, please continue." The comrades' interest grew stronger.

Gao Zhendong continued to explain his reasoning: "Moreover, the Zhengxian-1 missile has a larger diameter, which can accommodate a larger radar. Under the same technical conditions, its guidance and anti-jamming performance will be better than the Zhengxian-62. Combined with the large radar of the Zhengxian-62, its range and performance can be fully utilized."

Bigger is better, and numbers are beautiful. It's like the Monkey King's golden cudgel, which may not seem to have many functions, but its biggest advantage is its weight. A semi-trailer truck cab swinging like the wind, are you scared yet?

"Of course, the Zhengxian-1 has another obvious advantage, which is that it is larger and heavier, with larger lifting surfaces, making it easier to increase the range." Gao Zhendong knew very well that when he saw the Yingji-8K with a range of only 50 kilometers in his previous life, the C-601 air-launched anti-ship missile of roughly the same era already had a range of 120 kilometers, and its maximum range was even higher.

"...Furthermore, we have a very good foundation with the Strive for Excellence No. 1, and it's not difficult to improve upon it. The technology is simple and inexpensive..."

High power, high performance, long range, low difficulty, low cost—it all sounds great.

"I must say, Chief Engineer Gao's suggestion really brought out the advantages of the first-class project to the fullest extent, and these advantages are exactly what we need."

"Hmm, compared to the Strive-62K, the Strive-1 is indeed more suitable for Sixth Master. It doesn't waste Sixth Master's physique. Otherwise, it would be too cramped for Sixth Master to have a few toothpicks hanging on him."

Zhengxian-62K: You're saying that again? You guys didn't say that before.

"But liquid-fueled missiles are inconvenient to use. How can this problem be solved?"

"Chief Engineer Gao hasn't mentioned the improvement plan yet, but I suppose he has one. Don't worry, it's probably going to be solid." Chief Engineer Gao's expertise in solid propellants is well-known.

However, this time everyone guessed wrong.

"Zhendong, tell me how you want to change it?" The leaders of the National Defense Industry Committee directly asked for a plan, without worrying about the details, as the comrades in charge of the "Striving for Excellence No. 1" project would implement it.

Gao Zhendong shrugged: "Change the radar, lengthen the missile body and make appropriate modifications, and improve the engine to have adjustable thrust. That's it."

Huh? That's it? Chief Engineer Gao is supposed to be a big fan of solid propellants, but he completely ignores it here. The comrades thought Gao Zhendong was going to make major changes and incorporate many new technologies, but it turns out he only made this small change and that's it.

"Zhendong, this doesn't use solid fuel? That means the reaction speed and operational performance aren't very good."

Gao Zhendong shook his head: "No need, this thing doesn't need reaction speed..."

Ah... it seems so. Compared to anti-aircraft missiles, security missiles, and shipborne missiles, these are used for planned strikes or routine patrols, so they don't really require a fast reaction time.

"...Moreover, this is made of storable kerosene-nitric acid fuel, which can be stored for several months after a single filling. This is more than enough time during a war and won't affect the reaction speed. Besides, this thing doesn't need to have very good operational performance. The airports where Sixth Master is stationed are all large airports with many auxiliary facilities, strong operational capabilities, and good storage conditions. It doesn't matter if the operational performance of this thing is a little poor. It's not like we're at sea, battered by wind and rain. If we have good conditions, we should make use of them."

For a moment, the comrades were at a loss for words; it really made a lot of sense.

"And liquid fuel is cheap, while good solid propellants are not cheap at all. Moreover, liquid fuel has another major advantage." In fact, he had already mentioned this advantage when talking about the improvements, but he didn't elaborate on it.

(End of this chapter)