Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1427 Back to the Beginning (3k)

Clearly, Gao Zhendong meant that as SAR technology matures, it will be possible to obtain three-dimensional topographic maps with sufficient accuracy through reconnaissance aircraft and even satellites high in the sky.

This answer is significant for much more than simply striking the enemy. After all, we have many ways to strike the enemy, but what we care more about is building ourselves up.

This technology is also very useful for our own development. In fact, obtaining large-scale, high-precision terrain mapping capabilities through SAR is even more important than enabling cruise missiles to achieve higher accuracy.

The comrades from the Air Force Bureau cheerfully said to General Qi and his team, "You don't need to worry about the map. Just focus on making sure the map itself is done well."

There's always a way to get a map, one way or another, but the weapon itself is indispensable. At least with the accuracy of the strapdown inertial navigation system, mounting a nuclear warhead shouldn't be a problem.

Although General Qi and Su Weihua did not know what had happened, they were only given a few English letters. As non-radar professionals, they had no way of analyzing what had happened, since SAR is still a very niche and complex subject in China.

But they understand at least one thing—the map issue is not a concern; there are technological means to solve it, and these technologies are even ahead of cruise missiles, already underway.

Then it's okay.

"Do any of you have any questions, comrades?" The chief engineer's face was beaming with joy.

Su Weihua raised his hand again; this comrade had a lot of questions. The others, however, were quite pleased. Being able to ask questions was a skill in itself, especially with such brand-new equipment.

“We need software engineers to support us with 3D elevation maps, but we lack the manpower for that.”

Even if that technology called SAR doesn't succeed in the short term, they still need to master three-dimensional elevation maps as a foundation, but right now they know nothing about it.

Maps are not just about drawing blocks and marking numbers; there's a whole system behind them. Although they're not using the complete system now, even though they're skilled with missiles, they still have significant shortcomings in this area.

The chief engineer thought for a moment and said, "We have a group of software engineers in the committee, some of whom are familiar with maps. We can borrow two of them for you to use. But remember to return them when you're done."

It's not uncommon for seconded personnel to never return, even when borrowing from subordinate units. It's like a subordinate unit borrowing Jingzhou—a situation where the borrower never returns.

These comrades are related to the command system, and they happen to be familiar with maps.

Gao Zhendong didn't remain silent; instead, he offered his strong support: "I can't provide the personnel myself, and it would be too much trouble. I'll provide you with a set of standards, which should save you some trouble."

Standards? Upon hearing this, Su Weihua and his team immediately perked up, even more excited than the personnel seconded from the committee.

After all, life is fleeting, and youth fades like flowers falling from trees. But the standard is different; once it's in my hands, it's mine.

"What standard?"

"I'll provide you with a standard for digital elevation models, which should be useful for your terrain matching guidance." This is a common way of expressing digital terrain models, and Gao Zhendong happened to have worked under his mentor in his previous life, participating in related work for a period of time. Although he didn't achieve any significant results, he at least figured out the standard for digital elevation models, which is indeed very useful here.

This model is called a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and it is widely used in surveying, hydrology, engineering, and other fields. It would be a bit of a hassle to specifically search for it, but Gao Zhendong happened to have a complete set readily available in his head—a complete blank.

Comrades were amazed by Gao Zhendong's extraordinary talent; the breadth of his "miscellaneous knowledge" was simply too exaggerated.

However, when they realized that this should be considered part of computer applications, the comrades felt relieved. After all, it's all digital technology. It seems normal that Comrade Gao Zhendong, who is at the top of the computer field, would consider this more.
However, the chief engineer of the Venezuelan side had a different idea. What does this mean? It means that Gao Zhendong had been thinking about these issues for a long time. Otherwise, these supporting technologies and equipment would not have been so meticulously designed, and each one would have been arranged so properly before he proposed the cruise missile.

For those tasks that weren't properly arranged, he simply took matters into his own hands. For example, with this DEM project, he even thoughtfully prepared map standards for his colleagues...

Thinking about this, a thought suddenly struck him: this standard was a perfect match for the command system! A sand table! Transfer the sand table to the computer!
Too high precision might not work, but for less precise applications, there might be a way, especially since the C6132N is now available.

"Comrade Zhendong, please also provide a copy of this standard for our side. I think there are probably more places where it can be used than just this one."

Gao Zhendong immediately understood his idea and nodded: "Yes, okay. To use this thing properly, you'd probably need a machine of the C6132N level."

The C6132N can be roughly considered as the 80386, and it can run with difficulty, at least for research purposes.

Sure enough, he prepared the computer hardware first before starting to delve into the technical details. The comrades sat down again and discussed the research details of the cruise missile in more depth for a while. They were surprised to find that the thing seemed to be almost complete.

At least the prototype is only one shell away from taking off.

The engine is a miniature turbofan from the southwest.

Guidance is provided by a laser gyroscope strapdown inertial navigation system.

It has power and guidance, but it lacks an outer shell and integration, which is precisely the forte of these missile enthusiasts.

As for flight control systems and such, our comrades have plenty of experience in anti-ship missiles, so they can put it to good use right away.

As for terrain matching, we can take our time. Dedicated terrain matching radar will take some time to develop, and guidance algorithms will also need time to be researched. However, this is not a major problem, since the map itself will also need some time to achieve map freedom.

The first version, which combined a high-precision laser gyroscope strapdown inertial navigation system with a nuclear warhead, was actually quite useful.

The chief engineer suddenly felt a sense of urgency—oh no, the biggest problem now is actually miniaturizing the warhead!
While we are confident in miniaturizing warheads, it's uncertain whether we can produce them this small so quickly.

However, this matter cannot be discussed at this meeting; we can only say that we will first set the specifications.

As if hearing his thoughts, Gao Zhendong wiped the blackboard and said with a smile, "Actually, if you modify this thing, it can become an anti-ship missile, or rather, the technology can be used on an anti-ship missile with a range of more than 120 kilometers. If you use this technology to modify a lighter version, and then use this missile body to modify a heavier version, that's basically it."

The Tomahawk can carry a 1000-pound warhead, which translates to 454 kilograms. Furthermore, the Tomahawk also has an anti-ship variant. Roughly speaking, if we were to develop this weapon and convert it into an anti-ship missile, it could carry a warhead of similar weight. This warhead weight is roughly the same as that of the Zhengxian-1 missile, making it a heavy anti-ship missile.

The chief engineer's eyes lit up as soon as he heard that!
Yes, if this technology is developed well, it can solve the problem of insufficient damage capability against large ships caused by the gradual phasing out of the Struggle-to-the-Line 1.

Moreover, Gao Zhendong also said that this weapon was originally designed for both naval and air use, and that it should be able to be installed in the vertical launch system of destroyers under construction. In this way, it can not only bring new heavy anti-ship missiles to the air force, but also bring a new long-range, high-power strike capability to naval surface ships and even future submarines.

"Okay, that's a good suggestion! You can start by developing it as an anti-ship missile, but try to ensure the range. First, develop one with a range of 800 kilometers, and then simplify it into an anti-ship version!"

The chief engineer suggested.

The beyond-visual-range lightweight solid-propellant anti-ship missile has been under development for some time. Comrade Zhendong and the comrades in charge of related work had planned this project before. Although the range may be slightly shorter, it's not a big problem; the difference of around 100 kilometers is negligible. Therefore, there's no rush to change the technology for this. On the other hand, regarding the heavy anti-ship missile, when comrades look at the Zhengxian-1, it's hard not to feel that it's getting old and outdated.

Therefore, they wholeheartedly support adding an anti-ship variant to this missile. If this missile is replaced with a radar-guided anti-ship variant, without requiring such a long range or specifically considering stealth coating, the price won't be high, and it will be affordable!

However, the chief engineer was not blinded by the situation and understood that long-range ground attack was the ultimate goal, so the order of operations was arranged very clearly.

—First, we need to master the range of over 800 kilometers before we can work on the anti-ship variant.

The primary and secondary points must not be reversed.

The comrades from the Aircraft Equipment Bureau nodded repeatedly. What they were most interested in was the air-launched nuclear cruise missile, which was of paramount importance. As for the heavy anti-ship missile, they had the Zhengxian-1 air-launched version that Gao Zhendong had previously suggested improving. Although its range was not very high and its technology was somewhat outdated, it was still sufficient.

Having a weapon in hand gives you that kind of composure.

The missile engineers suddenly felt like they'd gone in circles and come right back to square one. Anti-ship missiles? We're familiar with that.

Once the 800-kilometer range version is successful, or even just the shell is successful, a mature team can be assembled in the institute to perfect the anti-ship version without delaying the work at all.

"Great! We guarantee we'll complete the mission!" President Qi and his team patted their chests in approval.

After the meeting, Gao Zhendong, as promised, led his comrades to the canteen of the Third Factory for a large meal. Nowadays, this kind of work meal is no longer served in the main canteen.

Along the way, Su Weihua and Gao Zhendong remarked, "It really does take time to get by."

(End of this chapter)