Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1432 What I Want is the Empress (5k)

Gao Zhendong laughed: "Aim!"

A helmet-mounted sight, a must-have for pairing with high-off-axis infrared air-to-air ammunition!
For fighter jets, this thing has no other use but one: firing infrared missiles. The higher the off-boresight launch angle and maneuverability, the better.

It has excellent practical effects.

What a coincidence! We happen to have this kind of infrared missile.

However, it was clear that the comrades didn't quite grasp what he was saying and were still confused.

Aiming? Isn't that just putting on a sight? This thing is related to fire control, but in terms of importance, it's far from being something that needs to be specifically discussed.

"Aiming, it's not enough to just aim."

"Yes, the problem is how to aim. How to quickly establish a line of sight. Have you noticed a problem? The current infrared air-to-air missile seeker of the Thunder-3 has a limited speed in establishing a line of sight, which cannot keep up with the ever-changing combat situation?"

The people on the other end of the phone exchanged glances. Although they weren't pilots, they were aware of the situation. Whether it was the infrared seeker aiming itself or some other method, either the angle was limited or the tracking speed was limited, so it really couldn't keep up.

"There is indeed this problem, but with the existing hardware and software resources, there is basically no way to solve it," said the comrade in charge of the fire control system.

They were aware of this problem, but solving it was limited by practical conditions, or rather, the cost was too high, so they just left it as it was.

Gao Zhendong laughed and said, "Comrades, when we describe someone as having excellent aim, isn't there an adjective that says, 'hit wherever you point'?"

"Yes, that's right." I know you're a good shot, but this thing isn't the same as an infrared missile, is it?

"What does 'point and shoot' mean? It means the fastest way is to shoot wherever the eye can see, right?"

Yes, yes, you're right, but...

Oh my god! This is terrible! The comrades suddenly realized what Gao Zhendong was up to.

"Chief Engineer Gao, do you want to aim with your eyes?"

Gao Zhendong laughed and said, "That's right! Eyes! Wherever the eyes see, that's where you shoot. Of course, there are certain limitations on the angle, and it can't be used for machine guns, but at least it can keep up with the off-axis launch angle of missiles."

The main contradiction in current fighter jet combat is the conflict between the growing demand for off-axis launch of infrared air-to-air missiles and the outdated targeting systems.

As for machine guns, everyone knows that's impossible.

His seemingly far-fetched idea startled his comrades. To be honest, this thing wasn't as significant as the combined flying and fire system, but it looked cooler. After all, looking cool is a lifelong thing.

And some of them are even far-fetched.

At that moment, the comrades racked their brains, but still couldn't figure out how to aim with their eyes.

He's practicing flying sword here. He just glances at the enemy and points with his hand, and the flying sword flies over and cuts off the enemy's head.

The scene was so beautiful that the comrades were almost afraid to look.

"Chief Engineer Gao, can this really be achieved?"

Gao Zhendong's confident voice came through the phone: "You really can."

Gao Zhendong had seen papers about helmet-mounted sights in his previous life, in the reading list given by his mentor, but not for missiles, but in an unexpected place.

—Inspection and maintenance, that's really annoying.

Once something is completely mastered, it falls from the crown of industry and is used in places we never imagined before; no wonder it gets removed from the pearl list. Of course, this is still somewhat better than the later proliferation of phased arrays.

Despite the different uses, these are genuine products, based on the same principle, and are functional.

Gao Zhendong didn't intend to create something completely unrealistic like the "fly helmet"—those things were meaningless these days. His goal was simple: to develop an electro-optical helmet sight with a very single function—it would only fire infrared bullets, nothing else.

Despite its limited functionality, when equipped with the Thunder-3, if the carrier aircraft has decent maneuverability, any enemy that doesn't get their ass kicked is considered to have cleaned themselves up before boarding.

This thing can last at least 40 years! The key is that the price isn't outrageous, and the technology isn't that complicated.

Such a cost-effective technology—it would have been fine if I hadn't thought of it, but now that I have, I certainly can't let it go.

Gao Zhendong's confident tone excited his comrades. If they really had such a sight, the role that the Thunder-3 could play would be unimaginable.

When I see you, you die.

The key is that the speed at which the human eye moves in the forward hemisphere of an airplane is faster than that of any other airplane. An airplane has to roar and maneuver to move a certain distance, but from the perspective of a human eye, it is just a matter of tilting their head.

Even though head movement is somewhat restricted during a motorized vehicle, and it may not be possible to maintain a fixed direction, these are minor details.

Importantly, this aiming method is simply revolutionary.

"Chief Engineer Gao, we'll contact the sight manufacturer right away to come find you." The comrades in the fire control system are very familiar with the sight manufacturer, and with such great news, they'll probably come running right away.

Gao Zhendong considered it in his mind for a moment, then said, "No need for that. The principle behind this isn't difficult. I'll organize my thoughts and send them to you later..."

At this point, Gao Zhendong seemed to remember something, paused for a moment, and then changed his mind, saying, "Never mind, you should still ask them to come over."

His "going back on his word" did not surprise his comrades. In this matter, it was normal for Chief Engineer Gao to make any arrangements.

However, Gao Zhendong's words did not end there; the helmet-mounted sight was just an appetizer.

"Besides, the helmet-mounted sights are a minor issue..."

Is this really a minor matter? Does Chief Engineer Gao have some misunderstanding about the concepts of "major" and "minor"?
"That important matter is..."

"I think your Fire and Flying Unity is missing an element. Without this element, your Fire and Flying Unity is not perfect and cannot achieve the best effect."

Still missing something? In just a few minutes, he actually came up with even more ideas based on the integration of fire and flying!

"What's missing?" It's great to have an expert help identify and fill in the gaps.

"Less engines! Your concept of 'aircraft-firepower integration' only includes the integration of aerodynamic control, but you've forgotten about the engines. 'Aircraft-firepower-propulsion integration' is the ultimate goal of a true air combat control system!"

Gao Zhendong's words resonated like a great bell in the ears of the fire control comrades.

The system adjusts the aircraft's attitude according to fire control requirements, or in other words, it calculates fire control results based on the aircraft's attitude. Without this system's active intervention and control of the engines, the system would be incomplete. In other words, it wouldn't encompass all factors that can affect the aircraft's attitude, thus failing to fully utilize the aircraft's hardware potential!

Flying, fire, and propulsion are all indispensable.

"Flying fire propulsion... flying fire propulsion... I understand!" The fire control comrade looked at the flight control comrade: "Looks like we'll have to work together for a while."

The comrades all burst into laughter.

Gao Zhendong continued, "However, you can divide into two parts. First, work on the integrated flight and fire system, but build the framework for the flight-fire-propulsion system. As for the implementation of the flight-fire-propulsion system, you can take it slowly, starting with the easy parts and progressing to the difficult ones. Gain experience first, and then tackle the toughest challenges." "Chief Engineer Gao, why can't we do it all at once?" The comrades were full of fighting spirit at this moment. They figured they were just as good as herding one sheep or ten sheep, so they might as well do it all at once.

Gao Zhendong's laughter came through the microphone: "This matter isn't something you can decide on your own. To achieve integrated propulsion, the current engine is still a bit lacking, missing some related functions. You'll have to wait for the engine to catch up. After all, the most important thing for the engine right now is to finalize the design and increase thrust; related functions can't be taken care of for the time being. You should slow down and wait for your comrades, hehehe."

To achieve integrated propulsion, the engine must be equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). Otherwise, the engine's response will not be able to keep up with the speed of the control system, which will easily lead to problems, or at least render it useless.

Currently, no matter which model of engine is under development, there is no energy to focus on this matter. After all, having something usable is far more important than using it well.

Hearing Gao Zhendong's words, the comrades realized what he meant when he said that helmet sights were minor matters. From a systemic and overall perspective, this thing was indeed more significant than helmet sights, and also much more difficult to make.

Anything involving engine modifications is bound to be a serious matter; everyone understands that. Heart surgery, too, is never a trivial matter.

"I understand. We will first complete the architecture and modify redundancy for the integrated flight, fire and propulsion system."

Gao Zhendong added, "Well, in addition, compared to the current technological state, the integrated flight and fire control system represents progress, but the risk is not very high. It's like fruit hanging under the eaves; you can probably reach it by jumping up. But if you add thrust as well, there are far too many variables, and the technological risk is extremely high. For a new fighter jet that has already applied a lot of new technologies, the technological risk is so high that it's uncontrollable. Therefore, proceeding step by step is a more prudent approach."

Canard configuration, twin engines, ventral air intake, stealth, statically unstable, internal weapons bay...

Even though the aircraft was only a medium-sized aircraft, and did not take into account factors such as supercruise, and the technology was only at the level of the late 70s to early 80s, this air superiority fighter was already incredibly powerful for us, no, for the whole world. At the same time, the corresponding risks had accumulated to a relatively high level.

Control is still necessary. Some technologies only need to be developed in the ground; they don't necessarily need to be implemented now.

Gao Zhendong wanted the F-22 from the 60s, but not the YF-23, even though the YF-23 was cool.
-
In a certain place in Northeast China, on a frozen lake, a somewhat unusual boat is preparing to set sail.

What makes it unusual is that normal boats wouldn't be here at this time of year. What's called a lake is actually more like an ice surface, and even that surface is mostly covered by snow, making it difficult to see.

"Old Zhang, there's no water here either. Are we really going to have to run today?" Looking at the boat with an apron around its sides drooping on the ground like a deflated balloon, one comrade looked at his colleague.

"Let's run! Consider it a test of its land-based performance. Old Wang, have confidence!" Old Zhang laughed.

In reality, he had no choice. After digesting the information from Committee Member Gao, it still took some time to build the ship, even though he was rushing. Even though the experimental boat was simple, the modifications were very significant. Apart from the hull, which was still barely usable, the original experimental boat was almost completely replaced.

Even so, it's only because Committee Member Gao's materials contain a large number of usable computational examples; otherwise, it would have been even slower.

The apron was replaced, the engine was replaced, and for the test boat, it was basically just the hull that was still there, and even that hull had been re-sheeted and modified.

Time waits for no one. It's almost February, and in a few months, the sea conditions to the south will deteriorate seasonally again. Every day we can get it working sooner is crucial. Even if we have to do it by hand, we need to complete the basic tests as quickly as possible and get one or two usable structures.

The most practical improvements are made after we start using it and gather experience to improve it.

"Okay, let's try it out on the ice first."

As the command was given, the hovercraft emitted a rapid "tap-tap-tap" sound, its drooping apron began to inflate, and the hull began to rise. However, all of this was concealed by the snow dust kicked up by the rapid airflow.

The hovercraft began to move slowly, and to the comrades' delight, at least the boat was obedient and showed no signs of going out of control.

The boat moved slowly forward and eventually descended a slope onto the lake...on the ice.

At this point, the comrades could roughly see the ship's hull, and there was less snow on the ice.

At first, the hovercraft moved forward cautiously, turning, accelerating, and decelerating...

Gradually, the small boat seemed to grow bolder, making more cheerful clattering sounds and noticeably increasing its speed as it slowly sailed into the distance.

Zhang looked at Wang beside him and smiled, "Looks like there's a chance."

"It looks pretty stable now, and the apron seems to be working as expected. However, we don't know the apron's lifespan yet, and its stability on the waves is still unclear." Engineer Wang is probably someone who tends to anticipate failures before even considering the outcome.

The situation on water is much more complex than on ice.

Engineer Zhang was quite optimistic: "At least the situation on land looks much better than before, which is progress."

The snow dust, to some extent, served as an airflow tracer. In the eyes of the two veteran air cushion pilots, the airflow pattern was clearly more in line with the requirements and more stable than that of the original ship.

"Yeah, you're really optimistic, haha." Engineer Wang laughed too. Being optimistic isn't a bad thing, after all, the facts are there: the new ship is obviously better than the old one.

"Old Wang, have you ever thought that as long as it's stable enough on land, it's already very useful?" Old Zhang said with a smile.

"Is it useful if it's stable on land?"

“Yes, look around us. In this weather, is there a more suitable means of transportation?” Old Zhang pointed to the surrounding snow-covered plains and endless ice.

"Well... you're still the quickest-witted one."

In Northeast China, the snow can get so deep that not only can vehicles not travel, but even the most agile mode of transportation like humans, when equipped with snowshoes, still struggles to move. Snowshoes aren't for keeping warm; they're for preventing people from getting stuck in the snow.

However, as long as one can move freely on land, it is meaningful for maintaining necessary transportation.

“Look, although this kind of boat is small, it’s not small at all on land. It can carry a lot of people and goods. If we add those newly issued waterwheels to Milinzi, we can connect the transportation network.”

The tube car was a type of Archimedes spiral roller car developed for deserts and swamps. Two were issued to them to facilitate their testing, and more were planned to be issued to forest farms and other places.

This vehicle can't be made very large, so while it's useful, it's not quite suitable as a primary means of transportation. However, hovercraft can be made much larger. Hovercraft are the primary means of transportation in open areas such as snowfields, ice fields, rivers, and lakes, while waterwheel trucks solve the problem of transportation on narrow roads and in dense forests. This would essentially solve the problem for areas where transportation and resupply must be guaranteed.

"Look, our land-based vessel is back!" With a clattering sound, the experimental vessel jogged back, much more agile than when it set off.

Finally, the boat came to a stop on the ramp where it had started, and the two men, along with the other test personnel, went to meet it.

"How are you feeling?" Although the engine had stopped, the two of them were still covered in snow powder.

The driver jumped off the boat: "The test data is being compiled by the comrades. I'll be right down. But I feel it's quite stable to drive. Although it's not as controllable as a car, at least the stable handling is not a problem. It's just a bit slow. It doesn't feel like a hovercraft."

Zhang and Wang exchanged a pleased glance. Although they hadn't received the data yet, the driving experience already spoke volumes. At least they were on the right track!

"There's nothing we can do about the slower speed. It's a diesel engine, and although it's a high-speed diesel engine, its performance is still a bit lacking. It can only ensure that the boat moves normally; we can't expect any speed for now," Old Zhang explained while brushing the snow off the driver.

"We'll test it first. Once the foundation is laid, the comrades in the southwest should have prepared a better engine for us that can be connected." Engineer Wang was very confident in the aero-engine research institute in the southwestern mountains. He had heard that the core engine was already completed, but because there were other more urgent tasks, the turboprop engine was put on hold.

But that's okay, the diesel engine can still be used for now. It's okay if it's a bit slow. The most important thing now is to get its terrain adaptability. With this, it can be used in many places, because not all uses require speed like beach assault.

As for the speed, that will be resolved.

While waiting for the data from the ship, Engineer Zhang said to Engineer Wang, "Let's finish the basic tests as soon as possible, and then go to the thin-sea test."

"The Bohai Sea? Isn't the Bohai Sea frozen over too? Why not wait until winter is over?"

Engineer Zhang shook his head: "I can't wait any longer. There are icebreakers operating routinely over there in Bohai, so the conditions for testing should still be met."

(End of this chapter)