I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France

Chapter 961 Paratrooper Helmet

The Shire only provides Dorne with directions for development.

Fighter jets, bombers, and attack aircraft were all required to be upgraded to have all-metal enclosed cockpits, and then carrier-based aircraft would be developed from them.

Before Charles even saw these needs or concepts emerge on the battlefield, France had already unknowingly reached a new level.

One day, when these planes suddenly appear on the battlefield and come into view, people will be amazed by the power of French technology, and their prestige will soar.

This may seem unimportant; in the end, it all comes down to combat effectiveness on the battlefield.

But this is what is known as soft power.

When France's military, technology, and economy reach a level that other countries can only dream of, its own citizens will be full of confidence, and citizens of other countries will regard France as a role model, an example, and a beacon.

France will become their ideal utopia, their goal of struggle and pursuit, and even their final destination and home.

As a result, talented people and laborers from all over the world would flock to France, bringing countless wealth and power to the country.

If we write some short articles or incorporate some rhythm into movies for global promotion.

This will make France stronger, give it more advantages, and then give it more soft power...

If this cycle continues, it will grow bigger and bigger like a snowball.

As long as no one is foolish enough to think that drinking disinfectant can kill the virus, there won't be too much trouble, and the world's hegemon can continue to sit firmly in its position and reap the benefits of the whole world.

……

May Day was only truly celebrated during wartime, when it became a genuine holiday for labor.

However, capitalists like Steed are different. He booked the best restaurant at the Ritz Hotel and spent more than three thousand francs to prepare a gourmet meal.

He took out his pocket watch and looked at it, then inexplicably began to feel nervous. After hesitating for a moment, he got up and checked the position of the cutlery, then stood a little further away to see if there was anything wrong.

Upon entering the restaurant and seeing this scene, Charles couldn't help but laugh: "The owner of the famous 'Saint-Étienne' arsenal, are you still interested in plating?"

Steed's face instantly lit up with a smile as he stepped forward to shake hands with Charles: "That's because I'm hosting you, Lieutenant General. It's my honor, and I dare not be negligent in the slightest!"

Charles was far more than just "the ruler of France" to Steed, though that was enough.

Under Charles's guidance and operation, the Saint-Étienne arsenal has become the largest and most important arsenal in France, and even the best in the world.

“Relax, Mr. Steed.” Charles sat down at the table. “We are staunch allies and partners, and there’s no need for the usual formalities.”

“Yes, of course.” Steed nodded repeatedly.

These words pleased him greatly, which showed that Charles considered him "one of his own."

The waiter brought Charles food.

"Your order, sir," the waiter announced the dish: "Confit duck leg!"

Charles grunted in response, then, recognizing the waiter's voice as somewhat familiar, turned his head and exclaimed in surprise, "Dominic?"

Dominic dejectedly removed his bow tie: "We bet you'd find this dish on which course, General. I never expected it to be the first one."

Steed quickly explained, "I'm sorry, General, I warned him."

“No, no, it’s alright.” Charles smiled and invited Dominic to sit down opposite him.

He hadn't encountered a joke like this in a long time. Apart from Tijani, everyone else treated Charles with respect and caution, not daring to act rashly, even though Charles was only 19 years old at the time.

This is perhaps the price of "growing up." "So, you've graduated?" Charles asked Dominic, cutting a piece of crispy duck leg skin and putting it in his mouth.

“Yes, General,” Dominic replied, “Mr. Browning believes I am capable of handling things independently.”

He imitated Browning's tone, adding a touch of hoarseness to his voice:

"The best teacher is practice, Dominic."

"Because we are designing guns that can kill the enemy on the battlefield."

"You can't learn these things by staying in the lab; you have to get out of here, even to the battlefield!"

Dominic shrugged and resumed his own voice: "And then I'm here."

“You seem to have become more confident.” Charles raised an eyebrow.

Dominic used to be somewhat timid and hesitant.

“Yes, General.” Dominic nodded in agreement, holding up two fingers as if pinching a square piece of glass: “Perhaps it’s because I’ve filled the missing piece of my soul!”

Charles smiled and gently shook his head.

It was Dominic, no doubt. He actually considered "studying firearms design" as a way to fill a void in his soul.

“It’s much more convenient now that you’re back.” Charles glanced at Steed.

Steed immediately understood Charles's meaning: "Anything can be discussed with Dominic, General. I have already transferred the shares to Dominic, and he is my successor."

Steed is old; he has no innovation in weaponry and his thinking is outdated in modern tactics. It was a wise choice to hand over the production task to Dominic.

Charles nodded and took a document from his briefcase, handing it to Dominic.

Dominic opened the file, glanced at Charles unexpectedly, and handed the file to his father, Steed.

Steed took the documents, his eyes filled with confusion: "Helmet? Is there something wrong with the Adrian helmets we're using now?"

“No, Mr. Steed,” Charles replied, “you should have heard about the French army’s parachute landing in Saarbrücken.”

“Of course.” Steed nodded, but still didn’t understand what this had to do with the helmet.

Dominic said "Oh": "The Adrian helmet isn't suitable for airdrops, is it?"

“Yes.” Charles turned his attention to the duck leg in his hand. The skin was crispy and the meat was tender, and it tasted quite good. He chewed as he said, “The Adrian helmet has a wide rim, which is not suitable for soldiers to roll around when parachuting. Some soldiers have broken their necks because of it.”

Dominic turned his attention back to the documents: "So we need these edgeless helmets."

Charles pointed his knife at Dominic: "We need to make it as lightweight as possible. We can reduce the protective performance appropriately, but we need to increase the elasticity of the lining and the toughness of the neck strap."

Lightweighting can reduce the load on paratroopers, which is important for paratroopers who rely mainly on foot.

Adding lining and securing straps provides better protection and prevents the item from falling off.

As for protection against bullets and shrapnel, paratroopers usually engage in close combat with the enemy without fortifications, so protection is secondary.

(The two images above show a comparison between the French current-service "Spectra Tap" paratrooper helmet and the Adrian helmet. The outer edge of the helmet has been removed, and the neck strap has been replaced with a neck strap that is fastened to the chin.)
Dominic nodded repeatedly: "You've thought this through very well, General. This is something I hadn't considered."

"You didn't expect that?" Charles stopped cutting the meat and looked at Dominic. "What do you mean?"

Dominic chuckled and countered, "I think the most pressing issue for your paratroopers is probably the rifles, isn't it?"

(End of this chapter)