Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 141, Section 140: Field Equipment, Procurement of Arms: Chicago Typewriter

Finally, we've arrived at the most important topic of the evening.

Fang Wen's small group had some experience in how to carry out nighttime bombing raids.

For example, Liu Zhanggui and Sun Debiao personally participated in the bombing of the Japanese military camp in Shenyang, and others also knew a little about it.

As someone who experienced it firsthand, Manager Liu expressed his concerns.

“Nighttime bombing requires guidance. The Japanese troops outside the Great Wall are stationed in the wilderness, and our people cannot get close at all, let alone light torches inside the Japanese camp.”

This is a very serious problem.

Whether it's strategic bombing or long-range artillery fire, accurate target guidance is needed.

Even if Fang Wen relied on his mechanical perception ability, he would not be able to find the target in the pitch-black night sky. Therefore, the last time the Japanese military camp in Shenyang was bombed, it was the action team of the Treasure Thieves that was dispatched to light torches around the camp as a guide for the bombing.

In the mountains and valleys outside the Great Wall, the Japanese troops were stationed in open wilderness. Who had the ability to sneak into the camp and then light torches to guide the way without anyone noticing?

Not at all.

Therefore, Fang Wen's initial plan was to follow the same path as the French Air Force, which had requested the design of the F.220, by deploying a large number of napalm bombs over a wide area in the predicted region.

While this method lacks precision, its reliance on mechanical perception still allows for a degree of destructive power.

But now, Fang Wen doesn't think that way anymore.

He has a better plan.

That was the radar equipment that was handed over to the Department of Physics at Tsinghua University for research.

But it's not the kind of radar we'll be using in the future.

The general idea is to install a special frequency radio wave receiving device on the aircraft.

Then, they sent people with radio wave transmitting equipment of this specific frequency to the outside of the Great Wall to lock onto the Japanese military camp.

Once the reflected radio waves are received by the original airborne radar, they can form a continuous signal source, thereby determining the enemy's exact location.

Of course, this primitive equipment is useless on current aircraft; the complex positioning calculations are enough to give mathematicians a headache.

Only when Fangwen enters a state of mechanical perception can its functionality be discovered.

This secret formula cannot be revealed; he explained it in another way:
"I plan to install a special device on the aircraft that can accurately locate ground targets, but someone needs to carry another part of this device to outside the Great Wall for remote positioning."

As he spoke, he stood up and gave a more vivid description.

"The person who takes the device to outside the Great Wall doesn't need to get close to the military camp. They just need to keep the device locked on to the camp using a method similar to aiming a gun. I'll take care of the rest."

Sun Debiao immediately raised his hand.

"I'll definitely handle this. As the general manager said, I don't know how to operate the equipment specifically."

Fang Wen nodded: "Sun Debiao is very experienced in mountain operations and has also trained paratroopers, so I'll entrust him to you. Don't worry about the specific operations; I'll teach you. Also, I need to prepare some things for you to hide in the wild so that the Japanese can't find you."

After assigning Sun Debiao his tasks, Fang Wen looked at everyone.

"We hope the factory can speed up production. Once the equipment is installed, it will be airdropped. Time is of the essence."

"Let me explain my current job assignment."

“Sun Debiao came back to Shanghai with me to prepare for parachute training, as well as wilderness concealment and equipment operation training.”

Sun Debiao was overjoyed; he could finally go back.

“William will take over Sun Debiao’s job and train 100 company mercenaries. In addition, I will airlift a batch of German-made equipment over in a while.”

William stood up and greeted everyone. As a newcomer, he was very concerned about his image within Fang Wen's small group.

"Fang Shun will continue to manage the tinware factory and oversee safety work in the explosives loading workshop."

Shunzi looked very accomplished; he was now a true factory manager.

"Huo Duanyang is still in charge of the chemistry laboratory and also responsible for the daily operation management of Xiangxi Airport."

Huo Duanyang became anxious: "General Manager, I'm afraid I won't do a good job."

“There’s nothing you can’t do well. Don’t underestimate your abilities,” Fang Wen replied. The airport construction is nearing completion, and daily management isn’t complicated. Huo Duanyang certainly has the ability, and the work in the chemistry lab isn’t demanding, so he has enough energy to handle the airport’s daily affairs.

Seeing that Huo Duanyang was still hesitant, Fang Wen patted him on the shoulder: "Each of us has important responsibilities and is working hard for a better future. We all started from scratch. As long as you do it with your heart, I believe these things will not be difficult for you."

Encouraged by Fang Wen, Huo Duanyang nodded seriously in agreement.

Fang Wen then continued.

"Fang Shouxin will come back to Shanghai with me to continue to preside over the administrative work of Taishan Airlines. In addition, you will also be in charge of aircraft ownership certificates with Manager Liu, and try your best to guide the Japanese to acquire aircraft ownership certificates."

The mature and steady Fang Shouxin didn't react much, but looked at his son Fang Shun, a little worried that his son wouldn't be able to handle things on his own.

"Manager Liu, you will continue to be in charge of the general ledger for Taishan Airlines and manage the company's accounts. You will also work with Fang Shouxin to handle the aircraft ownership certificates and try your best to guide the Japanese to acquire the aircraft ownership certificates."

"Pan Jiafeng, you will be the company's current aviation specialist, responsible for monitoring the operation of all company flights and ensuring that each flight operates normally."

"Howard, the company has established a Mechanical Repair Department. You are the head of the department, responsible for managing the mechanics and purchasing repair equipment."

The work arrangements for Manager Liu, Pan Jiafeng, and Howard remained unchanged, and the three of them nodded in agreement.

Fang Wen looked at Shao Sishen.

"Shao Sishen, is it possible for you to take on another job while training the second batch of flight apprentices?"

Shao Sishen, who is disabled, is very happy to be valued.

"sure."

"That's good. You'll be in charge of selecting and training the company's flight attendants from now on. My personal suggestion is that we should choose female flight attendants, as they are more suitable for this job."

Shao Sishen's expression changed.

"I... I can't do it well."

Sun Debiao joked casually, "What's wrong with being a beauty pageant contestant? If I didn't have an important mission, I would definitely be fighting with you for this job."

The meeting ended amidst laughter.

The only person not assigned a job was Kuang Mingzhu, who was the company's deputy general manager.

Kuang Mingzhu understood and followed her husband out of the hangar: "Sir, you just go about your business. I will take care of this home and the company."

Fang Wen's small group meeting decided on the future arrangements for Taishan Airlines and the Taishan Volunteer Army.

The next step is to proceed according to these plans.

The following evening, the F.220 took off, carrying the group away from Xiangxi Airport and back to Shanghai.

Everyone is busy with their own work schedules.

Fang Shouxin took over the administrative work again, and with the help of Manager Liu, he managed the daily operations of Taishan Airlines in an orderly manner.

Under the deliberate guidance of the two individuals, some unfavorable but unverifiable information began to circulate.

Some discerning people believe that this is the work of the Japanese, but Taishan Airlines has not issued a denial, leaving everyone confused.

The over-the-counter trading of aircraft ownership certificates at the Shanghai Securities and Commodities Exchange is booming, with more and more people selling their aircraft ownership certificates at prices 30% higher than their value.

On the day the transaction was finalized, they would both come to Taishan Airlines to change the name of the owner on the property certificate.

Although the staff of Taishan Airlines seemed somewhat reluctant, they had made the rules themselves, and they still completed the change of the owner's name on the property certificate.

This really ignited the trading of aircraft ownership certificates.

Meanwhile, Fang Wen was also doing his own thing.

He has a lot to do.

Sun Debiao's parachute recovery training and field equipment preparation.

German arms procurement.

We went to Tsinghua University to discuss radar equipment.

Sun Debiao's parachute recovery training is essential. His parachute ability will deteriorate if he doesn't participate in parachute activities for a long time. It would be very dangerous for him to jump without resuming his training.

Therefore, Fang Wen initially trained him in recovery training, and later handed it over to Pan Jiafeng, so that Pan Jiafeng could also acquire the ability to train skydivers.

After arranging Sun Debiao's parachute training, we also need to equip him with outdoor gear.

Without proper equipment, Fang Wen was worried about Sun Debiao going beyond the Great Wall. He made a list: a camouflage suit to disguise himself as a rock, a concealed tent, a large-capacity backpack to hold the camouflage suit, the tent, water and food, and a radio transmitter.

These things may seem high-end, but they are not impossible to make.

As long as you're willing to spend the money, it can be done in Shanghai.

Fang Wen told Sun Debiao to go to the city and find someone to order it himself.

Not long after, he returned with the samples.

"General Manager, they've finished. Take a look."

Sun Debiao walked into the office carrying a very long and large canvas backpack.

"Let me see." Fang Wen stood up and examined the things Sun Debiao had brought.

The garment factory produced large canvas backpacks, as well as camouflage clothing painted in grass and gray.

Drinking water is contained in a cowhide water bag sewn into a large-capacity backpack, which can meet a week's drinking water needs. Drinking water is drawn out through a rubber tube, and when not in use, the rubber tube can be tied into a knot.

As for food, there were tightly packed steamed buns, beef jerky, and some small snacks to aid digestion.

"You're really something. Shouldn't these things be enough for the wild?" Fang Wen asked with a smile.

“If I had these things when I was a bandit in the mountains, I definitely wouldn’t have gone hungry,” Sun Debiao replied with a smile, seemingly quite satisfied with them.

Fang Wen nodded. "There's one more thing I need you to do in the city."

"Please speak, General Manager."

"Go find Zhao Jiu and ask him to inquire about buying weapons."

"Okay, I'll go right away."

"Wait, let me write down the requirements."

Sun Debiao, carrying Fang Wen's list of German-made equipment for procurement, went into the city again.

After getting off the shuttle bus, he took a rickshaw directly to Zhabei and arrived at the Fugui Casino.

When the young gangsters next to the Fugui Gambling House saw Sun Debiao, they greeted him with a grin: "Please come in, sir. There's plenty to eat and drink inside, and it's the most fun place."

Anyone who believes that is a fool. You go in and you're the boss, but if you lose everything, you leave as a nobody.

Having been in the underworld for many years, Sun Debiao naturally knew this. He didn't care if Zhao Jiu did this kind of business, since many others would do it even if Zhao Jiu didn't.

He said, "I'm looking for Zhao Jiu, he's from Taishan Airlines."

The young gangster's face turned pale at the first part of the sentence, and he was about to pull out his weapon, but he immediately smiled at the second part.

"Please come in quickly. Ninth Master said that the people from Mount Tai should be taken directly to see him."

Sun Debiao followed him upstairs and met Zhao Jiu.

He got straight to the point.

"The general manager needs your help with something."

Zhao Jiu waved for the woman beside him to leave.

"The general manager doesn't need to beg me. Don't be so polite, just say it."

"He wants to buy a batch of weapons; that's his request."

Zhao Jiu took a look at the weapons list.

150 rifles.

50 pistols.

200 steel helmets
200 kettles.

200 armed belts.

Leather shoes, 200.

Several hand grenades.

A quantity of ammunition.

Zhao Jiu's pupils contracted slightly.

"Is the general manager planning something big?"

“It’s just a local security force,” Sun Debiao replied.

Zhao Jiu looked down to the bottom.

"The weapons requirement is German-made; everything else is easy to arrange. German-made weapons are in high demand recently, and the Central Army is advocating for their use. It's very difficult to buy German-made equipment on the market. There's no stock in the concession either."

Sun Debiao nodded, "Then I'll make a call back and ask."

He used Zhao Jiu's phone number to contact Fang Wen.

"General Manager, we're out of German machinery."

Fang Wen held the microphone and listened to Sun Debiao's report. If German weapons were unavailable, they would be replaced with others. Although William was a Weimar officer, it didn't mean he couldn't use individual weapons from other countries.

"So what's left now?"

"Wait a moment, let me ask Zhao Jiu." After a while, Sun Debiao replied, "We also have Soviet-made M1891 Mosin-Nagant rifles, American-made M1903 Springfield rifles, and Luger P08 pistols. By the way, Zhao Jiu said that two Americans brought a batch of new gadgets, something called 'Chicago Typewriters,' which are very powerful, but they consume too many bullets."

(M1891 Mosin-Nagant rifle)

Fang Wen was stunned.

The name 'Chicago Typewriter' is so memorable.

Isn't that the weapon used by early American gangsters?

They could wipe out entire areas with a single sweep, their power was astonishing, and they would easily wipe out entire families, making everyone terrified of the Chicago gangs.

This thing was also brought to Shanghai for sale, and Fang Wen was very interested in it.

As an airline security force, sufficient firepower is essential.

He replied, "Bring back some samples, and we'll try them out and see which ones are suitable."

"Ok."

Sun Debiao put down the phone and said to Zhao Jiu, "The general manager said to take some samples back to try. Can you get them?"

"Simple. You wait for me here."

Zhao Jiu went out and returned two hours later.

They were carrying several long wooden crates, and there was also a foreigner carrying a leather suitcase.

He said, “The stuff is hard to carry, I’ll deliver it to you out of town. This is the guy who sells Chicago typewriters, he wants to come to my door to talk.”

Sun Debiao glared at the foreigner and said, "You can go, but you can't bring weapons."

The foreigner couldn't understand, but after being gestured to by the Green Gang members, he handed over his suitcase and was searched before agreeing to leave the city with them.

At 4:30 p.m., it was already the time for Taishan Airlines employees to finish get off work, and they were walking around the airport in twos and threes.

A small truck drove out of the city and parked at the headquarters of Taishan Airlines.

Fang Wen led Manager Liu and Fang Shouxin downstairs.

He said to Zhao Jiu in the car, "I'll lead the way, you guys follow. This isn't a good place to inspect guns."

Immediately, he drove his car, carrying Manager Liu and Fang Shouxin, with the small truck following behind.

The two cars drove south until they reached a desolate, uninhabited area on the outskirts of the city, where they finally stopped.

Zhao Jiu jumped out of the car and called out, "Unload the stuff, be careful not to accidentally fire it."

The Green Gang's men immediately began moving the weapons.

Zhao Jiu, Sun Debiao, and the foreigner walked toward Fang Wen's car.

He introduced Fang Wen, who was getting out of the car, to him: "This is an arms dealer from the United States. He wants to talk to you."

(End of this chapter)