Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 266 265 Modification of the Type 1 Suiun gunship, a trip to Europe to seek 20mm cannons and high-speed fighter jets.

After listening to Fang Wen's words, the engineers abandoned the idea of ​​light and heavy gunships and began to brainstorm.

One engineer suggested: "If the Suiyun-1 is to be converted into a military version during wartime, I think it should have armor. Without any protection, the casualty rate for ground attacks would inevitably be too high."

Fang Wen nodded: "Yes, ground protection is essential."

That's where the first point of discussion comes in.

Engineers brainstormed ideas to develop a new plan for modifying the Suiun-1 into a gunship.

If the only protection against ground attacks is needed, then only the bottom armor of the aircraft needs to be added.

The fuel tank, engine, gunner, and driver's underside are equipped with double-layer protection.

As for the material, it uses a double-layer structure of aluminum alloy and steel sheets.

First, high-strength thin steel sheets are used to block the attack. Even if the steel sheets can be penetrated, the aluminum sheets can provide secondary deceleration. The aircraft chassis provides tertiary deceleration.

This allows us to use the strength of steel and the toughness of aluminum alloy to provide protection without significantly increasing the weight of the aircraft.

Fang Wen agreed to the plan and assigned a team to implement the project.

The discussion continues.

Another engineer suggested: "When gunship aircraft are engaged in combat, the aircraft need to fly in a stable circling position. We have communicated with the company's newly recruited pilots, and they all have their own understanding of circling flight and make different flight maneuvers. Should we use standardized methods or equipment to standardize this circling flight?"

Standardization is the secret to the development of Taishan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, and engineers have also brought it to other fields.

Fang Wen agreed, as this was his area of ​​expertise, and he responded:

"I have also considered the standardization of hovering flight. My idea is to design several specifications of hovering firing standards for gunships. These standards represent different hovering radii and are incorporated into an adjustable device. Once the pilot has identified the target in the air, he can use this device to lock on and then perform standardized operations according to the corresponding flight standards."

What he said was somewhat ahead of its time, and even included very complex mechanical structures.

The mechanics racked their brains but couldn't figure out what kind of equipment could achieve the effect Fang Wenyao wanted.

Fang Wen realized that what he was thinking was beyond the scope of the technology of the time, but he did not want to give up.

Isn't there a simpler solution?

He clasped his hands together, resting his chin on them, deep in thought.

The target inadvertently glanced at the car model in an engineer's hand.

It's obviously made from scrap aluminum alloy. In aircraft manufacturing plants, both workers and engineers like to use these useless waste materials to make small toys and the like.

Looking at the car model, for some reason, it triggered Fang Wen's memories of the future.

He recalled his experience learning to drive.

Back then, coaches would teach students certain techniques in order to help them pass the exam.

For example, if a student has a poor sense of distance, they are likely to hit the curb when parking. The instructor will teach the student to look at the intersection of a certain point on the windshield wiper and the curb. This way, they will at least be able to pass this part of the test.

Thinking of this, Fang Wen suddenly had an inspiration.

Different standards of hovering flight can actually be quantified, summarized into hovering parameters, and then made into dials that can be attached to the cockpit glass. Pilots can then perform different operations according to different dial standards, which would solve the problem.

As for the hovering parameters, they should include hovering radius, altitude, speed, etc. These parameters are specific to the Water Cloud Type 1, which Fang Wen can easily obtain.

He then said, "There's no need to discuss that; I have a solution. Now let's talk about what kind of weapons are best for gunships."

Weapons are the foundation of gunboats, and the mechanics immediately perked up and began a heated discussion.

"I think we should open two flank firing ports, each equipped with a twin 7.92mm machine gun."

"The power is too weak. Gunships are meant for air-to-ground fire suppression, and 7.92mm bullets are not powerful enough."

"Then use the 12.7mm M2 machine gun; its power should be sufficient."

At this moment, a French engineer spoke up: "Since we have created a fighter jet model that has never been seen before, why not equip it with the most powerful weapon? I think a 20mm anti-aircraft cannon can be mounted on the aircraft for downward firing."

All the engineers fell silent, much to Fang Wen's surprise.

Is this idea feasible?
Fang Wen wasn't sure, so he planned to get a machine gun to try it out.

After the meeting, the engineers assigned tasks can begin the aircraft chassis reinforcement project, while those without tasks can return to their original work as usual.

Fang Wen then arranged for Li Tiezhu from the International Flights Division of Taishan Airlines to learn about the 20mm anti-aircraft gun in Europe.

He then began to collect and summarize the circling parameters while piloting the Shuiyun-1 seaplane.

Time passed slowly, and the first to finish was Li Tiezhu, who brought back data on the European 20mm anti-aircraft gun.

Fang Wen suspended his flight and returned to the industrial park to talk with Li Tiezhu.

At Fang Wen's residence in the industrial park, Li Tiezhu opened his suitcase and took out the documents and photos inside.

"General Manager, these are all 20mm autocannons currently in service in various European countries, and their performance has been proven."

"Okay." Fang Wen nodded in satisfaction. Li Tiezhu had become much more mature and steady after being sent abroad.

He picked up the documents and looked them over.

The first one is a classic.

Swiss Oerlikon 20mm autocannon.

It can be said that many machine guns around the world are derived from it.

This gun had a high rate of fire and high accuracy, making it the first generation of naval air defense firepower.

Fang Wen was very interested in this, but there was other information, and he planned to read it before making a decision.

The second is the Swiss Soluton ST-5 20mm autocannon.

Although the Solothurn machine gun was nominally Swiss-made, it actually used German technology.

Because the Treaty of Versailles restricted German arms production, Rheinmetall of Germany collaborated with Soluton of Switzerland to circumvent these restrictions.

That's how this machine gun came about.

Its features include a lightweight barrel, high rate of fire, and long range.

The next two are new products that were released last year.

Madsen M1935 20mm autocannon from Denmark.

This new 20mm autocannon is a dual-purpose weapon, capable of both anti-aircraft and ground-to-ground fire.

The new model seems to be lighter than the previous two.

Fang Wen continued looking at the last one.

Italian Breda M1935 20mm autocannon

This device, with its added elevation aiming and individual rotary control, is quite suitable for anti-aircraft firepower.

After reviewing the four machine guns, Fang Wen pondered. The fourth one was entirely designed for individual anti-aircraft fire and couldn't be used for air-to-ground dive-firing. Modifying it would require replacing many parts, which would be counterproductive.

The other three are all good.

He asked, "Besides the fourth one, go back and talk to the supplier to see if you can modify it into a downward-firing mode."

At this point, Fang Wen changed his mind again.

The chassis armor of the Shuiyun-1 civilian-to-military seaplane is not yet ready, so its turn coefficient cannot be determined. It would be better to take advantage of this time to go to Europe and negotiate with arms dealers in person.

In addition, it would be a good opportunity to look for high-speed fighter jets that could be acquired in Europe.

"Forget it, I'll do this myself. You can come with me to Europe."

"Yes, General Manager," Li Tiezhu replied.

In March 1936, Fang Wen boarded his own Asia-Europe Airlines plane and flew to Europe.

This time, however, things are very different in Europe.

Today, Taishan Group owns Asia-Europe routes, its own aircraft manufacturing plant, crude oil refinery, and a US-listed company, as well as future Asia-America routes.

As the head of Taishan Group, his arrival was welcomed by both old and new friends.

At Paris Airport, Émile de Vatine, an executive at Falmont, greeted Fang Wen and introduced him to two new friends.

"Claudio Carrillo, manager of Saint-Chamon. Saint-Chamon produces heavy tanks and artillery, and its products hold an important position in the French army."

"Robert Abbott, executive at Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric manufactures artillery and armored vehicles, and their artillery is well-known in Europe."

“We heard that your group wants to purchase a batch of 20mm autocannons. These two can help you.”

Fang Wen smiled and shook hands with his two newly acquainted friends, and then suggested that they move to a more comfortable place to talk.

They left the airport and arrived at a social club in Paris.

After ordering some food and drinks, Fang Wen asked, "Excuse me, two artillery experts, is it possible to use a 20mm autocannon for downward firing?"

Claudio Carrillo replied: "The 20mm cannon is mainly used for anti-aircraft defense, but it is now gradually being used for direct fire attacks. There is no technical problem with firing at a downward angle, but it will be affected by some practical conditions and factors."

Robert Abbott added: "From a firing principle perspective, anti-aircraft machine guns are typically designed with a wide range of firing angles and elevation angles to engage targets at different heights and angles. Generally, the elevation range of this weapon is -30° to 90°, which means it is fully capable of firing at an angle of depression."

The two of them took turns explaining the issue of firing the 20mm autocannon at an angle of depression.

"However, in actual use, the firing stability of the machine gun may be affected when firing at a downward angle, especially when the angle of depression is large. This may lead to a decrease in firing accuracy and affect the firing effect. In order to maintain firing stability, the gunner needs to adopt an appropriate firing posture and support, such as using the corners of building rooftops, balconies or windows as support."

“When shooting at a downward angle, the difficulty of observation and aiming may increase. Due to the change in shooting angle, the shooter needs to adjust the sights and shooting posture to ensure accurate aiming at the target.”

The two analyzed the situation for Fang Wen very seriously, but judging from their words, firing at a downward angle was still achievable.

Fang Wen immediately spoke up: "We found a supplier, but it doesn't seem to have much ability to communicate with the manufacturers. Could you two recommend a better arms supplier who can directly represent the manufacturers for customization?"

This matter involves a dark industry chain that is not exposed to the public eye. The two experts certainly know about it, but it is inconvenient for them to explain it in public.

After discussing it in hushed tones, the two wrote a note to Fang Wen.

"Go find him; he's the best arms dealer. We're leaving now."

Fang Wen stood up to thank the two artillery experts, asked Li Tiezhu to see them off, and offered them payment.

Faleman's executive, Emil de Vatina, did not leave; they still had things to discuss.

Fang Wen spoke to them, saying, "Let's talk about the best fighter jets in Europe over the past two years."

Since we were all from the aviation industry, we were all very interested in this and started chatting.

Emil Devatina, who owns his own aircraft manufacturing company, said first: "I think the Spitfire that Britain is going to launch is good. It has a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, a semi-spindle nose, and an elliptical planar cantilevered low-wing. Its power and aerodynamic performance should be very good. It is said that it is going to be equipped with a 20mm Hispano cannon, which is also very powerful."

Emil de Vatina is a genius aircraft designer with unique insights into airplanes. The airplanes he approves of must be quite good.

But the Spitfire was the next generation of main fighter jets for the British, and it had not yet entered service, so Fang Wen never thought he could get his hands on one.

He remained silent, wondering what insights the executives at Leymond might have.

A Falaman executive had a different opinion:

"The Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter jet that Germany test-flew last year is also quite good. Its overall performance is definitely no worse than the British Spitfire, and I even think it's a bit better. As for firepower, the use of 20mm cannons in fighter jets is being secretly researched by both countries, and future fighter jets will definitely be equipped with larger caliber cannons."

Both sides mentioned the application of 20mm cannons on aircraft.

The difference is that Britain and Germany are already researching applications for fighter jets, while Fang Wen's Taishan Taiji Manufacturing Plant is still only researching applications such as gunboats.

This is a technological gap; no matter how wealthy an individual is, they cannot compare to a nation.

Fang Wen composed himself and asked, "Is it possible for me to buy a Spitfire or a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter jet?"

He received a surprised response: two top-of-the-line aircraft, and it wasn't just him who wanted them; the United States, Japan, France, and other countries also wanted them. Britain and Germany would definitely keep this strictly confidential, making it impossible for them to be produced.

After receiving no response, Fang Wen settled for second best.

"What other good fighter jets can Europe buy?"

Emil de Vatina and executives from Faleman offered some advice.

The French MB.150 fighter jet, a new single-seat fighter jet developed under a tender by the French Air Force, has been under development for some time due to issues such as ground taxiing and insufficient power.

The French Air Force has now set its sights on another aircraft that has already successfully completed its test flights. With the original aircraft manufacturing plant being nationalized, the entire project has come to a standstill.

If Fang Wen is willing, the people of Falaman are willing to mediate and allow him to produce a batch of export models based on the MB.150 fighter jet.

Fang Wen knew that this suggestion was a power-money transaction that would benefit all parties, but he also knew that there were other options, so he did not make a decision immediately.

Next, we will introduce the Morana-Sonière MS406.

It is also a French-made fighter jet, which has been commissioned by the French Air Force. The French Air Force plans to replace its old fighter jets with it as its main combat aircraft in the future.

Furthermore, it was the first fighter jet in the French Air Force to reach a speed of 400 kilometers per hour.

It can also be customized for export.

Besides.

There is also the D.510 designed and manufactured by Emil Dvartina.

Czechoslovakia's B-534 biplane fighter.

Soviet I-16 fighter jet.

There are ways to get them.

After listening to all this, Fang Wen considered whether he could choose the fighter jet he wanted from among them.

Having just recovered from a serious illness, I can only print one page so far. Please forgive me, readers.

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(End of this chapter)