Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 413, Section 411: Soviet Special Tungsten Steel, Return to Wuhan for Investigation

The celebration banquet was going on until evening when Captain Gao took his leave and was taken back to the airport by the shuttle bus driver.

For the rest of the time, Fang Wen was not in high spirits, which everyone noticed.

When the shuttle bus driver returned, the engineer who had acted as the bombardier volunteered.

"General Manager, it's getting dark, let's go back."

The others echoed his sentiments.

Fang Wen nodded: "Alright, let's go back then. Gong Xiuneng, you go downstairs to settle the bill first."

Gong Xiuneng took the bag containing the money and went downstairs.

Fang Wen waved to the engineer: "Let's talk."

The others tactfully moved aside to chat, leaving the space to the general manager.

Fang Wen looked at the young engineer: "Lu Zexuan, you're from the Physics Department of Nankai University, right?"

Lu Zexuan nodded: "Yes."

"I think you're quite good; you have the potential for even greater development." Fang Wen extended an olive branch. During the bombing of Taierzhuang, Lu Zexuan performed admirably, demonstrating perseverance, resilience, independent thinking, and intelligence. He was exactly the well-rounded talent Fang Wen was looking for.

Lu Zexuan looked surprised and became stiff: "General Manager, what do you want me to do?"

"It's not finalized yet, but the general direction involves the military industry. Once you join, you'll be required to not contact your family for a certain period of time," Fang Wen replied.

"Can you tell me how long it will be before I can contact my family?" Lu Zexuan asked. Judging from his expression, he seemed to want to join, but was worried about not seeing his relatives for a long time.

“It will continue until the Japanese are driven out,” Fang Wen replied.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zexuan nodded without hesitation: "I'm willing."

Fang Wen patted Lu Zexuan on the shoulder: "That's good. From today onwards, you'll follow me. I'll arrange the specific work later."

At this moment, Gong Xiuneng came up and said, "Commander, the bill is settled, and our car is waiting at the door."

Fang Wen explained, "Lu Zexuan will be with me; there will be other arrangements later."

Gong Xiuneng smiled and shook hands with Lu Zexuan: "A person valued by the commander is definitely a talent. Congratulations."

Lu Zexuan was a little embarrassed and didn't know how to answer.

Fang Wen helped the newcomer, who was about to join his inner circle, out of an awkward situation.

He pointed to his right, where Ivan was fast asleep, leaning back in his chair.

"You and Lu Zexuan help Ivan downstairs."

The two men, one on each side, carried Ivan on their shoulders.

Afterwards, the group left Fumanxiang, boarded a shuttle bus, and returned to the airport.

Nothing happened at the airport overnight. At 8 a.m. the next day, all crew members of the Hengshan Type 1 aircraft got up and prepared to return to Yangon.

There is still one guest who hasn't gotten up.

Fang Wen knocked on Ivan's door.

"are you awake?"

"Sigh." A muffled groan came from inside. "I'm awake. How long have I been asleep?"

"I drank at 3 pm yesterday, and now it's 8 am the next day."

There was a noise in the room, and Ivan put on his military uniform and came out.

"I didn't delay your return flight, did I?"

"No, you still have time to have breakfast," Fang Wen said with a smile.

Afterwards, the group ate a simple meal at the airport cafeteria in their dormitory before boarding the plane.

As the plane took off, Ivan volunteered to sit in the co-pilot's seat.

As a flight instructor, he had extensive knowledge of aviation and continued his conversation with Fang Wen, which had not been finished the day before.

"The structure of this aircraft is very similar to that of the DC-3. I saw the ПС-84 aircraft being manufactured at the Gorky 84 Plant, and it also had this structure."

"PS-84 aircraft?" Fang Wen asked.

"A civil transport aircraft based on the DC-3 will be put into service next year." After a pause, Ivan carefully examined the aircraft's internal structure, recalling what he had seen in the Soviet Union, and added, "I've seen the structural diagrams of the DC-03 aircraft. Your aircraft and our PS-84 have both undergone extensive modifications. Won't this affect the aircraft's performance?"

Rarely encountering someone knowledgeable, Fang Wen replied, "The main structure of DC-3 is very stable, and making extensive modifications based on this structure can also achieve excellent results."

This is not just his opinion; the technology that Douglas licensed has spawned a huge variety of products.

Military transport aircraft C-47, R4DC-53, Dakota, SkyTrain, C-49, ambulance, glider towing aircraft, air command post, amphibious aircraft, skid-mounted aircraft, flying artillery platforms, firefighting aircraft, agricultural sprayers, bombers.

It can be described as a versatile aircraft.

At this point in the conversation, Ivan began to notice the wireless equipment.

He just felt that the equipment was a little different, but he didn't ask. Fang Wen didn't say anything either, after all, the military application of semiconductor technology was already a top-level secret in Fang Wen's mind.

At least in foreign military sales, he would carefully consider whether to include semiconductor equipment.

Then, Ivan got up and went to the back of the cabin to learn about the aircraft's bombing equipment.

That's not a problem.

Fang Wen said, "Lu Zexuan, demonstrate the bomb-throwing device to Ivan."

Then, Lu Zexuan demonstrated how to load the ammunition and how to drop the bomb.

After watching, Ivan nodded: "Very advanced bombing and firing, especially the fully mechanical loading process, which will make bombing very convenient."

He turned to Fang and asked, "Fang, is the technology for this bombing device available for sale?"

Fang Wen was stunned. The bombing device was the technology he valued the least. After all, these mechanical structures could be made elsewhere as long as one had the idea.

Unexpectedly, Ivan took a liking to this one.

Fang Wen then responded, "Sure, but not in cash; we'll exchange technology."

Ivan did not answer; he needed to report back home.

After a 9-hour flight, the plane returned to Yangon.

It was already evening, and the day had come to an end.

Fang Wen entertained Ivan in Yangon. This time, no alcohol was consumed, and after the meal, he arranged for Ivan to rest.

The next day, Ivan got up early and asked to learn about the aerial bombs in Taishan.

Because the stockpile was exhausted, Fang Wen ordered the ammunition factory to rush-produce a batch of practice rounds specifically for Ivan to learn about.

Except for being less powerful, practice rounds are the same as live rounds.

In the simulated bombing mission, Ivan personally completed the loading and airdrop process.

Furthermore, he observed the effects of the bomb drop throughout the entire process.

They then used the aircraft manufacturing plant's high-powered telegraph to send messages back to the Soviet Union.

Upon receiving the reply, Ivan immediately began negotiations with Fang Wen.

"We are very interested in your aerial bombs, particularly napalm bombs and incendiary smoke bombs. We are also interested in the Hengshan-1 bomb delivery device. How much do you offer for these three technologies?"

In response to Ivan's direct inquiry, Fang Wen replied, "The technology for napalm bombs and incendiary smoke bombs is not for sale, but we can sell aerial bombs, and the technology for bomb delivery devices can be sold."

In response, Ivan shook his head: "Your production capacity cannot meet the needs of our army. Purchasing technology is essential."

Fang Wen spread his hands, feigning helplessness, and said, "You've seen their power too. This kind of military technology is very destructive, especially in areas with many wooden buildings. If I sell the technology to you, it will just fall into the hands of the Japanese devils. So many of our cities are mainly wooden buildings; wouldn't that be harming ourselves?"

That makes sense.

Ivan leaned back in his chair and pondered for a moment, then got up and went out to send a telegram.

After the reply, the second round of negotiations began.

"We can hold off on buying the aerial bombs for now and discuss the bomb delivery device technology first. The higher-ups haven't agreed to the technology exchange you mentioned. Is there another way?"

"What method?" Fang Wen asked. Ivan replied, "More than a year ago, you purchased tank chassis and castings. Have you considered purchasing more steel? We are willing to settle the payment with steel or other materials."

"Steel?"

Fang Wen couldn't help but ponder.

Steel is a major consumable in war.

Taishan currently has surpluses in its inventory of copper, aluminum alloys, and other raw materials.

The only exception is steel, which is purchased and used on an as-needed basis.

The main reason is that it's not cost-effective.

The United States is currently the world's largest steel producer, but with Roosevelt's domestic demand policies leading to massive infrastructure construction, steel prices have already risen several times.

This resulted in significant costs associated with shipping steel from the United States.

European steel production is mainly concentrated in Germany and the UK. With the rise of the Nazis, Germany's steel exports have decreased, and the steel is being used for domestic military production.

Because of the large demand and high prices of steel in the UK, Fang Wen had never considered purchasing steel from there.

In Asia, Japan is the largest producer, operating at full capacity to manufacture guns and ammunition.

Compared to these countries, the steel production of the Republic of China was only a fraction.

If the Soviet Union were willing to export large quantities of steel, Fang Wen wouldn't mind taking the opportunity to stockpile a large amount.

Anyway, he still has millions of dollars in cash on hand.

Immediately afterwards, Fang Wen and Ivan discussed the details of the transaction.

"I need special steel, specifically military-grade carburized steel suitable for manufacturing bulletproof armor and bayonets, or other special steels. The demand will be substantial, and I'm willing to pay extra for it."

"How much do you want?" Ivan asked.

Fang Wen calculated that the current international price of special steel is between $100 and $200 per ton, which is the cash-on-delivery price. The price will vary depending on the type of steel.

I have over $900 million in available funds. If I use half of that to buy approximately 2 to 3 tons of goods.

He grew two fingers.

Ivan exclaimed in surprise, "2000 tons!"

"It's 2 tons."

"What?" Ivan picked at his ear, unable to believe it.

He was just a Soviet Air Force pilot with a monthly salary of 600 rubles, and the deal involving 2 tons of steel made him feel a little dazed.

Then Ivan went to the telegraph room to send a telegram.

There was no immediate reply this time.

Two days passed, and Fang Wen waited for good news from the Soviet Union.

He wasn't sure what kind of response he would receive.

In addition, the special military steel requested did not specify its purpose or model, and it was unknown what kind of steel the other party would sell.

Fang Wen had only one plan in mind: to buy any special steel. After all, China had nothing else, and if they could get their hands on these military supplies, there must be a use for them.

It wasn't until the afternoon of two days later that the telegraph office received a reply from the Soviet Union.

After Ivan finished translating the telegram, he told Fang Wen.

“We have a batch of W1 type tungsten steel, just enough for the quantity you mentioned, and the price is $180 per ton.”

Based on Fang Wen's understanding of special steel, W1 type tungsten steel, which should refer to W18Cr4V high-speed steel, is currently the most readily available tungsten steel material.

This thing can be used as a military bayonet, or it can be used with high-penetration ammunition.

It can be used as the core material for both armor-piercing and sniper rounds.

Moreover, the price of $180 per ton is already very affordable; if purchased from the United States, the landed price would likely be $220.

Fang Wen extended his hand without hesitation: "Deal."

The $360 million deal was struck.

The delivery method is the same as the previous purchase of Taishan Pine tank castings: from the Black Sea, through the Istanbul Strait and the Suez Canal, to Yangon.

As an add-on to this large arms deal, five sets of T26 tank mounts and castings will also be shipped to Yangon.

Immediately afterwards, Fang Wen handed over the technical data of the bomb-throwing mechanism to Ivan as a deposit.

It was agreed that a final payment would be made for each batch of W1 tungsten steel arriving at the port, until all materials were delivered and the remaining balance was settled.

With the documents in hand, Ivan, satisfied, boarded the plane arranged by Fang Wen and flew to Nanchang Airport.

After seeing Ivan off, Fang Wen began to think about things back home.

Just as its own military industry was beginning to take shape, it was targeted by certain individuals in the Nationalist government.

He needs to go back to Wuhan in person to find out the specifics.

Immediately afterwards, Fang Wen piloted a seaplane, taking Gong Xiuneng and Lu Zexuan back to China.

The plane departed from Yangon and flew over northern Myanmar.

Looking down at the dense forest, Fang Wen recalled the two tribal chiefs from northern Myanmar that he had met here with Zheng Hanlong from Jinghong.

This is a place that even the British don't want to get involved in; it's controlled only by the local indigenous people.

Large tracts of land have never been developed.

Suddenly, an idea struck him.

The future of northern Myanmar is a chaotic place. If I take over this place now, I guess no one will care.

As long as this place is connected to Yangon, and all the industrial centers are located here, those people in the country will be unable to move.

This is much better than placing it at Xiangxi Airport.

After having this idea, Fang Wen looked deeply at the woodland below, preparing to do this if things couldn't be salvaged after returning to Wuhan.

After several hours of flight, the seaplane landed at Hankou Sea Airport.

Fang Wen and his two companions got off the plane, drove a car directly from the airport parking garage, and headed towards the company headquarters.

Upon arriving at the Taishan Airlines headquarters, Fang Wen parked the car and instructed, "Gong Xiuneng, take Lu Zexuan inside and arrange his accommodation. I have some things to take care of."

Gong Xiuneng and Lu Zexuan got out of the car, and Fang Wen restarted the car, heading towards the temporary office of the Kuomintang Central Committee in Wuhan, on Hejie Street in the former concession area of ​​Hankou.

There, the guards stopped the car.

Fang Wen took out a photo of himself with Quan Yuncai and said, "I need to see Deputy Director Quan. Thank you."

That group photo was taken at Quan Yuncai's home; the two of them were sitting on the sofa, smiling at the camera.

The guard glanced at the photo, his attitude softening considerably. "Wait a moment."

He went back to the guard post to make a phone call, and after a while came out and waved: "Go in, turn left, it's the deputy director's office on the second floor."

Fang Wen smiled and nodded, drove inside, stopped in the office building, went straight to the second floor, and knocked on the door of the deputy director's office.

The door opened, and Quan Yuncai, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, greeted everyone with a broad smile: "Brother Fang, it's an honor to have you here. Welcome!"

Fang Wen entered the room and said with a smile, "You've also stepped out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight. Congratulations on your promotion to Deputy Director."

"I'm just managing to keep things going," Quan Yuncai said, pouring Fang Wen a cup of tea. "You must have something to tell me. Go ahead."

Fang Wen picked up his teacup and took a sip, straightforwardly.

"Someone is trying to seize my family's property. Does Director Quan know who it is?"

Quan Yuncai's expression changed, and he hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

After a while, he sighed and said, "Fang Wen, I am grateful for what you did in Nanjing. I shouldn't have told you, but to repay the favor from Nanjing, I'm telling you this. Once you leave this door, I will never admit it."

(End of this chapter)