Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 492 The French Air Force procures 20 gunboats, cartridge computers, and nuclear fission technology.

Inside the French Air Force Armaments Department office, Paul Lin is talking with the officer who received him.

"Your low-speed military aircraft are quite good. They have strong defensive capabilities and specialize in ground attack capabilities, making them particularly suitable for dealing with small battlefields and localized conflict zones," the officer said.

Paul Lin smiled. "These are the basic functions of gunship aircraft. They excel at suppressing ground fire and can also support ground troops in offensive operations. The Popular Front of Spain used our gunship aircraft to regain control of the situation in mountain warfare. But its advantages don't stop there. I brought you the latest battle report on gunship aircraft in the East. You can take a look."

After he finished speaking, he took out a new brochure that had been delivered via Asia-Europe Flight from his briefcase.

This brochure records Fang Wen's operation of leading more than ten gunboats in a surprise attack behind enemy lines in North China.

Although not described in detail, it clearly outlines the combat methods of gunship-aircraft, airborne operations, joint air-ground operations, and high-speed maneuvering.

Furthermore, it includes several corresponding combat images to increase awareness.

The officer didn't pay much attention at first, but as he listened, he became more and more surprised.

He stood up: "Excuse me, please wait a moment, I need to report this to the director."

After saying that, the officer left.

After a while, the head of the Armaments Department came over.

The bald, short section chief spoke up: "My men told me that you've implemented a very magical combat method using gunship aircraft. Could you repeat that?"

"of course can."

Paul Lin recounted it again.

The director stated that he was also a pilot and participated in World War I, and therefore has a deep understanding of aerial combat.

But he had never seen or heard of this tactical approach before.

It's safe to say that this has never happened in Europe or the Americas.

But the results were indeed astonishing. Therefore, he decided: "You said that this operation was personally commanded by your general manager. Could you ask him to come to Paris? I would like to talk to him face to face about this new tactic. If it is feasible, I will apply to the higher-ups to purchase a large number of gunship aircraft."

Paul Lin was pleasantly surprised: "Okay, I'll go back and send a telegram right away."

At the base in northern Myanmar, new military vehicles have begun mass production.

The infantry have also completed the replacement with new equipment.

After all, it was an elite force of 800 people, and Taishan Aviation's industrial capacity could handle it.

With the troops' training nearing completion, Fang Wen prepared to contact the underground Communist Party organization in the south and participate in the anti-Japanese war activities in the southeastern coastal areas.

At this moment, a telegram from Paris disrupted his preparations.

Faced with the potential for a large order from the French Air Force, Fang Wen had no choice but to postpone his actions for the time being.

He instructed Pan Jiafeng, Wu Yingzong, and William to continue training while contacting the underground Communist Party in Hong Kong and Guangdong, and to arrange for the deployment of troops after his return.

After making the arrangements, Fang Wen piloted a commercial airliner on an Asia-Europe international flight to Paris.

After a flight, the plane arrived in Paris.

As soon as Fang Wen got off the plane, he met up with Lin Baoluo, who was waiting for him at the airport.

Paul Lin said excitedly, "General Manager, the French Air Force is very interested in your rapid air-to-ground reaction tactics. I estimate this time it will be successful."

"Where's the car?" Fang Wen asked.

"It's parked outside the airport."

The two talked as they quickly walked out of the airport, got into their car at the parking lot, and drove into Paris.

Along the way, Paul couldn't help but voice his thoughts: "General Manager, I want to go back home and fight?"

"You're going to fight?" Fang Wen asked in surprise. "I have a feeling you won't survive more than two days on the battlefield."

“Well, I really don’t have the guts to go to the battlefield, but I have to go back home because I’m worried that if this war continues, my mother will never see my handsome Eastern father again.” Paul had no choice but to tell the truth.

So that's why. Fang Wen also knew about Paul's background.

"How about this, give me clues about your father, and I'll help you find him."

Upon hearing this, Paul was overjoyed: "Thank you, General Manager. I will ask my mother about my father's condition."

"Once things are settled here, I'll go visit your mother with you," Fang Wen replied. Showing concern for employees is something a qualified leader should do.

As the two talked, the car drove to the Air Force Armaments Department.

After parking the car, Fang Wen, led by Paul, went to the director's office on the second floor.

The head of the Armaments Department warmly received him.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the section chief got straight to business.

He adopted a nostalgic stance: "Your tactics remind me of someone, Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen of the Second German Empire. More than thirty years ago, he proposed a tactic called the 'Schlieffen Plan.' This plan emphasized launching a decisive strike at a critical moment through rapid maneuver and concentrating superior forces, which is very similar to your tactics."

After a pause, the section chief said with some emotion, "I participated in the war at the end of World War I. When the Schlieffen Plan was implemented, I was still in military school, so I didn't know much about it. Because of your tactics, I specifically studied the Schlieffen Plan. Its key is the time difference, just like yours."

Fang Wen listened patiently as the section chief spoke eloquently.

The so-called 'Schlieffen Plan' was to utilize Germany's more advanced railway system than other countries at the time to quickly complete military mobilization.

Based on the situation of various countries before the outbreak of World War I, France would need a week to complete its national military mobilization, while the bloated Tsarist Russia would need a month.

Although Russia is relatively weak, its vast territory means that a war against Russia cannot be won in a short time.

Therefore, the target of the Schlieffen Plan was neighboring France. The plan deployed 78 divisions against France, but only 9 divisions against Tsarist Russia.

However, a year before the outbreak of World War I, Schlieffen, who was seriously ill, died.

Even on his deathbed, he did not forget this plan. Unfortunately, the implementers later acted too cleverly and actually transferred troops to the Eastern Front, thus preventing the 'Schlieffen Plan' from achieving its true effect.

After listening to the section chief's words, Fang Wen couldn't help but ponder.

He wasn't very familiar with the 'Schlieffen Plan,' but Taishan's rapid air response tactics were indeed inspired by the German Blitzkrieg and future rapid counter-terrorism tactics.

And this 'Schlieffen Plan' is exactly the same as the blitzkrieg that Germany will use next year.

The difference is that the German army in World War II strictly implemented the essence of time-difference tactics, quickly defeating various European countries.

Should I give the other person a little hint?
Fang Wen made the decision in order to facilitate the arms sale.

"My inspiration did indeed come from the 'Schlieffen Plan,' which used time differences to rapidly shift battlefield positions, delivering a swift blow to the enemy while leaving them unable to respond. Furthermore, I think I should remind your country: don't you believe the 'Schlieffen Plan' could potentially be implemented again?"

The head of the French Air Force's Armaments Department was stunned. Even after Germany's defeat and enormous reparations following World War I, the French military had never let its guard down. He shook his head, stating with absolute certainty, "Impossible. We possess the most formidable Maginot Line; the Germans could never breach it."

Forget about that; France had an inexplicable confidence in the Maginot Line, and as a result, the entire country collapsed quickly after the line was breached.

Fang Wen was speechless. In this situation, there was simply no way to save him.

He had no choice but to steer the conversation back to discussing the tactical use of gunboats with the section chief.

After some discussion, the department head proposed a procurement plan.

"We plan to purchase 20 gunboats initially, but they must be modified according to our requirements. First, each gunboat must have eight firing positions, four on each side. You don't need to provide weapons, but the weapon mounts and cannon mounts must be made to the specifications of the French weapons we provide. Second, the new concept of gunboats cooperating with airborne troops is excellent, and we accept this new combat method, but we need to send 10 visiting officers to observe your operations on the battlefield. Third, we also need to purchase 200 Taishan walkie-talkies."

Fang Wen could agree to the first two of the three requests, but he hesitated about the Taishan walkie-talkie.

Although only France currently possesses semiconductor technology, and even if the Japanese obtain the Taishan walkie-talkie, they cannot replicate it, 200 units is too many. If they supply it to France, the domestic supply will not be able to meet the demand in time.

He shook his head: "We can only sell you 40 walkie-talkies. Our own demand is also very high. This is already the maximum limit we can give you."

"Maximum limit?" The section chief didn't dwell on it further: "Then 40 units, deal."

The two shook hands, and a deal involving a large arms sale was finalized.

The remaining details will be handled by the personnel specifically responsible for this matter on both sides.

Fang Wen bid farewell to the director and left with Lin Baoluo.

He drove to where Paul Lin's mother lived. After the car stopped, Paul Lin knocked on the door and introduced himself to his mother.

"Mom, this is our company's general manager."

The tall, blonde woman immediately smiled and said, "All-powerful Fang, I've finally met you! I've told my son several times that I want to invite you to our home, and you've finally come. Please come in, I'll make you my best Cassoulet."

Fang Wen, who understands French, knows that Cassoulet means stew, which is a French-style one-pot dish.

In France, people prefer to stew sausages and beef or lamb with beans, and then add a lot of local spices.

He wouldn't mind trying Paul Lin's family recipe.

So she smiled and said, "Great! I've heard Paul say your Cassoulet is delicious."

"Yes." The tall, plump woman laughed so hard her flesh jiggled, and then turned and went to the kitchen to get busy.

Paul Lin then dared to speak up: "General Manager, my mother's cooking, well, it's quite unique. She likes to put in double the amount of herbs, which you might not like."

Everyone's tastes are different. It seems that Paul Lin's mother has rather unique tastes. No wonder Paul Lin is so thin; he probably didn't like his mother's cooking when he was young.

Fang Wen couldn't help but wonder if Lin Baoluo's father had run away from home because of this?
This conjecture was quickly proven true.

Paul Lin's mother brought over a dish full of the aroma of spices and placed it in front of Fang Wen.

Beans, chunks of meat, and various chopped spices and herbs.

Under the old woman's expectant gaze, Fang Wen ate a bowl of food expressionlessly, saying against his will, "It's delicious."

"Is it good? Then I'll make you another bowl." The old woman was about to turn around.

Fang Wen quickly stopped him: "No need, I came for your husband. I promised Paul I would help him find his father. Can you provide any information about him?"

The old woman quickly turned around and recounted those memories she would never forget.

Through the old woman's account, Fang Wen learned about the general situation of Lin Baoluo's father, and then took his leave.

After leaving Paul Lin's house, Fang Wen did not go straight back to the branch office. His flight back to China was scheduled to take off the next morning, and he still had time, so he decided to go find an intelligence broker to buy intelligence about Europe.

He then contacted the information broker by phone and drove to the Café de Flore.

They met at the same spot as last time, but this time Fang Wen arrived first.

After waiting for half an hour, the other party arrived.

She took the initiative to sit opposite Fang Wen, and while opening her briefcase, she said, "Excuse me, I was just doing a transaction with a client. What do you need?"

“A summary of intelligence from last month to now,” Fang Wen replied.

The information broker handed Fang Wen two sets of documents. "Starting November 1st, ending yesterday."

These are all basic materials, the kind that anyone can find if they spend the time collecting them.

After buying it, Fang Wen immediately flipped through it, and most of the articles were about Germany.

Another point is that the foreign ministers of France and Germany met and signed a treaty, which promoted the inviolability of each other's borders and agreed to conduct mutual consultations to peacefully resolve all disputes.

Beneath the surface of peace between France and Germany, undercurrents were already surging.

Fang Wen quickly flipped through the pages, then suddenly stopped.

He saw something that interested him.

Below the information about the opening of the Nuremberg concentration camp, there is a note: Otto Hahn and his assistant Fritz Strassmann discovered peculiar atomic changes at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute in Berlin.

These two individuals achieved the first-ever discovery of nuclear fission by bombarding atomic nuclei with neutrons.

This message was simply hidden among ordinary intelligence reports, and no one took it seriously, unaware that it represented a destructive energy about to appear in the development of human civilization.

Shaking off his thoughts, Fang Wen continued watching.

Following this piece of information, there was another piece that interested him even more.

Konrad, an aircraft data calculator at the Berlin aircraft manufacturing plant, built a strange device at home that he called "z," which could perform simple calculations in binary.

Fang Wen couldn't help but sigh at the progress of the times. He knew very well that the German engineer had created a mechanical cassette computer, but the theory was the same. If development continued, a real computer would definitely be made after World War II.

He pondered whether he should go to Germany and bring this pioneering computer talent over.

The technology they currently possess is far more rudimentary than that of Mount Tai.

The theory in his mind is still in its infancy, and he probably doesn't even know what to do.

As for myself, I have already had researchers start studying binary logic circuits, and I'm sure they'll do a better job than him.

Recruiting a computer pioneer may not necessarily produce good results, and could even lead research and development astray.

Ultimately, he abandoned the idea and continued to have the Taishan Research Institute conduct secret computer research, without adding any more foreign researchers to the project.

(End of this chapter)