Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 564 Military Intelligence Bureau Transactions and Secret Military Transportation; Supernatural Abilities Solve the Rocket Nest Development Problem

Late March 1939, Chongqing, a mountain city.

A damp atmosphere permeated the streets and alleys, and a storm was brewing.

At this time, the Military Intelligence Bureau's influence in Chongqing was expanding rapidly, with numerous agencies springing up all over the city.

The former site of the Chongqing Police Department's Police Training Institute, located in Xiaoluojiawan on Zhongshan Second Road, has now been transformed into the core headquarters of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

This area, covering nearly 200 acres, is dotted with bungalows and a few multi-story buildings. It is surrounded by sentry posts, and heavily armed agents warily scan everyone who walks by.

The Kuomintang agents, dressed in black Zhongshan suits, hurried between buildings, carrying document bags. Their hushed conversations were filled with tension and secrecy.

As the key figure in the Military Intelligence Bureau, Director Dai's office was located in an inconspicuous but heavily guarded two-story building. The room was filled with smoke, and the desk was piled with intelligence documents from all over the country.

As the head of the newly established intelligence agency of the Nationalist government, he worked here for a long time, issuing instructions for various tasks and controlling the entire Military Intelligence Bureau.

Not far away in Zaozilanya, a three-story villa called "Shulu" has been requisitioned by the Military Intelligence Bureau and has become their reception room open to the public.

In front of the building, vehicles came and went frequently, with well-dressed officials and mysterious visitors coming and going. The secret agents standing guard at the door stood ramrod straight, their eyes sharp, carefully scrutinizing everyone who approached, ensuring that only authorized personnel were allowed to step through the door.

Meanwhile, another mansion at No. 19 Luojiawan became a temporary dormitory for Kuomintang agents, housing male and female agents who served the Kuomintang. They rested, communicated, and were always on standby, ready to go on their respective missions.

The Military Intelligence Bureau's "Special Technology Research Laboratory" was hidden in the Huolu Mansion at No. 94 Shenxiandong Street, Pipashan.

This place originally belonged to General Wang, a Kuomintang general. Because of his good personal relationship with Director Dai, he lent it to the Military Intelligence Bureau.

Today, the place is shrouded in secrecy, and the new owner uses the pseudonym "Xu Tucheng," referring to it as "Xu Mansion" to the outside world.

There are no communication signs at the entrance, and visitors are not allowed. All correspondence between internal staff and their families must be strictly checked and approved before being forwarded through No. 1, Haiguan Lane, Linsen Road.

Personnel enter and exit using special passes, and each entry and exit requires careful inspection at multiple checkpoints.

Inside, telecommunications experts worked day and night, listening to radio waves from all sides, deciphering encrypted information, and providing crucial intelligence support for the Military Intelligence Bureau.

The Huguang Guild Hall area in Wanglongmen became the base of the Special Service Corps.

No. 22 Wanglongmen, a house right next to the guild hall, became the residence of the captain of the Special Service Team.

This place also housed the infamous Wanglongmen Detention Center (officially known as "Primary School"), which, together with two other notorious prisons—the Gele Mountain Bai Mansion (officially known as "Middle School") and the Guizhou Xifeng Concentration Camp (officially known as "University")—formed the Kuomintang's prison system.

Many important "prisoners" had to go through a detention process from Wanglongmen Detention Center to Baigongguan, and then to Xifeng Concentration Camp.

These would later become terrifying marks of that era.

Meanwhile, No. 47 Ma'anshan, a three-story old house halfway up the mountain, had been occupied by the Fourth Division (Telecommunications Division) of the Military Intelligence Bureau and became its headquarters.

The Telecommunications Department is the superior department of the Special Technology Research Office. The former is in charge of all radio-related business, while the latter is mainly engaged in the detection and deciphering of coded messages.

Although the headquarters of the Military Intelligence Bureau was located in Luojiawan, due to the rapid expansion of the agency, most of the buildings were single-story houses, and the office space was insufficient. Therefore, the Fourth Division (Telecommunications Division) was located here.

It is not far from Luojiawan, which facilitates information exchange and collaborative work.

Inside, various telecommunications equipment hummed, and technicians stared intently at the flashing signal lights and jumping radio waves, analyzing every piece of intelligence. It was a crucial link in the Military Intelligence Bureau's intelligence network.

Qiao Kang was the head of the Materials Section of the Fourth Division. The Materials Section was in charge of the procurement, storage and allocation of telecommunications equipment and related materials, providing material support for telecommunications work.

It could be said that he did quite well after moving from Wuhan to Chongqing.

Now, he sits alone in his office, holding that thin list in his hand, his palms sweating slightly.

Only one person can make the decision on this matter, and that is Director Dai.

I heard that Director Dai met with Fang Wen during his trip to Hong Kong, and the two seemed to have parted on bad terms.

Director Dai knew about her relationship with Fang Wen, and although he didn't target her for it, was it really a good idea to report it like this?

Sudden.

A piercing alarm sounded outside.

The bombing has started again.

The people in the city fled in panic, searching for shelter.

The various agencies of the Military Intelligence Bureau also urgently left their offices and entered their own air-raid shelters.

Qiao Kang was among them. When he reached the air-raid shelter, he saw Boss Dai heading towards it under the protection of his confidants.

All the Kuomintang agents quickly separated to let the director go in first.

One of his trusted confidants stayed behind and said to Qiao Kang, "Boss Dai wants you to see him later."

It seems that this matter did not escape Boss Dai's notice, and Qiao Kang breathed a sigh of relief.

He then entered the air-raid shelter and went straight inside, arriving at a half-closed iron door.

Stand at attention and announce loudly: "Qiao Kang from the Fourth Division has arrived."

"Come in," Dai's voice came from inside.

After Qiao Kang entered, he presented the list with both hands and took the initiative to report, "Director, I just got news from Sun Debiao that Taishan Airlines has a batch of goods."

Director Dai, who was reviewing documents, took the list, glanced at it, and paused on the line "Repair parts for German-equipped heavy artillery".

The Japanese army is currently mobilizing a large force to besiege Changsha and Nanchang. Due to a lack of spare parts, half of the most powerful German-made howitzers on the front line have become scrap metal.

The Ministry of Military Affairs' telegrams urging delivery were piled up on his desk, while the equipment that Minister Song had acquired from the United States was still stuck in customs.

"Fang Wen is quite resourceful; he managed to get his hands on British goods. Since the Munich Agreement last year, their arms trade in the Far East has become increasingly secretive."

“Sun Debiao said that payment would be made in full and the price was twice the market price,” Qiao Kang added. “But the anti-aircraft machine gun spare parts, radios, and advanced sights on the list are all things we urgently need.”

"Double the price? Tell Sun Debiao that the Military Intelligence Bureau has accepted this shipment." Director Dai agreed without hesitation.

Qiao Kang hesitated and said, "Chief, our special funds were just allocated to the action team that was stationed in Wuhan this month..."

"Don't worry about the money. Once you've figured out the exact amount, go to Deputy Commander Wang, and he'll give it to you," Director Dai said, slamming his pen heavily on the paper. "You're in charge of this matter; don't tell anyone else."

The roar of explosions outside reached the air-raid shelter, and dust fell from the ceiling.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Qiao Kang understood that this matter might have become the boss's private business. He straightened up.

"Yes, Director. I will certainly handle it."

Director Dai said with satisfaction, "Nanchang is about to collapse; Xue's troops have been urging us to deliver. If this batch of parts can be delivered in time, at least those German cannons will be able to fire, which can be considered as our Military Intelligence Bureau supporting the situation in Nanchang." He looked at Qiao Kang, and his tone became serious again, "The handover of the goods must be discreet. Don't let the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) suspect anything—they intercepted our business in Hong Kong last time, and we haven't settled that score yet."

"It's the Director."

"In addition, there is one more thing. Part of this batch of goods will be handed over in Chongqing, and the rest will be sent to Nanchang by Taishan Airlines. We will also send a batch of military supplies there."

A day later, Fang Wen received a telegram from China at his base in northern Myanmar.

In the telegram, Sun Debiao reported that an agreement had been reached with the other side, but they had made an additional request to deliver the goods to Nanchang.

This condition was acceptable, and Fang Wen agreed immediately.

This time, however, he doesn't plan to participate personally, but instead entrusts the entire responsibility to someone from the company.

In order to ensure the safe completion of this secret military transport, he also devised a temporary route.

Starting from Chongqing, fly to Hengnan County Wharf on the upper reaches of the Xiang River, where you will transfer before flying to Nanchang.

Taishan Airlines' civil aviation pilots have actually flown this route before; it was during the coordination of aircraft among several water routes.

Moreover, with a total length of only 1000 kilometers, experienced civil aviation pilots will not get lost by using the waterways and mountain landmarks below.

This way, they could avoid encountering Japanese aircraft and safely reach Nanchang.

Who should be in charge of this shipping and transaction?
Fang Wen thought of one person: Zhang Yunfei.

Zhang Yunfei was one of the members of the special operations team that Fang Wen formed a few years ago. He is currently the head of the security department at Yangon Aircraft Manufacturing Plant No. 1.

Compared to others, he has the lowest desires. If you assign him a job, he will keep working there unless you order him to move, and he will not ask to be transferred.

Actually, he's quite capable, and he won't do anything reckless, which is exactly what Fang Wen needs.

He then notified Yangon Aircraft Manufacturing Plant No. 1 to send Zhang Yunfei over.

That afternoon, Zhang Yunfei took the company's transport plane to the northern Myanmar base.

Go directly to Fang Wenzai's office.

Inside the office, Fang Wen sized up Zhang Yunfei, who was standing ramrod straight.

He was wearing khaki overalls, the clothes of which couldn't hide the outline of his strong muscles, clearly indicating that he still maintains his fitness routine and has not yet been worn down by his desk work.

"Sit down." Fang Wen gestured to the chair opposite the desk. After the person sat down, he explained the situation: "The company has a secret military flight operation that needs a leader. I'd like you to be in charge. First, go to Chongqing to complete the transaction, and then fly to Nanchang to transport a batch of supplies."

“Nanchang is now on the edge of Japanese-controlled territory, and the air routes are quite risky,” Zhang Yunfei replied, clearly showing his concern for the domestic situation.

“Come this way.” Fang Wen got up and walked to the map, pointing to the location of Hengnan County with his finger. “I have planned a transit route. After taking off from Chongqing, we will first go to Hengnan Wharf, where our people will meet us. We will refuel and then fly to Nanchang. Because we are taking the mountainous route on the upper reaches of the Xiang River, the Japanese planes cannot fly there at present.”

He paused, then turned to Zhang Yunfei: "I'd like you to lead this mission. Three transport planes, three pilots, and twenty escorts. You'll be responsible for coordinating the flight path, handover, and... handling emergencies."

“General Manager,” Zhang Yunfei said, a glint in his eyes, “I want to transfer the security personnel from the security department of the No. 1 Aircraft Manufacturing Plant. They are all people I know well, so they will work together more smoothly.”

“Sure. I’ll arrange a plane for you to pick them up from Yangon.”

After saying that, Fang Wen picked up the phone and notified the airport to have the plane that brought Zhang Yunfei prepare to take off again for Yangon.

In the following half day, three seaplanes were deployed, carrying a large amount of military supplies.

The next day, Zhang Yunfei and the security personnel from Factory No. 1 that he brought boarded the plane, fully armed.

The three aircraft travel on civil aviation routes, flying directly to Kunming, Guiyang, and Chongqing Jiangxinzhou Airport in China.

There, Qiao Kang met with Sun Debiao and Zhang Yunfei and completed the transaction.

Subsequently, the supplies were moved and inventoried on site, and some of them were moved back to the plane, where additional supplies were added.

The three seaplanes, fully loaded again, took off once more after spending the night in Chongqing, heading towards Nanchang along the temporary secret military transport route designed by Fang Wen.

Just as Fang Wen predicted, the route was completed without encountering any Japanese aircraft, and the planes safely arrived at the temporary water dock south of Nanchang.

The successful completion of the temporary military transport was just a minor incident.

Fang Wen, who did not leave to go there, was still wholeheartedly in charge of the progress of three major projects.

Simultaneously undertaking three entirely new projects presents immense technical challenges, and without his supervision, significant problems would likely arise during the process.

In particular, the air-to-ground rocket launcher is a completely new weapon system, which can even be described as epoch-making.

After all, this year is only the first year of the development of air-to-ground rockets; such equipment will not appear in history for at least more than ten years.

It combines the cluster launch characteristics of the Katyusha rocket and optimizes them.

However, realizing it in this era also presents many technical challenges.

The launch pod needs to accommodate 7-10 rockets within a limited space, while also withstanding the high temperature, high pressure, and vibration loads during launch, presenting multiple challenges to its structural design.

In addition, the timing and consistency of launching multiple rockets is another technical bottleneck for the launch pod.

These issues cannot be resolved by simply designing a folding tail fin.

Even if Fang Wen has advanced ideas about future military development, he still needs to solve practical problems step by step to realize them.

Fortunately, he has a special ability to help him. Through his mechanical perception ability, he can analyze the inside of the equipment and learn many details and loopholes that others cannot see in actual operation.

In this way, Fang Wen found solutions one by one.

For example, during launch, the high-temperature exhaust plume from the previous rocket can impact the body or tail fins of the subsequent rocket, potentially causing tail fin deformation, premature propellant combustion, or even detonation of the warhead. To mitigate this, a staggered arrangement of rocket bodies in a "stepped" configuration and a 3°-5° angled design between the rocket's axis and the launch site's axis are used to guide the exhaust plume outwards, reducing mutual interference.

(Modern military aircraft rocket launchers, arranged in a tiered pattern.)
There is also the issue of turbulent aerodynamic flow: the simultaneous entry of multiple rockets into the airflow at the moment of ejection can create complex vortices, potentially leading to collisions or trajectory deviations. To address this, future wind tunnel testing is needed to optimize the aerodynamic shape of the launch site (e.g., by adding a fairing) and to precisely calculate the launch intervals of the rockets to avoid superimposed airflow interference.

Fang Wen achieved this even without a high-efficiency wind tunnel and computer, for which he made new structural adjustments to the rocket.

After solving a series of problems, Fang Wen achieved an impossible leap. Although it was not as miniaturized and refined as later, it still achieved the launch of the nest-type rocket.

(End of this chapter)