Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 65: The 65-meter security gate was successfully developed; Shanghai-Fuyang air route commenced operation.
Scientific research activities during the Republic of China era were not as rigorous as they would be in the future.

There's no need for a project proposal and a lot of procedures.

With only a week to prepare, the event was organized on the spot that very day in the office of the Physics Department at Tsinghua University.

They needed a research team, so they went straight to people and saw who was willing to join.

Those who agreed came to the office and participated in the discussion.

As the client, Fang Wen is responsible for answering their questions.

A new student came over with paper and pen to ask a question.

What kind of metal detector do you want?

"It should be called a metal detector. My idea is to make it look like a door, and passengers can only enter and exit through the door. When they pass through the metal detector, if there is metal on their body or in their luggage, it will trigger an alarm."

Fang Wen described his concept for the metal detector in detail, his words filled with foresight and anticipation for the future. The professors and students from Tsinghua University present listened intently, captivated by this innovative idea.

Everyone talked and discussed.

“This sounds very interesting and practical,” a young student said excitedly. “We can use the principle of electromagnetic induction. When a metal object passes through the security gate, it changes the surrounding magnetic field. We can detect this change and trigger an alarm.”

Fang Wen nodded in agreement, and added, "Yes, that's exactly what I want. But it's up to you to make this idea a reality."

Next, the research team members began a lively discussion about how to realize their concept for this metal detector. They discussed the principles of electromagnetic induction, the design of sensors and circuits, and so on, with everyone's face beaming with enthusiasm and anticipation for scientific research.

Although this was in the 1930s, implementing such a design was not difficult in the relevant majors at Tsinghua University.

It's much simpler than the future.

In seven days, they created a simple coil electromagnetic inductor.

Simply put, it involves winding wire into a loop with multiple turns.

An electric current passing through a coil generates an electromagnetic field.

When an object passes through a magnetic field, it undergoes a change. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, an induced electromotive force is generated in the coil.

The magnitude of this induced electromotive force is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field and the number of turns of the coil, and can be adjusted by changing the number of turns of the coil.

Metal objects react strongly when passing through a magnetic field. This threshold can be used as the sensor's output signal to trigger warning horns and lights, thereby alerting users to dangerous items.

This simple coil electromagnetic sensor, when installed in a wooden door frame and connected to an electric current and a warning device, created the world's first aviation security gate.

With the equipment completed, it was Fang Wen's turn to consider how to take it back.

The security gate doesn't need to be brought along; you can just have a carpenter make one when you get back.

It mainly consists of simple coil electromagnetic inductors. Those devices that use copper wire as conductors can be disassembled and reassembled, but they weigh 200 kilograms.

For this purpose, a professor from Tsinghua University even helped borrow a car for transportation.

When he arrived at the Nanyuan Flight School airport, he was surprised to see the Qingyun fighter jet.

"Is this fighter jet yours?"

“Yes.” Fang Wen said with no small amount of pride, “I bought it for 3000 silver dollars. It was originally a total waste, and it took a lot of effort to repair it.”

"That's wonderful." The professor stroked the fuselage with envy. "I once dreamed of flying too. By the way, how are you planning to transport the induction coil back?"

“It was all prepared before we came.” Fang Wen leaned down and pointed to the auxiliary fuel tank on the belly of the aircraft. “I made some modifications. Half of the auxiliary fuel tank below is empty, so it can be placed inside.”

As he spoke, he lifted the cover on the right side of the auxiliary fuel tank, revealing the space inside.

The professor was somewhat surprised by the design of the auxiliary fuel tank: "How did you come up with these ideas? Security gates, auxiliary fuel tanks—I think these concepts might be very meaningful." "Maybe," Fang Wen replied vaguely.

Without the War of Resistance, these inventions could indeed have brought about many changes and allowed them to live a life free from want. Unfortunately, it won't be long before the Japanese make their move again. Next year, the European with the mustache will also become the leader, and the whole world will be in chaos.

Dispelling the thought, Fang Wen said no more and, together with Fang Shouxin, placed simple coil electromagnetic inductors into the auxiliary fuel tank.

After doing all this, Fang Wen took out a specially made business card and handed it to the professor.

"what is this?"

"My business card has my contact information in Shanghai, including my phone number and telegram. If you need to contact me, just use the information on it."

"Oh well."

The professor put away the business card and watched Fang Wen board the plane and take off.

After a flight of more than three hours, the plane returned to Shanghai Airport.

The Taishan Airlines employees waiting at the airport were very much looking forward to the treasure they had bought for 3,000 yuan.

What they saw were heavy cylindrical objects.

These valuable items were placed in Taishan Airlines' office at the airport. Later, two carpenters were brought in to build security gates overnight, and a diesel generator was also brought in.

Once the wooden security gate with built-in grooves is completed, the electromagnetic induction coils are inserted into the grooves, connected to each other, and then the power cord is connected.

Fang Wen spoke up, "Who wants to try?"

"Me." Shunzi raised her hand.

He bravely walked through the security gate, and nothing happened.

"Take this and go again." Fang Wen handed Shunzi a sharp knife.

This time, the security gate lights came on, along with a piercing sound.

Amazing! It's actually possible to find hidden weapons without even searching them.

The employees of Taishan Airlines were surprised and excited.

Next, Sun Debiao simply used a Mauser pistol, which was also detected due to the metal contained in the gun body and bullets.

With these security measures, Taishan Airlines' safety has been greatly enhanced.

It is now officially time for the airline to begin operations.

In downtown Shanghai, a ticket sales office for Taishan Airlines was opened at the junction of the French Concession and the old city.

A large neon sign for Taishan Airlines was hung outside. After a burst of firecrackers, people curiously entered the ticket sales area, which was filled with flower baskets.

Directly opposite the main entrance is the ticket window, and there's a flight schedule on the wall next to it.

Currently, the only route is Shanghai to Fuyang, which takes three and a half hours and departs every other day at 10:00 AM.

On the far right of the route chart, there is a counter with numbers indicating how many seats remain unsold.

However, for the first flight, only 10 seats were available for sale, while the remaining 8 seats were reserved for reporters from major Shanghai newspapers.

In less than an hour, the discounted tickets priced at 25 yuan each were sold out, and the ten passengers boarded a shuttle bus from Taishan Airlines to the airport.

(End of this chapter)