Spark

Four hours after the regular meeting ended, Chen Nian received a technical development path suggestion from the core team.

As he expected, in terms of applied technology, the core group finally reached a consensus, recommending limited development of the aerospace industry.

In terms of biased theory, nuclear fusion is well-received and unanimously recommended.

Chen Nian didn't have much objection to the general direction of the core group, so he directly incorporated it into his plan.

Breaking it down, he has two more technical goals:

One-step space station project, and tokamak controllable nuclear fusion project.

The number of source points consumed by these two projects has reached more than four digits. Among them, the space station project is not bad, only needing 1200 source points.

But the consumption of the Tokamak project is a bit exaggerated, reaching 3400 source points.

Chen Nian does not intend to directly analyze the technologies involved in these two projects, because it is obvious that some of the technologies involved can be naturally resolved in the subsequent development process.

For example, the confinement magnetic field required by the tokamak device can be realized with metal hydrogen room temperature superconducting materials.

So, his next job is also obvious:

Continue to study in the field of materials science, brush up on the source, and at the same time start to get in touch with the basic knowledge related to aerospace and tokamak devices, prepare to disassemble the two technologies, and select the core technologies to analyze one by one.

After entering the latest task in the task manager, Chen Nian let out a sigh of relief.

He vaguely felt that he had already seen the prototype of the future.

Nuclear fusion solves the problem of energy production, and metal hydrogen solves the problem of transportation and storage.

After the most basic problem of energy is solved, the explosive development of other industries and technologies will inevitably usher in.

——

However, it is too early to think about these.

Leaving aside the long-term tasks, the urgent task now is to resolve the issue of crossing the strait.

It's a pity that Chen Nian can't stop the other party's visit process, nor can he participate in the military mobilization.

Regarding the development of the situation, what he can do is actually not much better than an ordinary Chinese person.

Cheng Fei, in the Wudetection-9 project laboratory.

Chen Rong, the chief teacher in charge of the project, stretched his arms, trying to restore elasticity to the slightly stiff muscles after working overtime overnight.

Opposite him, the assistant is reporting the latest progress information against the content summarized on the screen.

"...so the current situation is clear, the radar problem has been completely resolved, and we use the low-observable radar technology provided by 14."

"The radar model is KLJ-8 AESA radar, and it is also equipped with low detectable power control technology."

"In full power mode, the radar detection range can reach 420 kilometers. In LPI mode, when detecting targets 150KM away, the receiver in the near side lobe direction cannot receive the radiation source."

"That is to say, if the LPI mode is used, after using the data link system to guide the approach, within a range of 100km, the detected target cannot even receive continuous echo signals."

"In this case, we can achieve extremely high efficiency whether it is close-in detection or surprise attack"

"However, Wuzun-9 is still mainly used as a reconnaissance aircraft in the final analysis. I have always said that this low-observability technology is unnecessary."

Chen Rong interrupted the assistant, who was taken aback for a moment, then replied with a smile:

"If we follow our previous design, we can indeed reduce the size of the radar to make room."

"But now, the size of the TBCC engine is lower than expected, and the saved space is just useless."

"Otherwise, what can you do if it is empty? The electronic jamming system has also been integrated, and the magazine has preset space for two PL-15 rounds, and there is no need for a pilot's cockpit."

"That's true."

Chen Rong nodded slightly, agreeing with the assistant's point of view.

In fact, this problem has been discussed many times in the early stage of the project. Because the size of the TBCC engine is lower than the expected standard, Chengfei even had a big argument with the power plant, accusing them of changing the design standard at will and delaying the project progress.

But the reason is very good. It is easier to change the airframe design than to change the engine design, and the engine size is small, which belongs to project optimization. Can you say that the optimization is not good?

Therefore, in the end, Chen Rong chose to compromise. Fortunately, the changes that needed to be made were not major, and in the end, he got through smoothly.

However, both inside and outside the project team have different views on the space saved.

Chen Rong himself advocated flattening the Wuzhen-9 to obtain better speed performance, but most people opposed to making major changes to the frame of the airframe. Hit one.

"What about the other parts? How about the results of the oven test?"

"It's done. The heat dissipation efficiency of the corrugated structure plus the new skin material is not much different from expectations, but one thing that is not good is that the heat resistance of the variable wing connection is significantly weaker than other positions."

"That is to say, this position has become a structural weakness point and a heat deposition point at the same time, and subsequent material replacement may be required to ensure the strength of the body."

"But in any case, it is impossible for us to solve the problem of stealth skin loss in the short term. We can only make up for it after flying a few times."

"New aircraft are certainly not perfect."

Chen Rong was not surprised by this. He had already seen this problem during the design phase of the early body, and he knew in his heart that this was a problem that could not be solved in the short term.

Therefore, what the project team has to do is not to try to find a way to solve the problem, but to use a relatively "stupid" method to achieve the same goal through logistical support.

To put it bluntly, Wuzhen-9 is not a main combat aircraft that requires large-scale service and large-scale equipment. It is positioned as a special strategic aircraft just like the Blackbird and F-111.

Not to mention repairing the skin after flying a few times, even if it is repaired once a flight, the logistical pressure brought about is actually limited.

Skipping this question, the two continued to discuss other details, and in the end, the conclusions of the two finally formed a number:

10 days.

According to the current efficiency of multi-system and multi-department synchronous operation, it will take up to 10 days for Wuzhen-9 to complete the final assembly and enter the flight test link.

It took a total of 4 months from the design to the test flight of this aircraft, which can be said to have set a record in the history of aviation.

Of course, such efficiency is closely related to its particularity.

Green light all the way in key technical fields, maximized resource support, and an unmanned solution that does not need to consider personnel safety

But anyway, it was born.

When it flies into the air, no one will see its figure, but all enemies will be shrouded in its shadow.

New York International Airport.

Pickering is already sitting in the lounge of the airport. In two hours, he will board this special flight to start his important journey.

At this moment, he seemed a little restless, and even the hand holding the coffee was trembling slightly.

It is impossible to say that he is not nervous. After all, judging from the situation in the past few days, the danger of his trip is too high.

Both the Turret and the Congress refused to endorse their actions, and even issued public statements stating that their visits were entirely personal during the holidays.

Huaxia issued multiple warnings in succession, warning him that if the plane entered the airspace controlled by the opponent, he would bear the consequences himself.

What is "the consequences are borne by himself"?

These words sound simple, but in fact they contain profound meaning.

The core point lies in the word "self".

This means that a certain tacit agreement has been reached, and he took the initiative to cut himself off from the authorities.

And the consequence of cutting is

All consequences shall be borne by oneself.

Of course, Pickering believed that if such a thing happened, it would be almost impossible for the higher ups to sit idly by.

But the problem is, without the pressure they exerted, once I really do something, what room do I have to repent?

A life for nothing?

You must know that the aircraft carrier Roosevelt has not moved for a long time, and it is almost certain that it will not participate in this operation.

At the same time, the attitude of the South Island is also extremely ambiguous.

On the one hand, they strongly support the trip.

On the other hand, Pickering's request for escort was rejected.

What is it called?

The risk is all on themselves, and they are not even willing to reach out.

Pickering once wanted to cancel the trip, but the smooth situation in the early stage obviously dazzled him, and the expansion of the influence of the incident also exceeded his expectations.

He has been set on fire, and everyone is watching his next move.

For him, in a so-called "elected government" like the United States, once he admits defeat, it means the complete end of his political career.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Then, he turned to the accompanying security personnel and asked:

"Webber, are you scared?"

David Weber shook his head silently, and replied:

"I'm not afraid."

"Why?"

"Do you know that our flight is at risk of being shot down directly?"

asked Pickering reluctantly.

This is also human nature. When a person's fear reaches the extreme, the best way to eliminate fear is to share his fear with others.

"I know—but I also know that we can't get there."

"What's the meaning?"

Seeing Weber's extremely calm expression, Pickering couldn't help but become curious.

"Do you think that Huaxia is afraid to take action? Or do you mean that the turret will attack at the last moment to ensure our safety?"

Hearing his words, Weber shook his head helplessly, and replied:

"Mr. Pickering, although I am just an ordinary agent, I still have a basic understanding of some things."

"They dare not do it? Do you think it is possible?"

"It has reached this level. The only reason why there is no friction between them is the restraint of the South Island."

"In this case, do you think they will not dare to act? Anyway, in my opinion, there is no difference in essence between one enemy and two enemies."

"I think it's the same for them."

"As for the turret. You may not be familiar with the military scheduling process, but I want to tell you that if they were to participate, the briefing would have been sent to your computer at least a week in advance."

Pickering tightly pursed his lips, and Weber's words could be said to have shattered his last luck.

He became more and more restless, and after finally swallowing a sip of coffee, he continued to ask:

"So why exactly?"

Weber looked at him with a half-smile, and said in a slightly teasing tone:

"Isn't the answer obvious?"

"Huaxia people will give you a chance, and I believe that you will seize this chance."

As soon as these words were spoken, Pickering immediately fell silent.

Yes

For him, whether to board the plane and whether to land on the ground are actually two different things.

What he was most worried about was actually that the other party would not give him that chance.

If possible, he even hoped to let the pilot circle the Americas and then land directly back in New York.

But it's a pity that there are too many people who pay attention to this matter, and he can't make such an opportunistic operation.

Pickering silently clenched his fists, praying silently in his heart.

And the content of his prayer is "the mercy of the enemy".

Two hours later, Pickering's special plane took off on time.

And after the response signal of the Boeing 737 appeared on the flight tracking website, the eyes of almost the whole world were attracted by this flickering light spot.

There is no doubt that judging from the course, it is indeed flying to the Pacific Ocean, to the island.

Four hours later, the point of light crossed the American continent and flew out of U.S. airspace.

Since then, the flight passed over Alaska, and the arc of the trajectory gradually began to "fall" southward.

Eight hours later, the flight arrived in the western Pacific Ocean. At this time, it was less than six hours away from its final destination.

Under the deliberate suppression, the discussions on this matter in Huaxia's internal media, whether on the official media or on the Internet, do not seem to be too hot.

Some people have even begun to draw conclusions, saying that Huaxia has actually backed down, tried to downplay the impact, and will eventually let the plane land.

Perhaps, only the turrets that are secretly monitoring Huaxia's movements know how dangerous the current situation is.

They know their opponents too well.

When they utter frequently and shout hard, it often means that they still have room for business, and their intention of "doing business" is greater than turning the table.

But when they suddenly fell silent, everything changed.

That shows that they are ready for something big to happen.

Ten hours later, the point of light made a small circle over the western Pacific Ocean.

Everyone believed that this was the last course adjustment before landing, in order to avoid China's intensive air and sea reconnaissance in this sea area.

——

However, the development of things has exceeded everyone's expectations.

At that moment, the light spot representing the Boeing 737 suddenly disappeared.

No symptoms.

At the same time, the voice of the South Island media also disappeared.

A minute ago, the TV program was still celebrating this visit.

A minute later, the screen was cut off and replaced with a landscape film and animation.