diskusbooks Chapter 513 Flying Squadron
Chapter 513 Flying Squadron
In a hidden corner of the Jing County mining area, the airship stood quietly, and the surrounding atmosphere was tense and full of expectation.
Taking the load-bearing issue into consideration, eight sandbags were hung steadily under the airship. Each sandbag weighed about fifty kilograms. The surface of the sandbags was rough, and the texture seemed to reveal the solemnity of the mission they were about to undertake.
In addition, the airship was carrying two experienced boiler operators. They had focused eyes and were always ready to control the heating device to protect Gongmen Yijue and the other four people.
As the boiler operator operated in an orderly manner, the heating device began to work, and hot air rushed into the air bag like a galloping dragon.
Filled with hot air, the airship slowly rose, like a giant bird flapping its wings, ready to fly.
When the airship rose to a height of about two meters, the person in charge of command on the ground quickly waved the red flag in his hand. The bright red color was particularly eye-catching in the sun.
After receiving the instructions, the boiler operator skillfully adjusted the heating power, and the airship stayed steadily at this altitude.
Today's training focused only on controlling the up and down altitude, and the rear propellers were not started.
Therefore, the whole process went smoothly, and the airship rose and fell freely under instructions like an obedient child.
This airship test is kept absolutely confidential. It is like the last trump card in Zhao Sheng's hand, carrying the high hope of changing the situation of the battle.
In view of the great strategic significance of airships, Zhao Sheng decided to set up a flying brigade.
Zhao Yongzhu is undoubtedly an ideal candidate for the flight squadron, and Zhao Sheng also plans to train him as his future personal pilot, so he has not yet considered letting him serve as the squadron leader.
As a technical staff, Gongmen Yijue's professional ability is crucial to the flight brigade, so Zhao Sheng will naturally not let him leave easily.
That day, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the tables and chairs inside the house. Zhao Sheng and his old partner, Zhao Yongsheng, sat facing each other, their expressions serious.
Zhao Sheng frowned slightly and asked seriously, "This matter must be kept absolutely confidential. Who do you think would be the most suitable person to take charge?"
Zhao Yongsheng thought for a moment and said slowly, "In my opinion, it would be more appropriate to find someone from within our own family. Since you are so concerned about this matter, you must understand the interests involved."
Zhao Sheng nodded slightly and continued, "Zhao Long is now the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, so he must know about this. The key is that the flight squadron urgently needs a captain. Yong Zhu is our brother, so I naturally trust him, but I still want to keep him by my side."
Zhao Sheng expressed his thoughts without reservation, his eyes revealing his concern for his brothers and his consideration of the overall layout.
Zhao Yongsheng frowned slightly, his tone filled with a hint of doubt and confusion: "Yongzhu is following you now. To be honest, what do you let him do? It seems that he is just hanging out in the Luancheng Princess's Mansion, occasionally acting as your travel bodyguard, and it's only for short trips."
Zhao Sheng rolled his eyes at Zhao Yongsheng helplessly and sighed, "I can't let you all run around in danger. How can your old father at home rest assured? The three brothers of our Zhao family are basically in dangerous positions. I really can't bear it."
Zhao Yongsheng couldn't help laughing. He looked up and said half-jokingly, "You're kidding! How can driving a car and flying an airship be the same thing? Who can knock him down from the sky?"
Zhao Sheng's expression froze as he said seriously, "Do you think flying in the sky is safe? Strong winds and thunderstorms are all potentially fatal threats."
As he spoke, he stared at Zhao Yongsheng fiercely, as if he wanted him to deeply understand the seriousness of the problem.
Just as the two were arguing, Liang Dong just walked to the door and heard a quarrel inside the house.
He couldn't help it, so he gently opened the door, poked his head in and asked, "Prince Consort, can I do this?"
Zhao Yongsheng was startled by the sudden sound and turned around, only to find that Liang Dong had been standing at the door without him noticing.
He was slightly taken aback and said, "If you become the captain of the airship, who will guarantee the safety of the Prince Consort? You are Li Xin's man, loyal to the palace and the princess. Protecting the Prince Consort requires a reliable person like you."
Zhao Yongsheng was well aware of Liang Dong's loyalty and ability, but from the perspective of his son-in-law's safety, he was a little hesitant.
However, Liang Dong's ability and experience do meet Zhao Sheng's requirements for a team leader.
Zhao Yongsheng couldn't help but look at Zhao Sheng, with questioning and exploring eyes.
"You?" Zhao Sheng looked Liang Dong up and down. To be honest, he has always been quite satisfied with Liang Dong.
But flying is a matter of life and death, and there is no room for carelessness. He said cautiously: "You know? Flying in the sky is not an easy thing. It is full of dangers."
Mr. Zhao once again emphasized the danger, hoping that Liang Dong could clearly realize that this job would not be smooth sailing.
Liang Dong looked solemn, put his hand on his chest, and said firmly: "For the safety of Dingzhou, I am willing to protect the prince consort in heaven." The tone of his voice seemed to be a lifelong promise.
Zhao Sheng stepped forward, gently put down Liang Dong's hand, and said seriously: "Okay, for Dingzhou, to protect the people, I believe you!"
In this way, the candidate for the captain of the flight brigade was determined.
Zhao Yongzhu naturally became the deputy captain, and Gongmen Yijue became the resident technician of the flight brigade with his professional skills.
At this point, the personnel configuration of the flight brigade and the parameters of the airship have also been clarified.
Each airship is equipped with three fixed personnel and a captain. It has a normal capacity of five people and a maximum capacity of seven people. It can carry a load of 400 kilograms.
Taking into account the various variables that may arise in actual flight, Zhao Sheng optimized the design of the subsequent airship airbag, deliberately enlarging it by 10% and adopting a double-layer design to enhance the safety and stability of the airship.
By early winter in October, the workshops in Luancheng were bustling with activity.
The craftsmen worked day and night and built a total of eight airships, four of which actually participated in the test flights, not including the first airship used for testing.
At the same time, the training of flight talents has also been very effective. A total of 16 formal pilots have been trained and 32 people have become quasi-pilots.
With the airship fleet of a certain scale, Zhao Sheng's heart full of innovation and adventure began to become active again.
He already had a new goal in mind - to make aerial bombs.
If conditions permit, he even wants to build a super bomb.
Thus, a new secret operation is quietly unfolding.
On this day, machines roared and sparks flew in the workshop. Zhao Sheng gathered a group of experienced craftsmen and sat together to discuss the manufacture of aerial bombs.
Zhao Sheng stood among the crowd, his expression serious and his gaze determined as he spoke, "Now that we have the airship, this aerial bomb is the key to the next step. It will become our magic weapon to defeat the enemy. But how should this aerial bomb be manufactured? Everyone, share your ideas."
At this time, Master Lu, who had gray hair, wrinkles on his face but bright eyes, cleared his throat and slowly stood up.
He stroked his beard with his hand, thought for a moment and said, "In my opinion, this aerial bomb is just like a large mortar shell.
We all know that mortar shells rely on the impact force of the impact after being launched to detonate the explosives and produce powerful destructive power."
As Master Lu spoke, he picked up a charcoal stick and drew a simple sketch on the wooden board next to him.
As he drew, he explained, "First, the bomb's shell has to be strong enough to withstand being dropped from an airship without falling apart mid-air. It has to be made of thick cast iron, hammered and tempered to ensure its strength."
The shape of the shell is also very important. It must be designed to be streamlined to reduce air resistance when falling and ensure the accuracy of the landing point."
After listening to Master Lu's opinion, Zhao Sheng nodded slightly. The other craftsmen also whispered to each other and discussed the ideas proposed by Master Lu in a low voice.