Chapter 160: I Suggest Making Unmanned Bombers

10,000 words every day, five chapters presented; everyone's encouragement is very powerful, I will continue to work hard.

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How could Li Mingyuan predict the progress of the war so accurately?

The reinforcements from the Star-Spangled Country haven't even arrived yet; how did he know there was only a month or two left?

Zhou's gaze became sharp: "Chief Engineer Li, you seem very certain about the development of the war situation? Where did this intelligence come from?"

Li Mingyuan felt a tightening in his chest, realizing he had let something slip.

Seeing this, Minister Zhao quickly smoothed things over: "Chief Engineer Li discussed this issue with me a few days ago. This is a judgment based on a comprehensive analysis of the international situation and military intelligence, not any definitive intelligence."

Zhou nodded, half-believing, but the suspicion in his eyes did not completely dissipate.

Li Mingyuan calmly adjusted the topic: "However, I have an alternative plan that might be more suitable for the current situation."

His voice immediately attracted everyone's attention.

"I suggest we first use the Jet Engine to manufacture a batch of Unmanned Target Drones."

"Target Drones?" Everyone was confused, "Aren't those used for anti-aircraft units to practice shooting?"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "That's right, but the target drones I designed have far more functions than that. They will be equipped with a simplified version of the Jet Engine, with speeds reaching 800 km/h, exceeding the maximum speed of the fighter jets currently in service in the Star-Spangled Country. In this way, our anti-aircraft units can adapt to intercepting high-speed targets in advance, greatly improving our ability to counter jet fighter planes."

The crowd fell into deep thought; this idea indeed had its unique merits.

In a situation where it was impossible to equip their own jet fighters in the short term, training anti-aircraft units to deal with enemy jet fighters in advance was also a pragmatic approach.

"Furthermore," Li Mingyuan continued, his voice carrying a hint of mystery, "these target drones can also be modified into simple Unmanned Bombers."

"Unmanned... Bombers?" Even Zhou widened his eyes, "You mean, planes without pilots?"

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Exactly. Using Radio Remote Control technology, we can control the flight path and bombing timing of these Drones from the ground. Since there is no need to consider the survival conditions of a pilot, this type of drone can be designed to be simpler and lighter, with a shorter manufacturing cycle and lower costs. Most importantly, it can perform missions that are too dangerous for pilots."

The meeting room fell into Silence; everyone was shocked by this unprecedented concept.

Unmanned aircraft? Remote-controlled bombing? This was simply unheard of!

"Is... is this really feasible?" an aviation expert asked skeptically.

Li Mingyuan answered with full confidence:

"Completely feasible. We have already mastered the remote control technology, and key components such as servo mechanisms and radio receivers can be developed in the short term. In fact, I have already designed the preliminary plan for the target drone, including the aerodynamic shape, control system, and bombing mechanism."

As he spoke, he took a stack of blueprints out of his briefcase and showed them to the experts present.

On the blueprints was a detailed design of a streamlined aircraft; the shape was simple and efficient, and the internal structure had been carefully optimized to meet the needs of high-speed flight while also being easy to mass-produce.

The experts gathered around the blueprints, clicking their tongues in wonder. Although this design looked simple, it embodied superb engineering wisdom in every aspect and was an unprecedented aircraft concept.

"I believe that this type of Unmanned Target Drone can not only help us improve our anti-aircraft capabilities but also perform precision strike missions when necessary, becoming a powerful supplement to our military forces," Li Mingyuan concluded,

"More importantly, its research and production cycle is short, and it can be put into use before the Star-Spangled Country intervenes on a large scale."

After listening, Zhou fell into deep thought.

As an experienced military commander, he immediately realized the strategic value of this type of drone.

If it could be realized, it would be a revolutionary breakthrough in military technology.

"Chief Engineer Li," Zhou finally spoke, the skepticism in his tone having turned into respect, "your proposal is very insightful. I agree to develop target drone and drone technology first to accumulate experience for the subsequent research and development of jet fighter planes."

He turned to the other Military Representatives: "I suggest immediately establishing a specialized research and development team to fully support Chief Engineer Li's drone project. At the same time, continue to advance the optimization and mass production preparation work for the Jet Engine."

This decision was universally approved.

People began to enthusiastically discuss the various possible application scenarios for drones, from anti-aircraft training to reconnaissance, from electronic jamming to precision strikes; every possibility made them excited.

Minister Zhao walked to Li Mingyuan's side and whispered: "Mingyuan, you have impressed me once again. I'm afraid that even the Polar Bear and the Star-Spangled Country don't have systematic research on the concept of drones, right?"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly and did not answer directly.

In his era, drones were already standard equipment in the military field, but in this era, it was indeed still a revolutionary concept.

Just as everyone was still immersed in the shock of the drone concept, an officer ran over in a hurry and handed Zhou a telegram.

After quickly scanning it, Zhou's expression became grave.

"Just received the latest intelligence from the front line," he announced, his voice low and serious, "The capital of Taiji Tiger has fallen, and the Star-Spangled Country has decided to start large-scale air support, sending a large number of fighter planes and bombers to participate in the war. The situation is developing faster than we anticipated."

This news was like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the excitement that had just been ignited in the people.

The shadow of war was approaching, and Long Country's preparation time was even less than imagined.

Li Mingyuan and Minister Zhao exchanged a meaningful look.

"Accelerate the research and development progress of the drones," Li Mingyuan said firmly, "We must race against time."

……

After the engine test was successful, the research institute fell into a state of both excitement and busyness.

Li Mingyuan's drone proposal was quickly approved by the higher-ups, and the entire research institute readjusted its work focus to fully support this epoch-making plan.

After the meeting, Minister Zhao called Li Mingyuan to his office alone.

Unlike usual, Minister Zhao did not talk about work directly today, but poured two cups of tea and gestured for Li Mingyuan to sit down.

"Mingyuan, you mentioned today at the meeting that time is tight, only a few months," Minister Zhao looked directly into Li Mingyuan's eyes, his tone inquiring,

"Why do you say that? Currently, the war is happening between Taiyang and Taiji Tiger. Although the Star-Spangled Country is intervening, there is no direct conflict with our Long Country. Even if the situation worsens, the Polar Bear will stand in front, won't they?"

Li Mingyuan was silent for a moment, took a sip of tea, and a flash of complexity crossed his eyes.

As a transmigrator, he naturally knew the direction of history—the war eventually led to Long Country sending troops, while the Polar Bear, apart from providing equipment, basically had no substantive military intervention.

Even before Long Country gained the advantage, the help from the Polar Bear was minimal.

But he could not say these facts directly.

"Minister, the Polar Bear will not help them," Li Mingyuan shook his head, his tone certain, "They want to take the opportunity to calculate against Long Country."

"How do you say that?" Minister Zhao frowned.

……

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