Chapter 167: Drone Ground Testing

Li Mingyuan put on his gloves and carefully took out the machined part—a complex Turbine Blade connector, its surface as smooth as a mirror, every curve precisely in place.

"Please check the precision." Li Mingyuan handed the part to the Group Leader of the quality inspection team.

The quality inspection Group Leader took the part, quickly placed it on the precision measuring table, and carefully checked every dimension with a dial indicator and micrometer.

As the inspection went deeper, his expression became increasingly incredulous.

"The precision... the precision is within 0.008 millimeters!" the quality inspection Group Leader finally announced, his voice almost trembling, "This is more than three times more precise than our best manual craftsmen!"

A burst of cheers suddenly erupted in the workshop; some people excitedly slapped the tables, some shook their heads in disbelief, and more people crowded around, wanting to see this "miracle" up close.

"What exactly is the principle behind this?" Professor Zhang asked eagerly, "How does this 'Electronic Brain' work?"

Li Mingyuan tapped the console lightly: "The secret is here." He opened the side panel of the console, revealing the densely packed circuit boards inside.

"This... is this a Transistor?" Professor Zhang widened his eyes, "You built a computing system using Transistors?"

"Not just a computing system," Li Mingyuan explained,

"This is a complete Digital Control Unit. It can read instructions on Punched Cards, convert them into electronic signals, and then precisely control the rotation of the servo motors. In essence, it is a micro-Computer."

"Micro-Computer..." Professor Zhang repeated the term, as if savoring a brand-new concept, "This is simply... simply..."

"A revolutionary breakthrough." A young Technician took over the conversation, excitement sparkling in his eyes,

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Exactly. More importantly, this system can be quickly programmed to adapt to the machining needs of different parts. We can switch production lines in a few hours, instead of the days or even weeks required by traditional methods."

He turned to everyone: "From now on, we will adopt this system to produce the core components of the Drone. Each group will send three Technical Backbones to learn how to operate it; they must master the basic skills within three days."

"Chief Engineer Li!" an older Technician raised his hand, "This system looks very precise; what should we do if it malfunctions?"

Li Mingyuan smiled: "I have already considered this. The system is designed with multiple backups and self-check mechanisms; even if some components fail, it will not affect the overall operation. Furthermore..."

He took several spare circuit boards from a cabinet nearby: "We have enough spare parts, and I will train several technicians to master basic maintenance skills."

Just like that, the "Computer-Aided Numerical Control System" began to be promoted within the research institute, growing from the initial one unit to over a dozen after a week, distributed among the various production groups.

The manufacturing efficiency of precision parts increased nearly tenfold, and the quality reached an unprecedented level.

……

One morning three weeks later, nearly a hundred people gathered in the assembly hall of the research institute, including technicians from each group, Military Representatives, and specially invited experts.

In the center of the hall, an object covered by a red cloth became the focus of everyone's attention.

"Comrades," Minister Zhao announced while standing on a temporarily erected platform,

"After three weeks of hard struggle, our first 'Divine Eagle' Unmanned Target Drone has finally finished assembly. Today, we will unveil its mystery and conduct ground tests."

A burst of warm applause erupted at the scene.

"First, let us thank the outstanding contribution of Technical Chief Engineer Comrade Li Mingyuan." Minister Zhao turned to Li Mingyuan, who was standing to the side,

"Without his genius design and tireless guidance, we could not have completed this great project in such a short time."

The applause rang out again, even more enthusiastically than before.

Li Mingyuan nodded modestly: "Success belongs to every comrade present. Now, let us look at our joint masterpiece."

He walked to the red cloth, pulled the lanyard, and the red cloth slid off in response.

"Whoa—" a collective gasp of amazement broke out at the scene.

No one had expected the Drone to have such a form.

The streamlined fuselage was like a drawn sword, the forward-swept wing design was both elegant and sharp, and the overall finish was dark gray, glowing with a low-key metallic luster under the lights.

What was most surprising was its size—much smaller than imagined, looking light and agile.

"This is the 'Divine Eagle'?" a Military general couldn't help but ask, "It looks... completely different from what I imagined."

Li Mingyuan walked to the side of the Drone and gently stroked the smooth fuselage:

"Yes, General. The fuselage is 5 meters long, the wingspan is 6 meters, and the maximum takeoff weight is 500 kilograms, of which 100 kilograms is the payload."

"How fast can it fly?" someone asked.

"The designed maximum speed is 950 kilometers per hour, and the cruising speed is 800 kilometers per hour," Li Mingyuan replied.

The venue was in an uproar again. 950 kilometers per hour!

It was faster than most fighter jets in the world at that time!

"Next, we will conduct ground system tests." Li Mingyuan signaled for the technicians to prepare.

Several operators quickly took their positions, and a device that looked like a simplified Radar was pushed to the front of the hall.

This was the ground station for the control system, communicating with the Drone via radio.

"First, test the power system."

As the order was given, the Drone's battery was connected, and the indicator lights on the dashboard lit up, showing that everything was normal.

"Control system self-check."

The operator pressed a series of buttons, and the control surfaces of the Drone began to move rhythmically; from the elevators to the rudders, each moved precisely according to the program.

A burst of admiration sounded in the hall.

"Finally, Engine ignition test. For safety reasons, please step back."

Everyone quickly retreated to the safety zone, and the technicians installed fixing devices for the Drone to ensure it would not move during the test.

As the countdown ended, the operator pressed the ignition button.

In an instant, the nozzle at the tail of the Drone spewed out an orange-red flame, followed by a low roar.

The roar of the Engine echoed throughout the hall, a sound full of power yet surprisingly steady.

"Engine running stably, speed at 5000 revolutions per minute, temperature and pressure are both in the normal range," the operator reported.

"Increase to 7000 revolutions," Li Mingyuan ordered.

As the speed increased, the sound of the Engine became louder, but it still maintained a steady rhythm.

The Drone remained motionless, fixed to the test stand, with only the hot air spewing from the tail forming a blurred airflow disturbance.

"Speed 7000, everything is normal!"

"Increase to 9000 RPM."

This was a dangerous testing phase, approaching the design limit of the Engine.

The atmosphere in the hall became tense; everyone held their breath, staring fixedly at the test bench.

The sound of the Engine reached its peak, a deep roar carrying a hint of metallic screeching—the sound emitted by the high-speed rotating turbine.

"RPM 9000, temperature slightly high but within an acceptable range, pressure normal, thrust reached 90% of the design value!" the operator reported excitedly.

"Test successful! Shut down the Engine."

As the Engine gradually came to a stop, thunderous applause and cheers erupted in the hall.

The technicians hugged each other and saluted; some were even moved to tears.

Just as everyone was immersed in the joy of success, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from the hall entrance.

Everyone turned to look and saw a middle-aged man in military uniform walk in quickly, rushing toward the test area in two or three strides.

"Making such a big commotion without even notifying me!" the newcomer shouted, his face wearing an expression of half-anger and half-excitement.