Chapter 188: Transport to the Front Line

Li Mingyuan took the telegram, a surge of pride welling up in his heart.

This feeling of being needed and recognized made all the hardship and exhaustion worth it.

In the afternoon, production work unfolded in full scale. Li Mingyuan tirelessly shuttled between the various workshops, solving technical problems, guiding workers in their operations, and inspecting the quality of parts.

The track system was the most complex part, requiring special heat treatment processes and precision machining.

Li Mingyuan personally adjusted the temperature curve of the heat treatment furnace and guided the technicians to improve the cooling method, ensuring the track plates had sufficient toughness and wear resistance.

"Chief Engineer Li, we have never seen this kind of heat treatment method before," an old technician exclaimed, "but the effect is indeed much better than the traditional method!"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly, not explaining that this was actually the Carburizing and Nitriding Heat Treatment Process that would only become popular twenty years later.

He simply said, "Technology is constantly innovating; we must dare to try new methods."

The power system also faced challenges. The existing engine lacked sufficient power and could not meet the needs of the All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle.

Li Mingyuan quickly designed an improvement plan, increasing power by nearly 30% by optimizing the intake system and the structure of the Combustion Chamber, while also improving fuel economy.

"Simply incredible!" the director of the engine workshop shook his head repeatedly, "Just by changing these few parts, the power has increased so much!"

By evening, the first batch of key components had been completed.

Li Mingyuan organized a quality inspection team to conduct strict testing, ensuring every part met the design requirements.

As night fell, the factory remained brightly lit, with machines roaring incessantly. The workers were divided into three shifts to ensure the production line operated 24 hours a day without stopping.

Li Mingyuan stood on the high platform of the main Assembly Workshop, looking down at the busy scene below.

Workers were installing the chassis frame, and engineers were checking the preliminary assembly results of the track system.

The air was filled with the smell of metal shavings and the scent of welding sparks, weaving together into a unique industrial symphony.

"I have never seen the workers so motivated," Minister Zhao walked to Li Mingyuan's side, his voice filled with sincere admiration, "They know this is equipment produced for the front line, and everyone is giving their all."

Li Mingyuan nodded, his eyes flashing with pride and emotion.

This is the spirit of the Long Country's military industrial workers; facing national crisis, they spare no cost and go all out.

Li Mingyuan took a deep breath; waves of exhaustion washed over him, but he had to persist.

The price of not closing his eyes for two days was the urge to collapse and sleep at any moment, but whenever he thought of the dangers the soldiers on the front line were about to face, his spirit would be invigorated once again.

"Minister, I'll go check the heat treatment process for the tracks again; that is the part of the vehicle most prone to problems." Li Mingyuan rubbed his bloodshot eyes, preparing to go downstairs.

Minister Zhao held him back, "You must rest; even steel needs to rest. Mingyuan, I know your work ethic, but if you collapse, who will guide production?"

"Just half an hour, I'll lie down for half an hour and come back." Li Mingyuan compromised; indeed, if he didn't rest, his brain would shut down.

Lying on the temporarily arranged small bed, Li Mingyuan sank into a deep sleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.

However, not long after he closed his eyes, a burst of urgent knocking woke him up.

"Chief Engineer Li! Chief Engineer Li!" The Communication Soldier's voice was tense, "Urgent telegram from the front line!"

Li Mingyuan sat up with a start, quickly opened the door, and took the telegram.

The message was short, but its content made his face change drastically.

"The war situation in Taiyang has taken a sharp turn for the worse, the Star-Spangled Country has broken through the final line of defense, Li Yunlong's unit has been ordered to prepare to cross the border to engage the enemy, and they urgently need new equipment support!"

Li Mingyuan rubbed his throbbing temples and glanced at the wall clock; he had only rested for fifteen minutes. It seemed he would have to keep working around the clock.

"Notify Minister Zhao, speed up all production lines; the first batch of all-terrain vehicles must be completed within 48 hours!"

……

Thirty-six hours later, inside the Assembly Workshop of the Red Star Machinery Factory.

"Track installation complete!"

"Power system test normal!"

"Steering mechanism flexible and reliable!"

One after another, dark green All-Terrain Tracked Vehicles were being assembled; the workers were drenched in sweat but in high spirits, occasionally letting out sincere exclamations of admiration.

"This little thing is damn impressive!" An old master technician testing the vehicle jumped out of the driver's cab and excitedly gave Li Mingyuan a thumbs-up.

"Climbing slopes is just like driving on flat ground!"

Li Mingyuan nodded with satisfaction.

Although this type of All-Terrain Tracked Vehicle was crude, it was currently the most suitable equipment for mountain warfare on the front line.

The tracked design allowed it to easily handle mud, ravines, and even steep slopes, while the lightweight body ensured considerable mobility.

"Chief Engineer Li, the first batch of ten vehicles has been assembled and is undergoing final testing!" Factory Director Yang ran over, looking excited as he reported.

"Great," Li Mingyuan clapped the machine oil off his hands, "Arrange for loading immediately; they must be sent to the front line before dark!"

Minister Zhao walked over, his expression grave, "Just received the latest intelligence, the Star-Spangled Country's air force has begun reconnaissance on areas near the border; we must speed up."

Li Mingyuan wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Let's test them again, especially the vehicle-mounted weapon system."

This type of tracked vehicle could not only transport supplies and personnel, but the roof was also equipped with an Improved Automatic Weapon—an Anti-aircraft Machine Gun—to deal with low-flying enemy aircraft.

Although its power was limited, it was still much better than facing bombing empty-handed.

By evening, ten fully armed All-Terrain Tracked Vehicles drove out of the factory gates amidst the cheers of the workers, beginning their forced march toward the northern border region.

Behind the convoy followed a dozen trucks loaded with "Flying Dragon-1" anti-aircraft rockets, Cloud Bombs, Improved Automatic Weapons, and various ammunition.

Li Mingyuan stood at the factory entrance, watching the convoy drive away, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

"Let's go," Minister Zhao patted his shoulder, "It's time for us to set off too. The front line needs you to guide the use of this new equipment."

Li Mingyuan nodded and turned toward the jeep waiting to the side.

It was time to make a trip to the front line.

……

The border between Long Country and Taiyang.

Li Yunlong stood before the sand table in the command post, his brows locked in a frown.

On the map on the wall, most of the northern region of Taiyang had been marked as "occupied territory," and the Star-Spangled Country's army was advancing northward at an astonishing speed.

"Damn it, the Star-Spangled Country is hitting us really hard!" Li Yunlong pounded the table, "At this rate, they'll reach our border within three days!"

Political Commissar Zhao Gang, who was beside him, handed over a telegram.

"Just received news, Li Mingyuan's all-terrain vehicle fleet has already departed and is expected to arrive by noon tomorrow; furthermore, he will personally come to provide guidance on the use of the new equipment."

Li Yunlong's eyes lit up, "Really? Great! With those 'tricky ideas' weapons of Xiao Li's, we'll have much more confidence!"