Chapter 260: Transport to the Front Line for Testing

"The current average interception rate is 40%," Li Mingyuan answered truthfully, "Although it is not yet high, considering this is the first prototype starting from scratch, it has already exceeded expectations. More importantly, it proves the feasibility of active tank defense."

Li Yunlong interjected: "Lao Zhang, this kid isn't bragging. You didn't see yesterday's test; that scene, tsk tsk, was practically like a sci-fi movie. The machine gun on top of the tank automatically turned, and *da-da-da*, it shot the shells right out of the sky!"

General Zhang pondered for a moment, "Can you do a demonstration?"

"Of course," Li Mingyuan said with confidence, "but today I want to do a different kind of test—simulating a real combat environment."

He turned to the staff, "Change yesterday's static test to a dynamic test; the tank will intercept while in motion. At the same time, increase the launch frequency of the simulated shells to test the system's performance when facing multiple targets."

This proposal made the eyes of the military personnel present light up. After all, a real battlefield won't give you the chance to stop and aim.

One hour later, the test was ready. The modified T-34 Tank drove slowly across the testing ground, while at the same time, three launch points around the field prepared to fire multiple simulated shells simultaneously.

"Attention everyone, the test begins!" Li Mingyuan ordered, "Simulating a real combat environment, incoming from multiple directions!"

Almost simultaneously, six simulated shells flew toward the moving tank from different angles. The Radar Operator inside the tank stared intently at the screen, while the machine gun and missile operators kept their fingers on the control devices.

"Target locked! Fire!"

The Anti-aircraft Machine Gun on top of the tank rotated to aim at different directions in the sky, spraying a dense rain of bullets.

At the same time, four small anti-aircraft missiles were launched in succession, tracing graceful arcs as they flew toward the simulated shells.

Amidst deafening explosions, three of the six simulated shells were successfully intercepted—two were hit by the machine gun, and one was shattered by a missile.

Even General Zhang, who was used to seeing big scenes, couldn't help but gasp, "Good fellow, a 50% interception rate; this is already quite remarkable!"

"The key is a shift in thinking," Li Mingyuan explained, "In the past, we always thought tanks could only rely on thick armor for passive protection, but in fact, active interception is a more effective means of defense. Even if the interception rate is only 40%, it can greatly reduce the probability of the tank being hit."

General Zhang nodded, "Can this system be installed on our existing tanks?"

"Absolutely," Li Mingyuan said confidently, "The system design considered compatibility from the beginning; it can be relatively easily transplanted onto the T-34 or the future 'Fierce Dragon' tank. It can even be simplified and installed on fixed defensive fortifications to protect important targets."

The Military Department personnel began to enthusiastically discuss the application prospects of this technology, but Li Mingyuan proposed a more radical suggestion:

"Generals, I believe we should immediately test this system on the front line. Paper talk is not as good as real combat verification; only in a real battlefield environment can the system's shortcomings be fully exposed and improved."

General Zhang frowned, "Front-line testing is too risky; what if the system fails..."

"Just act as if it doesn't exist," Li Mingyuan said bluntly, "We can choose a defensive point with a less strategic position for the test; even if the system fails completely, it won't affect the overall war situation. But if it succeeds, it will greatly enhance our military's ability to deal with the enemy's 'Thor' rocket system."

Li Yunlong strongly supported this: "Lao Zhang, I think it works! Although Xiao Li's system is crude, it wins on practicality. Besides, the enemy's 'Thor' has already begun deployment; if we drag it out any longer, it will be too late."

After intense discussion, General Zhang finally nodded in agreement: "Alright, I will apply to my superiors to deploy a set of 'Steel Umbrella' at a certain forward position for a real combat test. But Comrade Li Mingyuan, you must go personally to guide the installation and operation."

"It is my honor," Li Mingyuan gave a military salute, though he felt secretly excited inside—he finally had the chance to witness his invention's performance in real combat with his own eyes.

Three days later, Li Mingyuan arrived at a mountain defensive position on the front line with a technical team and two sets of "Steel Umbrella" systems. This place was on the left flank of the Long Country's defensive line; although it was not the main direction of attack or defense, it still held a certain strategic value as a throat leading to an important supply line.

As soon as they arrived, the front-line commander—a Colonel surnamed Wang—hurriedly came to greet them.

"Chief Engineer Li, you've finally arrived! Intelligence shows that the enemy's 'Thor' system has deployed at least 20 launch vehicles in a valley ten kilometers in front of us, and they may launch an attack at any time."

Li Mingyuan frowned: "Deployed so close? Are they not afraid of our artillery fire?"

"They have nothing to fear," Colonel Wang said with a bitter smile, "The 'Thor' rockets move quickly after firing, and they have powerful air cover. Our reconnaissance planes tried to photograph their specific locations several times, but were driven back by enemy aircraft."

Li Mingyuan looked around; this position was located on the top of a small hill with an open view, making it very suitable for installing an anti-aircraft system.

"Start installation immediately," he ordered, "Install one set near the central command post and one set on the eastern highland to form crossfire coverage."

The technical personnel immediately began their work, dismantling the equipment they had brought and installing it on the pre-prepared fixed platforms. Unlike the compact layout on a tank, the fixed-defense version of the "Steel Umbrella" was more dispersed, with the radar detector installed at the highest point, and the Anti-aircraft Machine Gun and anti-aircraft missiles deployed in the best fields of fire respectively.

Just as the installation was nearing completion, an alarm suddenly sounded!

"Enemy aircraft! Three o'clock direction! Five kilometers away!" the observation post reported urgently.

Li Mingyuan ran to the telescope; he saw several small black dots rapidly approaching on the distant horizon—those were the enemy's F-84 "Thunder" fighter-bombers, known for their powerful ground-attack capabilities.

"They came just in time," a cold light flashed in Li Mingyuan's eyes, "Speed up the installation, prepare to meet the enemy!"

The technical personnel were nimble, and within ten minutes, both "Steel Umbrella" systems were in place, with the operators waiting nervously at the consoles.

"Enemy aircraft are three kilometers away, altitude dropping; they are likely preparing to drop bombs or fire Rocket Shells!" the observation post continued to report.

Li Mingyuan calmly issued instructions: "Turn on the Radar, full-range scan. Machine gun team prepare, missile team stand by. Remember, lock onto the lead one first!"

An eerie silence enveloped the position, and everyone held their breath, staring at the sky. The enemy aircraft formation was getting closer and closer, and they could already clearly see the Rocket Shells mounted under their wings.

Suddenly, the Radar Operator shouted loudly: "Missile launch signature detected! The enemy aircraft have fired Rocket Shells!"

Almost simultaneously, several white smoke trails appeared in the sky, and the Rocket Shells fired by the enemy aircraft came whistling toward the position.

"Steel Umbrella, fire!" Li Mingyuan gave the order.