Chapter 318: Preparing for the Test

"When the Missile approaches the target within 20 kilometers, it will lower its altitude to below 10 meters and fly skimming the sea surface; this can effectively evade the Radar detection of enemy ships."

On the screen, the virtual Missile trajectory was like a nimble swimming snake, suddenly descending before closing in on the target, then skimming over the sea surface at low altitude, and finally, upon nearing the target, suddenly changing direction to climb, precisely hitting the ship's vital parts.

"The key is this final climbing maneuver," Li Mingyuan emphasized.

"Most ships' anti-aircraft fire is concentrated in the horizontal direction, while deck protection is relatively weak. Our Missile will suddenly climb in the final stage and launch an attack from an angle they never expected."

The R&D personnel were deeply shocked by this ingenious design and one after another redoubled their efforts in their work.

Just as the Long Country scientists were fighting day and night, the Di Guo military was pressing their advantage and continuously expanding their battle results.

At the Di Guo Frontline Command, General Linke was showing off his "strategic vision" to his staff officers.

"See that?" He pointed to the markers on the map showing the Long Country military continuously retreating, "The Long Country people know how tough we are now! Those so-called 'black technologies' of theirs are not worth mentioning in the face of true military wisdom!"

His deputy, Colonel Haideman, flattered him: "The General's strategy is indeed brilliant; by utilizing maritime superiority to continuously strike the enemy's rear and then launching surprise attacks from the flanks, the Long Country people are overwhelmed."

"This is what you call the art of war!" Linke said triumphantly.

"That idiot Maise only knew how to charge head-on, and as a result, he ended up with a face full of dirt from the Long Country people's Graphite Bomb. But I, I know how to play to my strengths and avoid my weaknesses!"

He picked up a champagne glass and gestured to the staff officers: "Let us toast to the coming Victory! In two more weeks, I guarantee I will drive the Long Country people completely back to their national border!"

The high-morale enemy troops continued to advance, while the Long Country military, under the command of Li Yunlong, retreated in an orderly fashion, constructing defensive lines one after another while waiting for an opportunity to counterattack.

"So frustrating!" Li Yunlong watched the continuously retreating troops and smashed his binoculars against a sandbag in a rage.

"These sons of bitches, relying on their aircraft carriers to run rampant on the sea, we in the Army have no way to deal with them at all!"

Lao Liu handed him a cigarette and comforted him:

"Lao Li, don't be anxious. I heard that Chief Engineer Li is developing a new weapon that can hit enemy ships at sea."

"Really?" Li Yunlong's eyes lit up, but then he shook his head, "How is that possible? Our rocket launchers can hit at most twenty kilometers, and the aircraft carriers are all on the high seas hundreds of kilometers away; how could we hit them?"

Lao Liu smiled mysteriously: "Chief Engineer Li said that with Integrated Circuit and new Computer, many impossibilities have become possible. Let's just wait and watch the show!"

Li Yunlong took a deep drag of his cigarette and looked into the distance: "I hope so. Otherwise, I really can't swallow this anger!"

The enemy's offensive momentum grew increasingly fierce, and the Long Country military was forced to continue retreating.

At the same time, the R&D team led by Li Mingyuan also achieved breakthrough progress.

After 20 days of frantic work, the various systems of the "Thunder Strike-1" Missile finally completed preliminary integration and entered the final testing stage.

The test site was chosen at a remote bay on the east coast; three old cargo ships were temporarily converted into target ships and towed to a sea area about 270 kilometers away from the launch point.

Li Mingyuan stood in the command room, watching the technicians nervously performing the final checks.

Working through the night had left his eyes bloodshot, but his spirit was exceptionally high.

"Chief Engineer Li, the Missile has completed its final check and is ready to launch at any time."

Lao Liu walked over and handed him a report.

Li Mingyuan took the report, scanned it quickly, and then looked out the window—three launch vehicles disguised as ordinary military trucks were already in position, each loaded with one "Thunder Strike-1" Missile.

"Let's go, let's go out and take a look." Li Mingyuan put down the report and led Lao Liu out of the command room.

By the seaside, several high-ranking Military officials were waiting anxiously.

As soon as Li Mingyuan appeared, everyone's gaze immediately focused on him.

"Chief Engineer Li!" Minister Zhang walked up quickly, his face full of worry.

"Are you really sure? A self-guided Missile with a 300-kilometer range... honestly, I still feel like I'm dreaming."

Li Mingyuan patted his shoulder, "Minister Zhang, don't worry, there's no problem technically."

"But..." Minister Zhang lowered his voice.

"Can this thing really hit an aircraft carrier? I've seen the target ships; those little broken boats, compared to the enemy's aircraft carrier..."

"The principle is the same." Li Mingyuan explained patiently.

"The size of the target is not a problem for the Missile, as long as it can be locked onto by the Radar."

A Lieutenant General in military uniform standing nearby interjected:

"Chief Engineer Li, I'll be blunt. A range of 300 kilometers? And the Missile can find the target itself? This... this is just too unbelievable."

He shook his head, "Our rockets can fly at most a few dozen kilometers, and they still rely on human aiming. You launch this Missile, 300 kilometers, twisting and turning, how do you control it?"

Li Mingyuan was about to answer when another Military Representative snorted coldly.

"If you ask me, don't be too optimistic. If we fail this time, we're truly doomed. The enemy is almost at our doorstep, and Beijixiong Guo is eyeing us covetously again..."

Before he could finish, Minister Zhang hurriedly interrupted.

"Don't say such discouraging things! Chief Engineer Li's work has never let us down."

Several technicians from the Military Industry Commission stood to the side, talking in low voices.

"This is a bit too big of a deal this time..." an old expert with white hair frowned.

"If this succeeds, can it really change the course of the war?" another engineer said skeptically.

"Don't brag; whether the Missile can even fly that far is another question." The third person shook his head, his tone filled with sarcasm.

Li Mingyuan listened to these discussions; their reactions were within his expectations, as in this era, a precision-guided anti-ship Missile capable of hitting 300 kilometers was simply a pipe dream.

But he knew that not everyone thought that way.

At the same time, on the bridge of the Di Guo aircraft carrier, General Linke was receiving the latest battle reports.

"The Long Country military continues to retreat and has already abandoned important positions on the eastern front."

The Chief of Staff reported, "Our Bomber destroyed two more of their supply depots yesterday."

Linke nodded with satisfaction.

"Very good, it seems the Long Country people have finally recognized reality. Continue to increase the offensive; don't give them a chance to catch their breath."

Intelligence Officer Swanson, however, wore a worried look.

"General, our intelligence network reports that Long Country has had unusual activity on the east coast recently, suspected to be testing a new weapon."

"Another new weapon?" Linke raised an eyebrow, "What kind of tricks are they cooking up this time?"

Swanson flipped through the intelligence, "Not entirely clear, but there are signs indicating it may be related to the navy."

"The navy?" Aircraft carrier captain Jackson laughed out loud, "Are those few broken ships of theirs even worthy of being called a navy?"

"Could it be..." Swanson hesitated for a moment, "Some speculate it might be related to countering aircraft carriers."