Chapter 340: National Defense Project

Dean He quickly calculated, "According to these performance parameters, it is estimated that only about 1,500 centrifuges are needed to meet the requirements of a medium-scale project. And the number required by Di Guo and the Polar Bear is more than double ours!"

This number made everyone gasp. Such a highly efficient centrifuge meant that Long Country could achieve independent research and development of weapons with fewer resources and less time.

"But the key question is," Minister Zhang pointed out calmly, "can this centrifuge operate continuously and stably? What is the service life of the high-speed rotating components?"

This was an extremely critical question. The biggest problem with traditional centrifuges was poor stability and susceptibility to mechanical failure, which severely limited operational efficiency.

"Let us conduct a continuous operation test," Li Mingyuan suggested, "to see how long it can work stably."

The subsequent test was even more rigorous. The centrifuge was set to run continuously at maximum speed, with operating parameters and separation efficiency checked every hour.

Eight hours passed, twelve hours passed, twenty-four hours passed...

The centrifuge maintained astonishing stability, and the separation efficiency did not drop at all. By the third day, when the centrifuge had been running continuously for 72 hours, Dean He finally could not hold back.

"Enough! This has far exceeded our expectations!" he announced excitedly, "This centrifuge not only has excellent performance, but its stability is also unprecedented. Chief Engineer Li, how did you do it?"

Li Mingyuan smiled and explained, "The key lies in three innovations: first, the use of a rotor made of a special alloy, which has high strength but is lightweight; second, the use of magnetic levitation bearings to reduce mechanical friction; third, the computer control system adjusts operating parameters in real-time to maintain the best state."

Dean He nodded repeatedly: "No wonder! Even in the Polar Bear, these technologies belong to frontier research. Although Di Guo is also developing them, as far as I know, they have not yet been put into practical use."

"The most surprising thing is its lifespan," another expert added, "Traditional centrifuges are difficult to run continuously for such a long time. According to the current state, this equipment may be able to operate stably for several years!"

After the 72-hour continuous operation test ended, all data were carefully recorded and analyzed. The results were exhilarating: the centrifuge not only maintained stable high performance but also showed no signs of mechanical fatigue.

The final test was an exploration of the centrifuge's extreme capabilities. Li Mingyuan carefully increased the speed to 110% of the design value, then 120%...

It was not until the speed reached 130% of the design value—117,000 revolutions per minute—that the centrifuge began to show slight signs of instability.

"It's amazing!" Dean He was almost incoherent, "This safety margin... is simply an engineering miracle!"

After the test, everyone gathered in the conference room, ready to listen to Li Mingyuan's summary report.

Li Mingyuan stood in front of the projector, appearing unusually calm, in stark contrast to the excitement of everyone else in the room.

"Leaders, experts," he went straight to the point, "Based on the three-day test results, I can responsibly report: the performance of this centrifuge fully meets the design requirements and even exceeds expectations. It possesses all the conditions for industrial production."

He displayed a series of data charts, analyzing the performance characteristics and advantages of the centrifuge in detail.

"More importantly," Li Mingyuan continued, "With the Iron Arm-11 Robot and our Numerical Control System, we can achieve large-scale production of the centrifuge. Theoretically, a production line with an annual output of 200 centrifuges can be built within three months."

Dean He and other experts exchanged a shocked look. This speed was at least five times faster than they had expected.

"Chief Engineer Li," Dean He asked impatiently, "From a technical perspective, do we now possess all the key technologies for developing weapons?"

Li Mingyuan took a deep breath, his eyes sweeping over everyone in the room: "Yes, centrifuge technology was the last piece of the puzzle. Now, we have mastered the technical closed-loop for weapon development."

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of applause and cheers erupted in the conference room.

Several old experts were even moved to tears. Everyone present understood what this moment meant—Long Country finally had the ability to independently develop the most powerful strategic weapons and would no longer be at the mercy of others.

After the applause gradually subsided, Minister Zhang stood up, his expression solemn as never before: "Chief Engineer Li, thank you for your tremendous contribution to the country. I think it is time to make a major decision."

He looked around at everyone: "Based on the test results and expert evaluations, I propose to immediately report to the higher authorities and apply for the establishment of the Long Country independent weapon development project."

The Director of the Military Department immediately expressed agreement: "Fully support! Di Guo threatens to attack our country with biochemical weapons; we must possess the most powerful countermeasures."

Dean He also nodded and said: "From a technical perspective, the time is ripe. With Chief Engineer Li's centrifuge and other key technologies, we can achieve a breakthrough in a very short time."

Minister Zhang looked at Li Mingyuan: "Chief Engineer Li, what suggestions do you have for this plan?"

Li Mingyuan pondered for a moment, then said slowly: "I think we should immediately launch the weapon development plan, codenamed 'National Defense Project'. The plan is divided into two stages: the first stage, build a centrifuge factory to produce enough enrichment; the second stage, design and manufacture nuclear explosive devices."

He paused and added: "At the same time, I suggest establishing a specialized research institution, concentrating the nation's best scientists and engineers, with Dean He serving as the commander-in-chief. I am willing to provide full technical support."

Minister Zhang nodded: "This is a very good suggestion. I will report it to the higher authorities immediately, and I believe the top leadership will attach great importance to it."

After the meeting, Minister Zhang immediately arranged a special plane to send the test report and Li Mingyuan's proposal to the capital.

Three days later, a special meeting was held at a secret location in the capital.

It is said that when the attendees saw the centrifuge test report and video materials, the entire conference room first fell into a shocked silence that lasted for several minutes, followed by enthusiastic applause and cheers.

It was decided on the spot: immediately launch the "National Defense Project", concentrate the nation's strength, and ensure the independent development of weapons in the shortest possible time. At the same time, implement the highest level of confidentiality measures for this plan, with only a very small number of people knowing the specific details.

This decision would change the fate of Long Country forever and would also reshape the world landscape.

Two days later, Li Mingyuan received a special notice: he was appointed as the Technical Chief Consultant of the "National Defense Project" and would be jointly responsible with Dean He for the industrialization of centrifuge technology and the technical guidance for that weapon development.

……