Chapter 434: Astronomical Navigation

He switched to the next slide, displaying a detailed research and development plan, "I suggest implementing this in three stages: the first stage, verifying key technologies, including the propulsion system, navigation system, and guidance control; the second stage, conducting subsystem integration and ground testing; the third stage, carrying out flight trials and combat testing."

"What about the timeline?" Lieutenant General Zhang asked.

Li Mingyuan was confident, "If we commit fully, we can complete the first stage within three years, achieve the first test flight within five years, and form initial operational capability within seven years."

This timeline shocked everyone present once again. Given the technical conditions at the time, such progress was simply inconceivable.

"Chief Engineer Li," Lieutenant General Liu said frankly, "Your proposal is very bold, one could even say revolutionary. But frankly speaking, the level of technology required for such a weapon far exceeds our current capabilities. Especially the precision guidance system and the miniaturized high-efficiency engine; these are key technologies we have yet to master."

Li Mingyuan was not surprised by this skepticism, "I understand everyone's concerns. But please remember, we have already achieved a breakthrough in the space sector, successfully sending the 'Dongfang No. 1' satellite into orbit, which proves we have the ability to challenge the limits."

He walked to the conference table, his voice firm and powerful, "More importantly, I have already completed the theoretical design and engineering prototypes for all key technologies. This is not a castle in the air, but a plan built on a solid scientific foundation."

The atmosphere in the conference room became even more tense; everyone stared at Li Mingyuan, trying to judge where his confidence came from.

"I request that the Military Department establish a special project team, led directly by me, to concentrate the nation's best scientific research forces and start the R&D work for the Intercontinental Cruise Missile as soon as possible," Li Mingyuan finally said, "This will be a key step for Long Country to rank among the world's powerful nations."

General Wang pondered for a moment, then looked at the other high-ranking military officials, "What are your thoughts on this, everyone?"

Lieutenant General Zhang spoke first, "From the perspective of technological development, Chief Engineer Li's proposal is very forward-looking. Even if the design goals cannot be fully realized in the end, the technology and experience accumulated during the R&D process will greatly promote the progress of our country's aerospace and missile technology."

Lieutenant General Liu was more cautious, "The resource investment will be enormous, and it may affect the development of other weapon systems. But if successful, the strategic benefits will also be immeasurable."

General Wang nodded, "Are there any other opinions?"

The general from the Ministry of Aviation raised his hand to speak, "Chief Engineer Li, what technical principle does the cruise engine of this missile use?"

Li Mingyuan was confident, "I have designed a brand-new Small Turbofan Engine, which is lighter and more efficient than any existing engine. This engine uses special alloy materials and an advanced aerodynamic design, capable of maintaining stable thrust output at both high and low altitudes."

He paused for a moment and added, "At the same time, I have also designed an innovative fuel system, which greatly increases the energy density of the fuel, enabling the missile to carry enough fuel to complete long-distance flights."

After hearing this, the eyes of the Ministry of Aviation general flashed with shock and curiosity, "This... if these technologies are realized, it will completely change the development direction of aviation engines."

Li Mingyuan nodded, "Exactly. The Intercontinental Cruise Missile project is not just a weapon system, but a technological revolution. It will drive our country to achieve leapfrog development in multiple fields such as aviation engines, precision manufacturing, electronic technology, and materials science."

He looked around at everyone in the conference room, "Gentlemen, I know this plan sounds almost impossible to complete. But please think about it, ten years ago, who could have imagined that we would have sent a satellite into space today? Technological progress often exceeds people's imagination."

The conference room fell into a silence of contemplation. Li Mingyuan's proposal was not just a weapon system, but a declaration of a technological revolution. If successful, Long Country would achieve leapfrog development in key military technologies, completely changing the regional and even global strategic balance.

General Wang finally broke the silence, "Chief Engineer Li, your proposal is extremely bold, one could even say shocking. But considering the achievements you have made in the space sector, we have reason to believe that this seemingly impossible task may become reality under your leadership."

He looked around at the high-ranking military officials present, "I propose that the National Defense Science and Industry Commission take the lead in establishing the 'Changfeng' special project team, led directly by Chief Engineer Li, to concentrate the nation's best scientific research forces and start the R&D work for the Intercontinental Cruise Missile."

Lieutenant General Liu and Lieutenant General Zhang both nodded in agreement.

"That's great," Li Mingyuan let out a sigh of relief, a satisfied smile appearing on his face, "I guarantee I will not let you all down."

After the meeting ended, the high-ranking military officials gathered around one after another to ask Li Mingyuan for more technical details. The general from the Ministry of Aviation was particularly excited, "Chief Engineer Li, if your Small Turbofan Engine technology succeeds, can we use it for fighter jets?"

Li Mingyuan nodded, "Of course, and the effect will be even better. The thrust-to-weight ratio of this engine will be at least 30% higher than existing engines, meaning fighter jets can carry more weapons or gain higher maneuverability."

The missile technology expert also asked impatiently, "Chief Engineer Li, how does the missile's Precision Guidance System work? Without external signals, how is hitting accuracy guaranteed?"

Li Mingyuan explained patiently, "The key lies in Multi-sensor Fusion and Real-time Terrain Matching. The missile has a built-in high-precision gyroscope and accelerometer, forming the foundation of the Inertial Navigation System. At the same time, it is equipped with a micro-camera and Radar altimeter, capable of capturing ground features in real-time to compare with built-in terrain data, constantly correcting navigation errors."

He pointed to a part on the blueprint, "There is another innovation here—the Astronomical Navigation Auxiliary System. On clear nights, the missile can further calibrate its position by observing star positions."

After hearing this, the missile expert couldn't help but gasp, "This... this is simply a technological revolution! If successful, it will completely change the development direction of missile guidance."

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly, "This is just the beginning. In the future, we can also develop more advanced navigation technologies, including Geomagnetic Navigation, Gravity Anomaly Navigation, etc., to further improve accuracy and anti-interference capabilities."

General Wang walked over and gently patted Li Mingyuan on the shoulder, "Chief Engineer Li, frankly speaking, your proposal shocked me. If someone had proposed such a plan to me a few months ago, I might have thought they were crazy. But now, looking at your detailed design and confident expression, I am starting to believe that this seemingly impossible task might really become reality in your hands."

Li Mingyuan nodded modestly, "Thank you for your trust, General. The success of this project does not rely on me alone, but requires the joint efforts of the national scientific research forces."

General Wang said seriously, "You will receive full support. But I must remind you that the strategic significance of this project is too great and must be kept strictly confidential. Even within the military, only a few people know the details."

"I understand completely," Li Mingyuan said solemnly, "Confidentiality work will be one of our top priorities."

After the meeting dispersed, Li Mingyuan remained in the conference room alone, organizing his blueprints and notes. As a transmigrator, what he brought was not just single technical knowledge, but a systematic technical thinking and development philosophy.

In his previous life, he was just an ordinary military enthusiast with some understanding of Intercontinental Cruise Missiles, but he was definitely not a professional. However, after transmigrating to this era, he was surprised to find that even the knowledge mastered by a military enthusiast was far ahead of the cutting-edge technology of this era.

"This is the power of the information age," he muttered to himself, "Knowledge that was easily accessible in my previous life is worth its weight in gold in this era."

He looked out the window; the night was deep, and the city lights were like twinkling stars. In this era, Long Country was facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The border provocations by White Elephant Country were just the beginning, and more international games awaited them in the future.

But Li Mingyuan firmly believed that as long as they mastered key technologies, especially strategic weapons like the Intercontinental Cruise Missile, Long Country would be able to remain invincible in this complex and ever-changing international environment.

"There will be a time to ride the wind and cleave the waves," he whispered, choosing a codename for the project about to be launched—the "Changfeng" plan.

In the following days, a silent earthquake occurred within the Long Country military. Li Mingyuan's Intercontinental Cruise Missile plan shocked all the high-ranking officers and scientists who were in the know.

In a secret underground laboratory, Li Mingyuan was demonstrating his design philosophy to a group of top scientists and engineers.

"This is the overall structural diagram of the missile," he pointed to the detailed blueprints on the projection screen, "It adopts a modular design, divided into a propulsion section, control section, warhead section, and auxiliary systems."

The scientists observed the blueprints intently, exchanging surprised glances from time to time.

"The propulsion system is one of the biggest technical challenges," Li Mingyuan continued to explain, "I have designed a brand-new Small Turbofan Engine, which weighs only half of a conventional engine but has 30% higher thrust."

He switched to a cross-sectional view of the engine, "The key lies in this special Compressor Blade design and the innovative Combustion Chamber structure. These designs significantly improve the engine's efficiency and thrust-to-weight ratio."

Professor Zheng, an aviation engine expert, couldn't help but ask, "Chief Engineer Li, this blade design... is too advanced. Can our current materials science and manufacturing processes achieve it?"

Li Mingyuan nodded, "There are indeed challenges, but they are not insurmountable. I have designed a new type of High-temperature Alloy, which, combined with precision casting technology, can meet the requirements."

Professor Zheng and the other scientists exchanged a surprised look; Li Mingyuan had not only proposed a brand-new engine design but also solved the problems of materials and manufacturing processes.

"Next is the navigation and guidance system," Li Mingyuan switched to the next blueprint, "This is the 'brain' of the entire missile, and also the most complex part."

He explained in detail the working principles of Multi-sensor Fusion, terrain matching navigation, and astronomical navigation, as well as how to integrate these technologies into a compact system.

Doctor Wang, an electronic technology expert, was stunned, "Chief Engineer Li, this navigation accuracy... even the most advanced missiles of Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo cannot reach this."

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly, "Because this is a brand-new technical path. Traditional missiles rely on external signals or simple inertial navigation, while the system I designed can navigate autonomously, greatly improving anti-interference capability and combat survivability."

The atmosphere in the conference room became exceptionally heated; the scientists asked questions one after another, and Li Mingyuan answered them one by one, demonstrating profound technical expertise and systematic thinking.

"Finally, I want to emphasize one point," Li Mingyuan concluded, "The Intercontinental Cruise Missile is not just a weapon system, but a technology incubation platform. It will drive our country to achieve leapfrog development in multiple fields such as aviation engines, precision manufacturing, electronic technology, and materials science. The technical difficulties we overcome today for the sake of the missile will be used tomorrow for fighter jets, civil aircraft, and even spacecraft."