Chapter 439: The Changfeng Project Begins

The Intelligence Department Head reported: "Both countries are shocked and uneasy about Long Country's satellite success. Star-Spangled Country has promised to increase support for us, hoping we continue to block Long Country's hydropower station construction. Beijixiong Guo's attitude is subtle; they express a willingness to help us, yet seem to be re-evaluating their relationship with Long Country."

"We should seize this opportunity," the Minister of Foreign Affairs suggested, "Long Country has now become the global focus; they might temporarily relax their attention on the hydropower station. We can strengthen cooperation with Star-Spangled Country, strive for more international support, and simultaneously prepare for tougher actions to stop the hydropower station construction."

Nalong Lazha nodded, a flash of determination in his eyes: "Contact the Star-Spangled Country Special Envoy immediately; I want to understand their latest plans in detail. At the same time, order the border troops to maintain high vigilance and be prepared to respond to potential changes in the situation at any time."

He scanned the senior officials in the conference room: "The speed of Long Country's rise has exceeded everyone's expectations. We must be more cautious, more united, and protect our country's water resource security."

Reactions from around the world continue. Scientists in various European countries feel both shocked and curious about Long Country's satellite success, speculating one after another on how Long Country achieved such a major breakthrough in such a short time. The academic world has set off a craze for researching "Long Country aerospace technology."

Asian countries have reacted differently. Some countries with historical ties to Long Country feel proud and inspired, believing this proves the wisdom and creativity of the Eastern people. Others with territorial disputes with Long Country feel immense pressure, fearing Long Country's space technology will translate into military superiority.

Global media continues to track and report on this historic event, with countless experts and commentators offering their insights. Some marvel at Long Country's technological achievements, some question their authenticity, and even conspiracy theorists claim Long Country obtained "alien technology."

The United Nations Secretary-General issued a statement calling for the peaceful use of space to prevent an arms race from extending into this new frontier. But behind these high-sounding declarations, every country's space program is secretly accelerating, and an unprecedented space race has begun.

Long Country capital, top floor of the Central Building.

Li Mingyuan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the celebrations below. The city's streets and alleys were draped with Red Flag banners and slogans, celebrating the successful launch of the "Dongfang No. 1" satellite. People's faces were filled with pride and joy; many spontaneously organized parades and rallies, cheering for Long Country entering the space age.

"What is the next plan?" the Vice Commander asked.

Li Mingyuan's gaze became firm and sharp: "Continue to push forward the hydropower station construction; that is the core of our energy strategy. At the same time, accelerate the R&D progress of the 'Changfeng' Project. Space is just the beginning; the real game has only just unfolded."

He turned to face the Vice Commander, a confident smile on his face: "Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo only notice our satellite technology now, but they will soon discover that Long Country's rise is not limited to space. Energy, electronics, materials, military... we will achieve comprehensive breakthroughs in every field, letting the whole world witness Long Country's true strength!"

The Vice Commander was infected by Li Mingyuan's passion and confidence and nodded heavily: "I fully believe in your ability and vision. The future of Long Country is in the hands of young talents like you, and I am very reassured."

Outside the window, the celebrating crowds grew larger; cheers, firecrackers, and songs intertwined, and the entire city was immersed in joy and pride. This day will be recorded in Long Country's history as an important milestone of national rejuvenation.

And behind this jubilation, Li Mingyuan's gaze pierced through the bustling crowd, looking toward the more distant future. He knew this was only a beginning; the road to Long Country's rise had just started, and countless challenges and opportunities lay ahead for him to grasp.

"Let the bullet fly for a while," he whispered to himself, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, "the good show has only just begun."

……

While the successful launch of the "Dongfang No. 1" satellite caused a sensation internationally, Long Country quietly accelerated another more strategically significant secret plan—the "Changfeng Project."

Late at night, five levels underground at a military base in western Long Country, a top-secret facility known as "Hao Shiyanshi" was brightly lit. This is the core R&D center for the "Changfeng Project," and only a very small number of personnel with security clearance can enter.

Li Mingyuan stood before a massive blueprint, carefully checking every detail. The wall clock showed it was already three in the morning, but more than twenty scientists in the laboratory were still busy at their respective posts, with no one showing the slightest fatigue.

"Chief Engineer Li, the test report for the first phase of the propulsion system is out." Professor Zheng walked over with a thick stack of documents, his voice unable to hide his excitement, "The results are even better than we expected! The thrust-to-weight ratio of the Small Turbofan Engine reached 8.5:1, which is 20% higher than the original design of 7:1!"

Li Mingyuan took the report and quickly scanned the data and charts, the corners of his mouth slightly raised: "Material improvements played a key role. The stability of the new alloy at high temperatures is better than I anticipated."

"It's simply a miracle," Professor Zheng exclaimed, "I have worked in the field of aero-engines for twenty years and have never seen such an efficient design. If this engine technology matures, it can not only be used for the 'Changfeng' Missile but also completely change the performance of our fighter jets!"

"That is just the beginning," Li Mingyuan put down the report and turned to another set of blueprints, "The Guidance System is the real challenge."

On the other side of the laboratory, Doctor Wang and his team were debugging equipment in front of a massive simulation chamber. This equipment resembled the front end of a missile and was packed with the most advanced electronic equipment of the time.

"Chief Engineer Li," Doctor Wang saw Li Mingyuan walking over and immediately stepped forward, "We have encountered some trouble with the Guidance System. The terrain-matching algorithm's precision on complex terrain is not yet ideal."

Li Mingyuan nodded: "This is within expectations. The computing power of current computers is indeed a bottleneck."

He looked at the prototype in front of him and thought to himself: The computing power of this thing is not even as good as an ordinary mobile phone of later generations. But he did not show any frustration; instead, he fell into thought.

"We need to change our approach," Li Mingyuan suddenly said, "Instead of pursuing high-precision real-time calculation, we should increase preset parameters and pattern recognition."

He picked up a piece of chalk and quickly drew a brand-new algorithm flowchart on the blackboard: "Pre-store key terrain feature data into the navigation Computer, and during flight, only simple pattern matching is needed instead of complex real-time calculation. This way, even with limited computing power, basic precision can be guaranteed."

Doctor Wang stared at the blackboard, his eyes widening: "This... this is so ingenious! Using limited computing resources to achieve near-optimal navigation results. Chief Engineer Li, you are truly a genius!"

Li Mingyuan smiled without speaking. This was merely the basic principle of drone navigation from later generations; in an era of limited computing resources, this algorithm was undoubtedly the most effective choice.

"Gather all the heads of the technical groups," Li Mingyuan looked around the laboratory, "It is time to coordinate the progress."

Half an hour later, in the laboratory's conference room, more than twenty top scientists sat around, each with the latest progress report of the "Changfeng Project" in front of them.

"Comrades," Li Mingyuan stood before the projection screen, his voice firm and powerful, "The 'Changfeng Project' has been underway for three months since its launch. First, I want to thank everyone for your hard work and outstanding contributions. In such a short time, we have already made remarkable progress."

He opened the first slide, which showed a 3D model of a missile: "To help the new comrades better understand the entire project, I will emphasize the core goal of the 'Changfeng Project' again—to develop the world's first Intercontinental Cruise Missile, a strategic weapon capable of low-altitude flight, avoiding Radar detection, and precisely striking targets 5,000 kilometers away."

The conference room fell into Silence; everyone was stunned by the ambition of this grand goal. Although they had been working for three months, they still felt a shiver every time they heard this goal.

"Currently, we have completed the key technology verification for the first phase." Li Mingyuan switched to the next slide, showing the progress bars for each subsystem, most of which had reached or exceeded 70%, "The test results for the propulsion system exceeded expectations; the thrust-to-weight ratio of the Small Turbofan Engine reached 8.5:1, which is unprecedented in the world."

He clicked the slide and played a video of the engine test. In the footage, a small engine on the test stand spewed a powerful blue flame, and the number on the thrust gauge stabilized at an astonishingly high value.

"Regarding the Guidance System," Li Mingyuan continued, "We have just broken through the algorithm bottleneck, and next we will accelerate hardware integration and system testing. We expect to complete the ground simulation test of the navigation system within three months."

He scanned the scientists present: "The missile body structure has completed wind tunnel testing, and the aerodynamic performance is excellent. The materials laboratory successfully developed a new type of high-temperature-resistant, lightweight alloy that can meet the needs of long-duration, high-speed flight."

Aviation structure expert Professor Lin added: "Our design performed excellently in supersonic wind tunnel tests, with a drag coefficient 15% lower than the initial design, which means it can fly further with the same amount of fuel."

Li Mingyuan nodded and switched to the next slide: "Next is the most important point—overall progress and goal adjustment."

The screen displayed a detailed schedule: "Based on the progress of the first three months, I believe we can appropriately adjust the project schedule. The original goal of achieving the first test flight within five years can be moved up to four years. But the prerequisite is that we must complete ground testing and integration of all subsystems within the next nine months."

"Isn't that too tight?" the director of the materials laboratory frowned, "Especially the integration of the Guidance System and the propulsion system, which might require longer debugging."

Li Mingyuan nodded in understanding: "Time is indeed tight, but the international situation waits for no one. After our satellite launch success, Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo have increased their investment in space and missile technology. We must seize the initiative."

His tone became even firmer: "More importantly, the 'Changfeng' Missile is not just a weapon, but a strategic deterrent. Once successful, it will completely change Long Country's status on the international stage, making any potential opponent think twice before provoking Long Country."

The atmosphere in the conference room became solemn yet inspired. Everyone realized they were participating in a great project that could change the fate of the nation.

"One more thing is very important," Li Mingyuan said seriously, "Confidentiality work must be strengthened again. Every detail of the 'Changfeng Project' is classified. Even to your own family, you must never disclose any relevant information. If Star-Spangled Country or Beijixiong Guo learns that we are developing such an Advanced strategic weapon, they will surely spare no cost to interfere or sabotage it."