Chapter 447: Final Assembly, Docking

Passing through several security doors, Li Mingyuan arrived at one of the most confidential areas of the 404 Base—the electronics laboratory. This was the birthplace of the "brain" of the "Changfeng" missile—the navigation computer system.

Inside the laboratory, dozens of electronics engineers were working intensely. Unlike the high-tech laboratories imagined by the outside world, the equipment here looked somewhat crude, even primitive. But Li Mingyuan knew that behind these seemingly simple instruments lay the far-beyond-the-era electronic technology he had brought with him.

"Chief Engineer Li!" Doctor Wang saw Li Mingyuan and immediately walked up to him. "Great, you've come at just the right time! We just finished testing the terrain-matching algorithm module!"

Li Mingyuan walked quickly to the central workbench, where a piece of equipment half a person's height was placed—this was the "Eye of Changfeng" navigation computer prototype. Compared to the version carried by the actual missile, this prototype was much larger, but it was already one of the most advanced dedicated computers in the world at the time.

"How were the test results?" Li Mingyuan went straight to the point.

Doctor Wang excitedly opened the test data: "Very successful! Following your design, we performed real-time comparisons between the pre-stored terrain data and the simulated radar altimeter input. The system was able to complete position correction calculations within 5 seconds, with a precision error of less than 50 meters!"

Li Mingyuan nodded; this result had already exceeded his expectations. In an era without GPS satellite navigation, this level of precision was already the limit. In fact, this type of terrain-matching navigation technology did not truly mature until the 1970s in his original era.

"The logic works, that's the key," Li Mingyuan said. "Next, test the anti-interference performance. Simulate navigation precision changes under various electromagnetic interference environments."

"It's already been arranged," Doctor Wang pointed to the equipment on the other side. "We designed a set of electromagnetic interference generators that can simulate everything from simple natural interference to complex directional electronic warfare interference. The tests will begin tomorrow."

Li Mingyuan walked to the computer mainframe and opened the chassis cover; inside were dense circuit boards and components. These circuits looked messy, but in reality, they were a semi-integrated system he had designed based on the principles of later-era integrated circuits, combined with contemporary available materials. Although not comparable to true microprocessors, they were already far beyond the technological level of this era.

"Has the storage unit been expanded?" Li Mingyuan asked. "We need to store more terrain data, especially high-precision data for areas around key targets."

"It has been expanded to 128KB as per your requirements," Doctor Wang replied. "Although this capacity is staggering, we used the multi-layer magnetic storage technology you designed and successfully achieved it."

Li Mingyuan nodded with satisfaction. A storage capacity of 128KB was simply an astronomical figure in this era, but for storing terrain data and navigation algorithms, it was still stretched thin. However, through the data compression technology and optimization algorithms he brought, it was enough to support the basic mission of the "Changfeng" missile.

"Continue to optimize the code," Li Mingyuan ordered. "Every byte of storage space saved allows for more terrain data to be stored, which can improve navigation precision."

"Understood, Chief Engineer Li," Doctor Wang nodded solemnly. "We will not let you down."

Li Mingyuan took one last look at the humming navigation computer prototype, his heart filled with pride. This machine, which condensed the wisdom of two eras, would become the key for the "Changfeng" missile to penetrate heavy defenses and strike targets with precision.

……

Leaving the electronics laboratory, Li Mingyuan headed toward the material forging workshop on the other side of the base. From afar, one could hear the deafening roar of machines and the sound of metal clashing.

Pushing open the heavy protective door, a wave of heat rushed toward him. The temperature inside the forging workshop reached over 50 degrees, and the workers were shirtless, sweat pouring down like rain. In the center of the workshop, a massive ten-thousand-ton hydraulic press was in operation, and several workers were coordinating to feed a glowing metal ingot into the mold.

"Pressure rising to 800 tons... 900 tons... 1000 tons!" the operator shouted loudly.

Accompanied by a loud bang, the hydraulic press completed a stamping cycle. When the mold opened, a turbine disk blank with a metallic luster was revealed before everyone.

"Chief Engineer Li is here!" someone noticed Li Mingyuan and shouted.

The workshop director immediately walked up: "Chief Engineer Li, you've come just in time! We are currently forging the fifth batch of turbine disks, using the new high-temperature alloy from your formula."

Li Mingyuan nodded and walked over to inspect the freshly forged turbine disk blank. This special alloy was developed based on his knowledge of later-era aviation engine materials, combined with currently available elements. It could maintain strength at high temperatures of 1200 degrees Celsius and was the key material for the "Storm Heart" engine.

"How is the forging quality?" he asked.

"Very good!" the materials engineer replied excitedly. "We have already completed tests on the first four batches; the metallographic structure is perfect, and the high-temperature strength exceeds expectations by 20%! This batch should be even better because we optimized the forging process."

Li Mingyuan carefully observed the surface of the turbine disk and nodded with satisfaction: "Send it for non-destructive testing to ensure there are no internal defects. Then expedite the machining; the mass production of the 'Storm Heart' requires this batch of turbine disks."

"Understood!" The workshop director immediately arranged for personnel.

Li Mingyuan looked around; the forging workshop was filled with fire, and the workers were sweating profusely but were full of energy. What was produced here included not only engine parts but also key structural components for the missile body, control surfaces, and other high-strength parts. Every product had to undergo strict quality control because, in the extreme working environment of the "Changfeng" missile, any tiny defect could lead to catastrophic consequences.

"Thank you for your hard work, comrades," Li Mingyuan saluted the workers. "Every part you forge is an important component of Long Country's national defense."

The workers responded with warm applause and cheers. In this closed military base, they might not know exactly what project they were participating in, but they all understood that this was important work related to national security.

Li Mingyuan's final stop was the Final Assembly Workshop. This was the largest single building at the 404 Base, with an interior space large enough to accommodate several basketball courts. Compared to the hustle and bustle of other areas, the Final Assembly Workshop was relatively quiet at the moment because the various subsystems of the "Changfeng" missile were still in the final testing stage, and there was still some time before official final assembly.

But today, an important rehearsal was taking place here—the docking test of the missile's main sections.

Li Mingyuan stood on the observation platform at a high vantage point, overlooking the operations below. Three huge cylindrical structures—the propulsion section, the guidance section, and the payload section interface—were installed on special supports. Engineers were using laser collimators to carefully measure the dimensions and positions of each interface.

"Docking ready," the final assembly supervisor reported. "Laser collimation complete, deviation is within 0.02 millimeters, meeting the standard."

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Begin the docking drill."

Following his order, the massive crane slowly started, carefully moving the propulsion section. The workshop was silent; everyone held their breath, watching this critical operation. The interface between the propulsion section and the guidance section had to fit perfectly; any tiny deviation could cause the missile to suffer structural failure during flight.

"Distance 5 centimeters... 3 centimeters... 1 centimeter..." the operator reported nervously.

With a slight "click" sound, the two sections docked perfectly. The locking mechanism at the interface engaged automatically, firmly connecting the two sections together.

"Docking successful!" the final assembly supervisor announced excitedly. "All parameters are normal, the interface pressure distribution is uniform, and the seal is good!"

A satisfied smile appeared on Li Mingyuan's face. Next, the payload section interface also successfully docked with the guidance section. After the three main sections were connected, the prototype of the "Changfeng" missile was revealed to everyone for the first time.

Although this was only a structural model without internal equipment and systems, its appearance was already enough to be breathtaking—the slender and elegant body, the sharp front end, and the streamlined aerodynamic shape displayed a cold and lethal beauty.

"It looks... too beautiful," the final assembly supervisor couldn't help but exclaim.

Li Mingyuan stood there quietly, watching this strategic weapon that he had designed and that had become reality bit by bit under his leadership. As a transmigrator, he knew that the "Changfeng" missile would not appear until decades later in original history. But in this parallel world, Long Country would obtain this weapon that would change the strategic landscape ahead of time.

"Official final assembly begins in three weeks," he ordered. "Ensure all subsystems are delivered on time; quality must be foolproof."

"Yes, Chief Engineer Li!" The final assembly supervisor saluted. "We will certainly live up to the trust!"

……

After the day's inspection ended, Li Mingyuan returned to the central control room to check the latest progress reports submitted by various departments. From the propulsion system to the guidance system, from structural testing to material verification, every link of the "Changfeng" project was advancing steadily, with some even ahead of schedule.

"Today's engine test results are out," Department Head Zhang handed over a report. "Continuous operation for 2 hours, all parameters stable, thrust-to-weight ratio maintained at 8.7:1, no abnormalities. Professor Zheng said this is the most outstanding engine he has ever seen."

Li Mingyuan nodded and flipped through the report: "Notify Professor Zheng to prepare for mass production. The first batch of 10 engines will be used for missile system integration and flight testing."

"It's already been arranged," Department Head Zhang replied. "In addition, the terrain-matching test for the guidance system was also very successful; Doctor Wang is very excited. The material and structural parts are also progressing smoothly. According to the current progress, we are expected to complete the final assembly of the first prototype missile ahead of the original plan."

Li Mingyuan walked to the huge progress chart, where every milestone and time node of the "Changfeng" project was marked in detail. He picked up a red pen, drew a circle around the date for "First Flight Test," and then moved it forward by two months.

"Tell all departments that we are moving the first flight time forward by two months," he said firmly. "Even if there are difficulties, they must be overcome; we must execute according to the new plan."

Department Head Zhang was somewhat worried: "Would this be too risky? After all, this is our first time developing such a complex strategic weapon."

Li Mingyuan turned around, his eyes sharp: "Risky? Department Head Zhang, the real risk is letting Long Country have no power to protect itself in this dangerous world. Our opponents have already caught wind of it and are chasing with all their might. Time is our greatest advantage."

He walked to the window and looked at the brightly lit manufacturing workshop: "The satellites of the Star-Spangled Country and the Beijixiong Guo have gone up? Very good, let them be happy for a few more days. Our 'Changfeng' is the sword that can truly guard the nation's gates!"