Chapter 488: Collaborative Development

Wang Jiaoshou observed carefully, his eyes gradually widening: "This... this is simply an identical Hexin design! Only the peripheral systems and control logic have been adjusted..."

"That's right," Li Mingyuan nodded, "The Nuclear Power System of 'Dragon Heart' and 'Kunpeng' adopts the exact same Hexin design—a small modular pressurized water reactor. The only difference is that 'Dragon Heart', as a land-based power station, has more complete auxiliary facilities and redundant safety systems; while the 'Kunpeng' version has been optimized in weight and volume to adapt to the special requirements of the maritime environment."

His gaze swept over the two blueprints: "Through this modular design, we can share technical breakthroughs and lessons learned between the two projects. 'Dragon Heart' can serve as a safe test platform to verify the basic principles for the Nuclear Power System of 'Kunpeng'; at the same time, the miniaturization and lightweight technologies on 'Kunpeng' can feed back into future small-scale land-based nuclear power stations."

Wang Jiaoshou suddenly realized: "This is a kind of... collaborative development strategy?"

"You could say that," Li Mingyuan smiled, "Under conditions of limited resources, we must find the most efficient path for technological development. And this method, which appears to be 'simultaneous advancement' but is actually 'mutual promotion,' is precisely where our advantage lies."

He paused, a deep light flashing in his eyes: "Furthermore, Wang Jiaoshou, have you ever thought about why the development progress of civilian nuclear technology and military nuclear technology in many countries around the world is so unbalanced?"

Wang Jiaoshou pondered for a moment: "Because the safety standards and application requirements are different?"

"That is part of the reason, but the deeper reason is a fixed mindset," Li Mingyuan explained, "Many countries view civilian and military nuclear technologies as two completely independent development routes, leading to scattered resources and slow progress. But in reality, they can be two sides of the same coin, promoting each other and improving together."

He pointed to the connecting line between the two blueprints: "Our strategy is to break this artificial boundary and build a complete nuclear technology development system. Today's civilian power station experience is tomorrow's military power source; and the miniaturization and high-efficiency technologies in the military field will in turn drive the innovation of the next generation of civilian power stations."

Wang Jiaoshou listened intently, a brand-new understanding appearing in his eyes: "This... this is indeed an unprecedented development philosophy. If it succeeds..."

"If it succeeds," Li Mingyuan took over the conversation, "we will master the core technologies in both the civilian nuclear power and military nuclear propulsion fields within just a few years, achieving a true 'overtaking on a bend'."

Wang Jiaoshou took a deep breath, the doubt in his eyes completely replaced by admiration: "Chief Engineer Li, I must admit that your strategic vision truly surpasses us traditional scientists."

Li Mingyuan smiled: "Science has no borders, but scientists have a motherland. We must use unconventional thinking to solve unconventional problems in order to remain invincible in this smokeless technological war."

He looked at his watch: "If the pressure vessel installation is completed smoothly today, we can start testing the reactor control system next week. Ensuring the absolute reliability of the control rod mechanism is the last line of defense for safety."

Wang Jiaoshou nodded in agreement and turned to supervise the work. Li Mingyuan continued to stand in front of the blueprints, his gaze moving back and forth between the two reactor designs, calculating the future technology roadmap in his heart.

In the early 1950s, nuclear technology was still in its primary stage of development; the nuclear power stations of the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo had not yet been built on a large scale, and nuclear-powered warships were just getting started. But now, Long Country was simultaneously advancing two nuclear technology development routes, civilian and military, and this bold strategic choice would completely change the global technological landscape in the future.

Three days later, Penglai Base, "Kunpeng" General Design Office.

Li Mingyuan was reviewing the latest Power System integration plan. A thick stack of calculation results and engineering drawings was spread out on the table, with various data densely arranged.

Department Head Zhang pushed the door and entered, holding an urgent report in his hand: "Lao Li, good news! Word has come from the NATO group that they have successfully obtained some technical data on the latest J-65 fighter jet from the Star-Spangled Country."

Li Mingyuan's eyes lit up: "Great! What is the content of the data? Are there detailed parameters for the Engine?"

"Yes," Department Head Zhang handed over the report, "Including the Engine thrust curve, fuel consumption characteristics, and wing aerodynamic design data. However, the data on weapon systems and electronic equipment is relatively limited."

Li Mingyuan quickly flipped through the report, his brow gradually relaxing: "This is already quite good. The performance of the J-65's Engine is even better than I expected, especially its high-altitude performance. This has great reference value for our design of the carrier-based aircraft for 'Kunpeng'."

He looked up and asked: "Did the NATO group mention any intelligence regarding vertical/short takeoff and landing technology?"

Department Head Zhang shook his head: "This area is almost blank. It is said that both the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo are researching this type of technology, but they are all still in the early stages, with no signs of practical application."

"As expected," Li Mingyuan nodded, "In the original historical timeline, truly practical vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets would not appear until the 1960s."

"Original historical timeline?" Department Head Zhang looked at him curiously, "What do you mean by that?"

Li Mingyuan was stunned, realizing he had let something slip, and hurriedly changed the subject: "Nothing, just a hypothetical expression. Notify the carrier-based aircraft design group to have a meeting in the conference room at three o'clock this afternoon; I will personally assign new design tasks."

Although Department Head Zhang still had doubts, he did not ask further, nodded in agreement, and left the office.

Li Mingyuan let out a long breath and stood up to walk to the window. In the distance, the construction of the various modules of "Kunpeng" had entered a critical stage; the huge wing structure was shining in the sun, and the skeleton of the main hull had also completely taken shape. But an aircraft carrier without carrier-based aircraft is like a lion without claws and teeth; no matter how fierce, it cannot exert its true combat power.

Now, it is time to give this giant beast its true edge.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, in the conference room of Penglai Base, more than a dozen engineers from the carrier-based aircraft design group had been waiting for a long time. Some of them were young talents transferred from the Ministry of Industry, some were technical experts who had returned from studying in Beijixiong Guo, and a few were mechanical engineers trained locally in Long Country. Although their experience and backgrounds were different, they all had one thing in common—infinite passion for aviation technology and loyalty to the motherland.

Li Mingyuan pushed the door and entered, and the room immediately became quiet. He walked to the podium and went straight to the topic: "Everyone, today I want to announce a major decision—the design of the 'Kunpeng' carrier-based aircraft is officially launched, codenamed 'Sea Eagle'."