Chapter 155

This day, the cafeteria TV was switched to the military channel by Wang Hao again.

This time, the screen showed the Eagle Country Secretary of Defense holding a press conference, with a map of the East Sea area displayed on the large screen behind him, marked with several red circles.

"... The 'Ocean Sovereignty' observation ship will continue to carry out scientific research missions in the high seas area."

"To ensure navigational safety, we call on all parties to abide by international maritime rules and avoid high-risk activities in relevant sea areas..."

Wang Hao took a bite of a bun and complained vaguely: "Listen to that, is that human language?"

"They set off fireworks themselves and shattered their neighbor's windows, then turned around and said 'for everyone's safety, please don't set off firecrackers in your own yard'."

Chen Guang sat opposite, using his tablet to read a paper on plasma turbulence: "Political language is always like this. The point is, they didn't mention withdrawing the ships."

"Not only did they not withdraw, they also sent another 'Burke'-class destroyer," Li Yang sat down with his tray.

"It arrived early this morning, and now two ships and one boat are setting up a formation at our 'doorstep' to conduct 'ocean scientific research'."

Zhao Kaiyuan walked over and placed a cup of soy milk in front of Chen Guang: "I just spoke with the Zhoushan base, their laser array has been maintained at a level-two combat readiness for the past few days."

"The power consumption has already caused the local power grid company to send three 'friendly reminders'."

"So Guangzi can defend, but the electricity bill can't take it," Wang Hao summarized. "Then let's change the approach—Guangzi, take a break, it's time for Brother Hao to go on stage and perform!"

He stuffed the last bite of the bun into his mouth, stood up, and cleared his throat as if announcing major news:

"Everyone, after three days and three nights of hard fighting—of course, mainly me fighting, with Old Li helping out—the first dish of our 'Counterattack Set Meal' is out of the pot!"

Researchers at other tables in the cafeteria all turned their heads.

Feng Yan happened to walk in and smiled when he heard this: "Haozi, don't keep us in suspense. What dish?"

"Spicy Fragrant Pot! Ah no..." Wang Hao got excited and misspoke, "It's the 'Kuafu-1' long-range precision strike missile!"

He took out his phone and pulled up a 3D animation: "Watch closely, this is my promotional video, of course, the real thing is cooler than this!"

The animation started playing.

A slender missile rose from the launch silo, the missile body painted in matte gray camouflage, with the four characters "Kuafu-1" written in red regular script on the side.

"First, look at the shape!" Wang Hao explained.

"Streamlined design, length-to-diameter ratio optimized to 9.2, reducing resistance within the atmosphere."

"Warhead taper of 12 degrees, balancing penetration capability and payload space."

The missile took off and climbed rapidly.

"Engine, dual-pulse solid rocket!" Wang Hao zoomed in on the power section.

"The first pulse pushes the missile to an altitude of 30,000 meters, then shuts down to glide; the second pulse starts before re-entry, providing terminal maneuvering energy. The advantage of this design is—"

"More reasonable energy distribution," Li Yang took over.

"Traditional single-pulse missiles either accelerate too violently in the initial stage and waste fuel, or lack power in the terminal stage."

"Dual-pulse can be dynamically adjusted according to mission requirements, for example, use 'slow climb, fast fall' for fixed targets, and 'uniform acceleration' for maneuvering targets."

"Bingo!" Wang Hao snapped his fingers, "But having power isn't enough, you also have to know how to 'walk'. Look here—"

In the animation, the missile suddenly made a sharp turn during flight, followed by an irregular "S"-shaped maneuver.

"Real-time trajectory changing algorithm!" Wang Hao said proudly.

"Trained by the 'Torch Dragon' AI itself!"

"During flight, the missile continuously receives threat environment information transmitted by 'Torch Dragon' through the data link."

"Where there is radar irradiation, where interceptor missiles are launched, where there is electromagnetic interference, and then dynamically plans the optimal avoidance path."

Chen Guang looked up and pushed up his glasses: "Algorithm principle?"

"Multi-layer neural network plus fuzzy logic," Wang Hao pulled up the algorithm block diagram.

"The input layer has seventeen parameters: self-position and speed, target position and speed, known threat source orientation, atmospheric conditions, remaining fuel."

"... The middle three hidden layers do feature extraction and decision-making, and the output layer controls the aerodynamic control surfaces and vector nozzles."

"The key is, this network can learn online during flight; the more it flies, the smarter it gets!"

Zhao Kaiyuan leaned in to look: "Energy? With such complex calculations, the power consumption of the missile-borne computer shouldn't be small, right?"

"Using a byproduct of our 'Xuanming' project!" Wang Hao chuckled.

"Miniature radioisotope thermoelectric generator, only the size of a cigarette case, but enough to power the missile-borne computer and sensors for the entire journey."

"Old Zhao, the sample you gave me last week, it tested out as stable as can be!"

Zhao Kaiyuan was stunned and turned to ask his team members: "Did we give Haozi a sample?"

A young researcher raised his hand: "Engineer Wang came three days ago and said he wanted to 'borrow a battery for a toy', so I gave him that waste... cough, that spare sample from the lab."

"Waste utilization, energy saving and emission reduction!" Wang Hao said righteously.

"And Brother Hao improved the heat dissipation structure, now the efficiency is 15% higher than your original one!"

Zhao Kaiyuan held his forehead, not knowing whether to cry or laugh.

The animation continued.

The missile approached the target—a simulated enemy radar station.

Just when it was thirty kilometers away from the target, the warhead suddenly separated, and what separated was a strangely shaped cylinder.

"Watch closely, here comes the highlight!" Wang Hao's eyes shone, "EMP warhead!"

The cylinder detonated in the air.

No fire, no loud noise, only a pale blue ripple almost invisible to the naked eye spread rapidly.

The ripple swept over the radar station, the electronic equipment screens inside the station went black instantly, the antennas stopped rotating, and even the perimeter lighting went out.

"Non-lethal, but the effect is outstanding!" Wang Hao explained.

"EMP action radius of eight hundred meters, all unprotected electronic equipment within this range has a 90% probability of permanent damage, and the rest will also need to be returned to the factory for major repairs."

"And this thing is harmless to personnel, at most it makes the guys wearing pacemakers feel a bit numb."

The cafeteria was quiet for a few seconds.

Then someone said in a low voice: "This... this isn't very humane, is it?"

"How is it not humane?" Wang Hao turned his head.

"It doesn't hurt people! It just makes their radar blind, their communications deaf, and their command system stupid!"

"While they are busy repairing equipment, we can negotiate terms when we need to, and draw lines when we need to."

"It's better than dropping a conventional warhead and causing casualties everywhere, right? Diplomacy would still involve a lot of bickering."

Feng Yan nodded: "Non-lethal deterrence is indeed a better solution for modern conflicts. The fewer the casualties, the greater the political room for maneuver."

Chen Guang stared at the design drawing of the EMP warhead: "How is the pulse energy generated?"

"Magnetic flux compression generator, miniature version," Wang Hao pulled up the schematic diagram.

"Using explosives to drive a metal sleeve to compress the magnetic field, generating an ultra-high-power electromagnetic pulse in a very short time."

"The difficulty lies in controlling the pulse waveform and directionality; what we want is precise fan-shaped coverage, not indiscriminate omnidirectional bombing."

"What about the explosive part?" Li Yang asked, "How is the volume and weight control?"

"Using an improved version of the heirloom formula from our Wang family!" Wang Hao patted his chest.

"High-energy, low-detonation-velocity explosive, safe and stable, with 30% higher energy conversion efficiency than conventional formulas."

"The total weight of the warhead is only two-thirds of a conventional high-explosive warhead, but the EMP power is enough to cover a football field."

Zhao Gong walked over at this time and looked at the design drawing: "Is the structural strength enough?"

"Especially that magnetic flux compression part, the stress is very complex."

"Enough! Old Zhao, look here—" Wang Hao zoomed in on the structural details.

"We used the 'Dragon Scale-Lightweight' composite material you gave us last time as the support frame, which is 40% lighter than traditional aluminum alloy and has higher strength."

"The encapsulation of the magnetic coil is also special ceramic, impact-resistant and heat-resistant."

Zhao Gong looked carefully and nodded: "The approach is good, but in an actual combat environment, one must consider the electromagnetic protection measures the enemy might take."

"Current military equipment has a certain degree of EMP hardening."

"So the warhead is prepared with three modes!" Wang Hao was well-prepared.

"Mode one: Standard EMP, for general targets."

"Mode two: High-power narrow pulse, specifically attacking the weak points of key protected targets."

"Mode three: Frequency-modulated continuous wave, interference rather than destruction, suitable for 'saying hello'."

He looked at Feng Yan: "Brother Feng, with this thing, next time Eagle Country dares to set off fireworks at our door, we can confiscate their lighters without hurting anyone."

Feng Yan did not express his position immediately, but asked: "Test progress?"

"Ground tests have all passed," Li Yang took over.

"Engine test runs, control surface response, missile-borne computer stability, EMP simulation excitation... everything that needs to be done has been done. Now it's just waiting for live-fire target practice."

"What about the target?"

"The Navy coordinated one," Wang Hao said.

"There is an abandoned artificial observation platform in the East Sea, built in the eighties, long since useless."

"It still has some old electronic equipment on it, just right to be a target."

"Platform location?"

"High seas, distance from the Eagle Country fleet's activity area... about one hundred and twenty nautical miles." Wang Hao blinked.

"Completely legal and compliant, we are hitting our own abandoned facility on the high seas, no one can interfere."

Feng Yan pondered for a moment.

Everyone in the cafeteria looked at him.

"Where is the missile now?" he asked.

"It has already been transported to a coastal position," Li Yang said, "ready to launch at any time."

"Personnel configuration?"

"I'm going to the site with Haozi, Chen Guang provides 'Torch Dragon' AI support at the institute, Zhao Kaiyuan ensures energy and communication," Li Yang answered.

"If the weather is suitable tonight, we can fire."

Feng Yan checked his watch, 9:20 AM.

"Go prepare," he said.

"I want to see the test data throughout. Also, notify the Navy and ask them to be prepared for sea area warning and post-incident investigation."

"Yes!"

Wang Hao jumped up excitedly, almost knocking over his chair.

Half an hour later, Longyin Command Center.

The large screen showed a real-time view of the coastal position.

A camouflage-painted missile launch vehicle was parked on open ground, the launcher was already erected, and a "Kuafu-1" was mounted on it.

The missile body had a cold metallic luster in the morning light.

Wang Hao and Li Yang were wearing training uniforms, standing in front of the console next to the launch vehicle.

Both were wearing headsets, conducting final system self-checks.

"Guidance system normal."

"Power system normal."

"Missile-borne computer online, data link with 'Torch Dragon' is clear."

"EMP warhead safety lock disengaged."

Chen Guang was in front of the main control console in the command center, with six screens in front of him displaying missile status, target information, meteorological data, electromagnetic environment monitoring, Eagle Country fleet movements, and the real-time decision-making process flow of the "Torch Dragon" AI.

Zhao Kaiyuan stared at the energy monitoring screen to ensure that the power supply for data transmission and remote control was absolutely stable.

Zhao Gong and Li Kui also came, the two veteran masters sat in the back row, discussing in low voices the thermal stress distribution of the missile body material during the launch process.

"Target confirmed," Chen Guang reported.

"Abandoned observation platform 'East Sea-7', coordinates have been locked. The platform structure is intact, with a large amount of old electronic equipment on the surface."

He pulled up the satellite image and infrared thermal image of the platform: "Currently, there are no signs of personnel activity on the platform."

"Within ten nautical miles, there are only two civilian fishing boats, which have been notified by the maritime department to avoid the area."

"Eagle Country fleet position?" Feng Yan asked.

"Ninety nautical miles from the target platform, at the edge of their radar detection," Chen Guang said.

"According to the plan, the missile will approach from the northwest, using the Earth's curvature for cover, and will not be directly detected by the opponent's radar throughout the journey."

"Only the last thirty kilometers will be exposed, but by then the missile will have entered the terminal maneuvering stage, and they won't have time to react."

"Perfect!" Wang Hao's voice came from the communication channel.

"Brother Feng, when do we start? I can't wait to light this 'big firecracker'!"

Feng Yan looked out the window.

The weather was clear, and visibility was excellent.

Wind speed was level 3, wind direction was southeast, and the impact on the trajectory was within an acceptable range.

"Wait for dark," he said.

"Huh?" Wang Hao was stunned, "Why?"

"Night launch, the tail flame is more conspicuous," Feng Yan said calmly.

"Since it's a 'performance', we must let those who should see it see it clearly."

Wang Hao realized and chuckled: "Got it! Setting off fireworks, it's only good-looking when it's dark!"

Time passed slowly in waiting.

In the afternoon, the team conducted a final simulation exercise.

Chen Guang repeatedly calculated the trajectory correction under different meteorological conditions, Wang Hao and Li Yang checked every hydraulic lock and electrical connector of the launch vehicle, and Zhao Kaiyuan tested three backup power supply schemes.

At six in the evening, the sun set.

News came from the Navy: The Eagle Country fleet strengthened air patrols after dinner, and a "Global Hawk" drone circled near the target platform for forty minutes before returning.

"They are looking at the target," Li Yang judged.

"Let them look," Feng Yan said, "Only by looking will they know what 'precision' means."

At eight in the evening, it was completely dark.

In the command center, all lights were dimmed, and only the light from the screens reflected on everyone's faces.

"Launch window: 8:30 to 9:00," Chen Guang reported. "Current meteorological conditions meet the requirements, 'Torch Dragon' predicts interception probability is less than 0.3%."

"Position preparation status?" Feng Yan asked.

Wang Hao's voice came: "Missile status perfect! Launch vehicle stable! Brother Hao's heart rate is 120, but it's out of excitement! Ready to start at any time!"

Feng Yan checked his watch.

8:20 PM.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"All positions ready."

The atmosphere in the command center suddenly tightened.

"Launch countdown: ten minutes."

Chen Guang began the final full-system self-check.

"Nine minutes."

Li Yang confirmed the launch parameters at the position.

"Eight minutes."

The power grid load curve monitored by Zhao Kaiyuan was stable.

"Seven minutes."

Wang Hao hummed an off-key tune on the communication channel, which was slapped to a stop by Li Yang.

"Six minutes."

The Navy reported: The radar activation rate of the Eagle Country fleet suddenly increased, but no abnormal targets were found.

"Five minutes."

"Torch Dragon" AI loaded the final flight plan, and seventeen alternative penetration paths were calculated in parallel in the neural network.

"Four minutes."

On the sea, two civilian fishing boats sailed away from the relevant sea area as planned.

"Three minutes."

The searchlights at the coastal position were all turned off, and the launch vehicle blended into the night.

"Two minutes."

Wang Hao rubbed his hands and gripped the launch control lever.

"One minute."

Feng Yan watched the countdown numbers on the large screen.

"Thirty seconds."

Chen Guang's fingertips hovered over the data monitoring key.

"Ten, nine, eight..."

Wang Hao licked his lips.

"... three, two, one."

"Launch."

The control lever was pushed down.

The launch vehicle shook slightly.

The tail flame erupted into the night, and the orange-red firelight instantly illuminated the surrounding area of hundreds of meters.

The missile rose slowly in smoke and flames, the initial stage was very slow, as if it were accumulating strength.

Then, acceleration.

Like a spear thrown by a giant, it pierced into the southeastern night sky.

The tail flame drew a long light trail in the sky, like the reverse trajectory of a meteor.

In the command center, everyone held their breath.

On the screen, the light spot representing the missile was moving rapidly, with real-time data scrolling below:

Altitude: 5000 meters... meters... meters...

Speed: Mach 2... Mach 5... Mach 8...

Distance to target: 300 kilometers... 200 kilometers... 100 kilometers...

"First pulse engine shutdown," Chen Guang reported, "Starting glide phase."

The missile turned into near-horizontal flight at an altitude of 30,000 meters, maintaining a speed of Mach 10.

The temperature sensors on the missile body surface showed that the thermal insulation layer was working normally.

"Does Eagle Country radar have a reaction?" Feng Yan asked.

"Their 'Burke'-class just detected a high-altitude, high-speed target, but the signal is weak, classified as 'suspected meteor or space debris'," Chen Guang said.

"'Torch Dragon' is generating false radar echoes to interfere with their tracking."

"Beautiful," Wang Hao said in a low voice on the channel, "Brother Hao's missile can stealth!"

Eighty kilometers.

"Second pulse engine start," Li Yang reported.

The tail of the missile erupted with flames again, and the speed surged to Mach 15.

At the same time, the missile body began to sway slightly, performing pre-programmed avoidance maneuvers.

Fifty kilometers.

"'Torch Dragon' takes over terminal guidance," Chen Guang said.

"Real-time threat environment update... enemy radar locking attempts increased, but no interceptor missiles were launched."

Thirty kilometers.

The missile suddenly made a violent dive, plunging from 30,000 meters toward the sea surface.

"Low-altitude penetration mode," Li Yang explained, "Avoiding radar detection blind spots."

Twenty kilometers.

Warhead separation.

The cylindrical EMP warhead continued to fly toward the target under inertia, while the mother body turned to the side, preparing to self-destruct and crash into the sea.

Ten kilometers.

The magnetic flux compression generator inside the warhead began to charge.

Five kilometers.

The old radar antenna on the platform rotated slowly in the dark, unaware of the impending destruction.

Three kilometers.

"Detonate."

In the night sky, a pale blue halo burst open.

No sound came, because it was too far away.

But on the infrared and electromagnetic spectrum monitoring screens, it could be clearly seen:

Centered on the platform, within a spherical area with a diameter of about one kilometer, all electronic signals returned to zero instantly.

The platform's own lights went out.

On the surrounding sea surface, two unmanned monitoring buoys stopped sending data.

Even a passing satellite in the sky received slight electromagnetic interference at that moment.

Five seconds later, everything returned to calm.

Only the sound of sea wind and waves remained.

In the command center, it was quiet for a few seconds.

Then, data began to flow back.

"Target platform power system completely paralyzed."

"Radar, communication, and other electronic equipment, damage rate estimated at over 95%."

"Structural integrity... intact. It really was just 'confiscating the lighter'."

Wang Hao's cheers exploded from the communication channel: "Success! Brother Hao is awesome! 'Kuafu-1' is awesome!"

Li Yang added with a smile: "The missile's total flight time was 7 minutes and 48 seconds, maximum speed Mach 15.2, terminal maneuver overload 18G. All systems working normally."

Chen Guang pushed up his glasses and began to organize the data report.

Zhao Kaiyuan let out a long breath and turned off the backup power switch.

Zhao Gong and Li Kui looked at each other and nodded.

Feng Yan looked at the platform on the screen that was now "blind and deaf," and then looked to the southeast, where the radar signals of the Eagle Country fleet were frantically scanning the night sky.

"Package the test data," he said, "Send it to the Navy and the Ministry of Defense first thing tomorrow morning."

"Should we make it public?" Chen Guang asked.

"Not public," Feng Yan said, "But we can let 'certain people' know what we have."

He paused and added: "Also, notify Wang Hao and Li Yang that they can start designing the 'Kuafu-2', we need to be even faster."

Outside the window, the night was deep.

And the tail flame of that missile seemed to still be lingering in the eyes of many people.