Chapter 659 - 643: Armament

When people re-entered the darkroom 30 minutes later, even after the powerful cooling from the ventilation system, they could still feel the heat hitting their faces as they came in.

The "Blazing Sun" had only ignited for a continuous second, yet it had completely burned through a steel block one meter thick in front, and the wall of wet sandbags piled behind it was also torn and collapsed, obviously an excess of power.

That one second of nearly 10 megawatts of power output directly heated the entire block of steel, and although it appeared normal, the faint heat it still emanated proved its current high temperature.

The attacked central area had a large hole about 8 cm in diameter, and the surrounding area was covered with solidified molten steel that had flowed downwards, looking like plastic penetrated by a red-hot iron rod.

Some parts of the inner wall were extremely smooth, as if they had been polished by a particle beam, presenting an alien bright luster.

Everyone resisted the urge to reach out and touch, carefully observing around the penetrated steel target, only to notice that the melted hole was not a perfect cylinder, being irregular in several places.

An officer found a crowbar nearby and struck a few dull thuds on the pierced hole.

"I... damn."

Zhao Xiaowen, who had just sent someone to check the machine, also came over and exclaimed in surprise:

"Because we couldn’t be sure of the power, we previously limited the total output to below 1.5 megawatts. This was the first full-force attack. Fortunately, we had sandbags. Otherwise, the wall would have had a hole in it.

The 25-minute extreme output duration was only tested on the light source; after the combination of the plasma mirror surface, we never tried more than 7 seconds. We need to find another place to conduct a full test."

"This thing, how much will it attenuate if launched from space?"

An older expert, who had only introduced himself by his last name "Lu" and as the head of a certain digital research institute, and who was also the first to discover the abnormal wall material, asked a question.

"Not much, as long as it doesn’t pass through particularly thick clouds, the attenuation won’t exceed 8%. We use a light source whose wavelength is relatively short to begin with, and after refraction, it already tends toward ultraviolet, so the attenuation is not significant.

However, with our current technology, we can only ensure an effective range of up to 300 kilometers; it would be better around 200 kilometers. Moreover, if it’s striking a ground target, we don’t yet have control technology that powerful."

Lu Qiu: "I remember you have the Chìwū Series’ precise targeting technology, and it’s in geostationary orbit."

"The microwave’s terminal spread area has a diameter of 1 kilometer, and it’s aimed at a fixed target, unless you plan to use lasers to bombard underground fortresses."

Neither of them avoided discussing the content with each other, in fact, whether it was in reporting from the base or flying over like Lu Qiu and others did, what came to mind first was space-based laser weapons; after all, the combination of satellites and lasers is a staple in future weapon research for various countries.

However, Zhao Xiaowen’s reality check did not disappoint Lu Qiu. After all, the main problem with current laser weapons still lies in range and power.

The Solar Flare, although large and heavy, was already capable of being deployed on military ships, such as the newly launched but not yet commissioned Type 055 destroyer, and all following series of destroyers after the Type 052C, and even the Type 054A frigate could give it a try.

The power requirement of 1 megawatt was quite easy to meet, especially for large vessels.

And as long as the aiming system could keep up, with the capabilities that the Solar Flare had shown, it could completely replace medium- to long-range, even extended-range anti-air missiles. A single laser cannon could support an air defense network for 200 to 300 kilometers, and could even directly attack low-Earth orbit satellites with a frighteningly high success rate.

The eyes of three senior officers were blazing, and immediately one of them said:

"Take this validation machine, just as it is now after a few changes, the navy will take three first, one for testing on a landing ship, one for an aircraft carrier, and one for the 055!"

"The army also needs it, 18 tons isn’t heavy... but it’s just too large. If it could be mounted on a tracked chassis to advance with combat, a whole squadron of helicopters would have to lie low!"

One after another, two had made their stance clear, and now the third also spoke excitedly:

"The Air Force will also take five units, to be mounted on... on the H-6... Y-20, and Y-8, Y-9 should also work, right?

No, we have to research space-based cannons. We have to figure out a way to make it happen. We must be able to strike on sea, land, and air!"

His latter statement immediately drew frowns from the other two, yet as if oblivious, he still wore an excited expression.

At this point, Lin Ju finally understood the identities of the three men, although they all wore the Army’s dark green uniforms, which was quite misleading.

However, before he could speak, Zhong Cheng beside him said:

"You’d best move this lab to Qingshan Base, it’s too chaotic here, not easy to keep a secret.

And don’t tell anyone about this... hiss, do you know? When the concept of the laser smelting satellite was first suggested, we thought of its military applications, but figured it wouldn’t materialize for a few years.

Now we’ve also got to think of how to handle it; even if we really launch a smelting satellite, it’s likely to cause international shockwaves."

Zhong Cheng could fully imagine the reaction from other countries if this thing were orbiting in space. It was no exaggeration to say it was scarier than space-deployed nuclear weapons, for the laser could destroy other ground troops and warships, practically intervening in all wars on Earth.

However, before Lin Ju could respond, the naval officer replied discontentedly:

"Secrecy is necessary, but there’s no need to be overly cautious. We finally have an advantage that could allow us to leapfrog others; how could we not use it?

Be bold in our actions; the Navy can also support the development of laser satellites!"

"What are you talking about!"

As soon as these words were spoken, an even louder voice chimed in:

"The Air Force is about to reorganize into the Space Force, space and sky, space and sky—what kind of Space Force would it be without space weapons?

This is a big strategic issue, Director Zhong. The Air Force absolutely will not allow any delays in the laser cannon project. We must not only do it but do it on a grand scale!

Project 909 is also nearing its conclusion. With space fighters and laser cannons, the Space Force’s ’space’ force will truly be equipped with proper weapons.

We’d rather buy a hundred fewer fourth-generation fighters just to ensure we develop a space-based laser cannon!"

The Air Force reorganizing into the Space Force?

Lin Ju was surprised to hear another piece of insider information, then watched as the conversation among the few heated up again. Clearly, seeing the experimental results had sent their spirits soaring, and they seemed to forget their ranks.

The five technical specialists, on the other hand, were quieter and deep in thought. Director Lu, stroking his chin, pondered for a long while before asking Zhao Xiaowen meaningfully:

"Your smelting satellite, what are its target power and magnification levels?"

"The light source is 1 megawatt, with a magnification range of 500 to over 1000 times, depending on the progress. We hope to complete iteration within one... two to three years."

"Chief Engineer Zhao, if so, then your close cooperation should be with EAST, not us."