Chapter 663 - 645: Privileges and Expectations_3

The mass of Qianjun Stick No. 5 is absolutely starting at 200 tons, and in the end, it should be used on the March spacecraft.

However, by that time, the information about the aliens will probably no longer be a secret, so there wouldn’t be a need to consider secrecy.

"Brother Ye, how much do you plan to knock down this time?"

The inspection work had been completed, and Zhao Xiaowen personally set the output parameters, while curiously asking.

"How much?"

Ye Changsi’s hands made an accordion-pulling gesture in front of his chest:

"The value of a laser satellite cannot be measured in money! And it’s not about having just one satellite, it requires a large number of supporting reconnaissance and communication satellites, it’s a complex system engineering project.

It is a strategic asset more important than an aircraft carrier; a single satellite along with its supporting projects could easily total a hundred billion.

Even with a full set of technology, we have already invested almost fifteen billion in the development of the ’Trampoline,’ and cutting-edge devices for strong magnetic confinement won’t be available until at least ten years later. We’ve even developed a new kind of superconductive material and broke through scientific theories that could fill a book.

Solar Flare, it’s the future we grasped with our own hands!"

The plasma mirror technology, which requires multiple reflections, has an apt codename, "Trampoline," but this is an extremely expensive trampoline.

Zhao Xiaowen, who was originally a bit nervous, finally calmed down, nodded in agreement after checking the time, and picked up the communicator to announce:

"Five minutes to prepare! All unrelated personnel must immediately leave the area, and no metal objects should remain in the testing zone!"

Meanwhile, in the test warehouse, a main battle tank that needed to be returned to the factory for repairs faced the launcher of Solar Flare perfectly aimed at the turret at the correct height, and several pieces of tungsten steel armor, too heavy to mass-produce, were temporarily welded to its exterior.

Behind it was a cylindrical scattering device now filled with billowing white smoke.

In current battlegrounds, it’s almost impossible for tank guns or anti-tank missiles to penetrate such defenses.

"Power on preparations, set parameters to 2000! Ten, nine, eight... three, two, one!!"

As the countdown hit zero, the dimly lit warehouse that had already turned off all lights was suddenly enveloped by blue light, and the Solar Flare only fired for 2 seconds before ceasing.

As the warehouse went dark again, a muffled impact sound was heard, but astonishingly, the dense smoke from the scattering began to emit a bewitching, faintly blue glow. The particulate matter and gases within had been excited to an energized state by the laser.

The turret of the main battle tank had melted through the middle, and the proud barrel had deformed and drooped helplessly, glowing a dark red at the break.

In the observation room, everyone was rendered speechless together.

Only Lin Ju muttered dissatisfiedly:

"Still too cautious, a setting of 1000 milliseconds should be enough, maybe even 800 would do."

The fate of the following aircraft and ship structural parts was also evident. Wings mainly made of aluminum alloy were ignited by the high temperature after being pierced, burning until only the skeleton remained.

Among seafaring, airborne, and land-based vehicles, aircraft are the easiest to destroy; it doesn’t take a large hole, as the fragile metal skin can easily deform due to high temperatures. The best outcome for the pilot would be to parachute out.

The fate of satellites and live tests was even more brutal. The former, being naturally small in size, were reduced to a small pile of debris.

And the poor rabbit was left with only half of a charred carcass, the rest turned to ash. Even after the firing stopped, its head twitched for a while.

From an experimental standpoint, this test was an absolute success.

But for the onlookers, it was an unprecedented visual shock, requiring a lot of time to recover.

"The Golden Cudgel in mighty hands lifts, clear is the jade sky of a myriad haze."

It was a while before someone, filled with emotion, recited this line of poetry.

"With this device, our space is crystal clear. I suggest the laser satellite project be called the Qianjun Rod series, right?"

Lin Ju: "..."

"Leader, actually, ’Death Ray’ is better."

"Lin, you don’t understand. Academician Qian had space interceptor crafts called Qianjun Stick No. 1, No. 2 before, it’s a historical legacy.

Lasers may be so light they have no mass, but they’re like the Golden Cudgel, heavy beyond measure, the Seastead Needle of the Dragon Palace!

We must vigorously promote this project, we must get the Qianjun Stick No. 1 to guard the sky as soon as possible; this trip was certainly not in vain."

Those words, so full of logic and evidence, left Lin Ju with nothing to do but consider whether to rename his own Qianjun Rod to Death Ray.

But aside from that surprise, the reactions to the laser satellite were exactly as expected, clear from the eyes filled with strange gleams.

There was light in their eyes... laser light!

What excited him even more, however, was that his superior continued:

"The budget for the Qianjun Rod project is to be determined, but it should be independently contracted by Xinyuan Company, fully responsible. The main goal is to deliver a qualified product as quickly as possible. Other difficulties must not interfere with the Qianjun Rod project, and you—"

A finger pointed at Lin Ju without error:

"Lin, you are to personally take charge and supervise. If there are any problems, feel free to communicate, and difficulties must be brought up."

These straightforward words widened Lin Ju’s eyes. It was almost a clear statement:

Act first, report later, imperial authorization; this is the military-industrial complex!

"This... I..."

Before he could continue speaking, he heard his superior speak again with a voice full of concern:

"Your personal safety is very important; you’ve been working too hard recently. You should go to the Capital for a checkup in a few days.

Comrade Lin Ju, may you always stay healthy, and continue to make contributions to the world and to humanity!"