Chapter 266: 265 Shuiyun Type 1 Gunship Modification, Trip To Europe, Seeking 20mm Autocannon And High-speed Fighter Jet
After hearing Fang Wen’s words, the engineers abandoned the concept of light and heavy gunships and began brainstorming.
One engineer suggested: “If the Shuiyun Type 1 is converted to a military version during wartime, I think armor is necessary. Without any protection for ground attacks, the combat loss rate will inevitably be too high.”
Fang Wen nodded: “Yes, ground protection is essential.”
The first discussion point emerged.
Regarding the idea of converting the Shuiyun Type 1 into a gunship, the engineers brainstormed and formed a new plan.
If it’s only for ground attack protection, then just add protective armor to the bottom of the airplane.
For the bottom areas of the fuel tank, engine, shooter, and pilot, add double-layer protection.
The material would use a double-layer structure of aluminum alloy and steel sheet.
First, use a high-strength thin steel sheet to block attacks. Even if it penetrates the thin steel sheet and hits the aluminum sheet, it can still provide secondary deceleration. The aircraft chassis provides tertiary deceleration.
This way, the strength of steel and the toughness of aluminum alloy can provide protection without significantly increasing the airplane’s weight.
Fang Wen agreed to this plan and arranged for a team to implement this project.
The discussion continued.
Another engineer suggested: “When the gunship is in combat, the airplane needs stable circling flight. We have communicated with the company’s newly recruited pilots, and they each have their own understanding of circling flight, producing different flight maneuvers. Should we use a standardized method or equipment to standardize this circling flight?”
Standardization is the development secret of the Taishan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, and the engineers have brought it to other fields.
Fang Wen agreed with this as well; it was his field. He responded:
“I have considered standardizing circling flight. My idea is to design several specifications of gunship circling shooting standards, representing different circling radii, and incorporate them into an adjustable device. Once the pilot locks the target in the air with this device, they can perform standardized operations according to the corresponding flight standards.”
What he described was a bit ahead of its time, even involving very complex mechanical structures.
The mechanics racked their brains but couldn’t figure out what kind of equipment could achieve the effect Fang Wen wanted.
Realizing this, Fang Wen understood that his idea exceeded the scope of the era’s technology, but he didn’t want to give up just yet.
Was there no simple solution?
With his hands clasped supporting his chin, he pondered.
His gaze inadvertently swept over a car model in an engineer’s hand.
It was clearly made from aluminum alloy scraps. In the aircraft manufacturing factory, both workers and engineers liked to make small toys from these useless waste materials.
Looking at the car model somehow triggered Fang Wen’s memories from the future.
He recalled his experience learning to drive.
At that time, the instructor would teach some skills to help students pass the exam.
For example, for students lacking a sense of distance, they often hit the curb when parking at the side. The instructor would teach them to look at the intersection point of a certain point on the wiper with the curb, so at least this part of the exam would be fine.
Thinking of this, Fang Wen suddenly had an inspiration.
Different standard circling flights can actually be quantified into data, summarized as circling parameters, made into a dial pasted on the cockpit glass, and then the pilot operates according to different scale standards. This solves the problem.
As for the circling parameters, they would include circling radius, altitude, speed, etc. These parameters are specific to the Shuiyun Type 1, which Fang Wen could easily produce.
Immediately, he spoke up: “No need to discuss this; I have a way to solve it. Now let’s talk about what weapons the gunship should use.”
Weapons are the foundation of the gunship, and the mechanics immediately perked up, discussing intensely.
“I think open two side shooting ports, with twin 7.92 mm machine guns on each side.”
“The power is too low. The gunship needs air-to-ground fire suppression; 7.92 mm bullets lack power.”
“Then use 12.7 mm M2 machine guns; the power should be sufficient.”
At this point, a French engineer spoke up: “Since we are creating a fighter type that has never existed before, why not give it the strongest weapons? I think 20 mm anti-aircraft machine guns can be installed on the airplane for depression angle shooting.”
All the engineers fell silent, and Fang Wen was also surprised.
Could this idea be realized?
Fang Wen was unsure; he planned to get an autocannon back to test.
The discussion ended. Engineers assigned tasks began the aircraft chassis reinforcement project, while those without tasks returned to their original work.
Fang Wen then arranged for Li Tie Zhu from the Taishan Airlines international flight division to investigate the situation of 20 mm anti-aircraft guns in Europe.
He himself began piloting the Shuiyun Type 1 Seaplane to collect and summarize circling parameters.
Time passed bit by bit. Li Tie Zhu finished first, bringing back information on European 20 mm anti-aircraft guns.
For this, Fang Wen paused flying and returned to the industrial park to talk with Li Tie Zhu.
In the industrial park, at Fang Wen’s residence, Li Tie Zhu opened the suitcase and took out the information and photographs inside.
“General Manager, these are all the 20 mm autocannons currently in service in various European countries; their performance has been tested.”
“Good.” Fang Wen nodded in satisfaction; Li Tie Zhu had become much more mature and steady after being sent abroad.
He picked up the information to review.
The first one was a classic.
Swiss Oerlikon 20 mm autocannon.
It could be said that many autocannons worldwide were derived from it as a template.
This cannon had a fast rate of fire and high accuracy; it was the first generation naval anti-aircraft firepower.
Fang Wen was very interested, but there was more information, so he planned to decide after reviewing it all.
The second was the Swiss Solothurn ST-5 20 mm autocannon.
Although the Solothurn autocannon was nominally Swiss-made, it actually used German technology.
Because the Versailles Treaty restricted German weapons production, Germany’s Rheinmetall Company cooperated with Switzerland’s Solothurn Company to bypass the restrictions.
This led to this autocannon.
Its features were a lightweight barrel, fast rate of fire, and long range.
The next two were new products from last year.
Denmark’s Madsen M1935 20 mm autocannon.
This new type of 20 mm autocannon was a high- and flat-shooting dual-purpose type, suitable for both anti-aircraft high-angle and ground flat shooting.
It felt even lighter than the first two.
Fang Wen continued to the last one.
Italy’s Breda M1935 20 mm autocannon.
This one added elevation angle aiming and single-soldier handwheel operation, making it a suitable anti-air firepower equipment.
After reviewing the four autocannons, Fang Wen pondered.
The fourth was completely for single-soldier anti-air shooting and couldn’t be used for air-to-ground depression shooting; modifying it would require replacing many components, which wouldn’t be worth it.
The other three were all good.
He asked: “Except for the fourth, go back and talk to the suppliers to see if they can be modified for depression angle shooting mode.”
At this point, Fang Wen changed his mind.
Currently, the chassis armor for the Shuiyun Type 1 civilian-to-military seaplane wasn’t ready yet, and his circling parameters weren’t finalized. It would be better to take this time to go to Europe and negotiate directly with arms dealers.
Additionally, he could also scout for high-speed fighter jets available in Europe.
“Forget it, I’ll handle this myself. Come with me to Europe.”
“Yes, General Manager,” Li Tie Zhu replied.
In March 1936, Fang Wen boarded his company’s Asia-Europe flight to Europe.
This time in Europe, things were already very different.
Now, the Taishan Group had the Asia-Europe route, its own aircraft manufacturing plant, crude oil refinery, a listed company in the United States, and the upcoming Asia-America route.
As the helmsman of the Taishan Group, his arrival attracted welcomes from some old and new friends.
At Paris Airport, Falmang executives and Émile Dewoitine greeted Fang Wen while introducing two new friends.
“Claudio Carillo, manager of Saint-Chamond Company. Saint-Chamond Company produces heavy tanks and cannons, with products holding an important position in the French army.”
“Robert Abbott, director of Schneider Company. Schneider Company produces cannons and armored vehicles; their cannons are well-known in Europe.”
“We heard your group wants to purchase a batch of 20 mm autocannons; these two can help you.”
Fang Wen smiled and shook hands with the two new friends, proactively suggesting they move to a more comfortable place to talk.
They left the airport and arrived at a social club in Paris.
After ordering some food and drinks, Fang Wen asked: “As cannon experts, can 20 mm autocannons be used for depression angle shooting?”
Claudio Carillo replied: “20 mm autocannons are mainly for high-angle anti-aircraft, now also used for flat shooting attacks. Technically, depression angle shooting is no problem, but it will be affected by some actual conditions and factors.”
Robert Abbott added: “From the shooting principle, high-angle machine gun designs usually have a large elevation angle and depression angle range to deal with targets at different heights and angles. Generally, their firing range is -30° to 90°, meaning they are fully capable of depression angle shooting.”
The two explained the issues with 20 mm autocannon depression angle shooting, one after the other.
“But in actual use, depression angle shooting may affect the autocannon’s shooting stability, especially with large depression angles. This could lead to reduced shooting accuracy and effect. To maintain shooting stability, the shooter needs to adopt appropriate shooting postures and supports, such as using building rooftops, balconies, or window edges as supports.”
“During depression angle shooting, observation and aiming difficulty may increase. Due to the angle change, the shooter needs to adjust the sight and shooting posture to ensure accurate aiming at the target.”
The two seriously analyzed for Fang Wen, but from their words, depression angle shooting was still feasible.
Fang Wen spoke up in real time: “We originally found a supplier, but it seems to lack much communication ability with manufacturers. Can you two introduce a better arms supplier that can directly represent the manufacturer for customization?”
This involved the black industry chain not exposed to sunlight; the two experts surely knew but couldn’t discuss it publicly.
After a quiet discussion, they wrote a note for Fang Wen.
“Go find him; he’s the best arms broker. We take our leave.”
Fang Wen stood to thank the two cannon experts, had Li Tie Zhu see them off, and gave them a reward.
Falmang executives and Émile Dewoitine didn’t leave; they had more to discuss.
Fang Wen talked with them: “Let’s chat about the best fighter jets in Europe these two years.”
Everyone in the aviation field was interested and started discussing.
Émile Dewoitine, who ran an aircraft manufacturing company, spoke first: “I think the British Spitfire fighter they are about to launch is good. Rolls-Royce’s Merlin engine, semi-elliptical nose, elliptical planform cantilever low monoplane wing; power and aerodynamic performance should be excellent. It’s said to be equipped with 20 mm Hispano autocannons; the weapon power is also very strong.”
Émile Dewoitine was a genius aircraft designer with unique insights into airplanes; the ones he favored should be very good.
But the Spitfire fighter was Britain’s next-generation main fighter, not yet in service, and Fang Wen hadn’t thought he could obtain it.
He stayed silent, seeing what the Falmang executives thought.
One Falmang executive had a different view:
“Germany’s Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter test-flown last year is also good. Its overall performance is absolutely no worse than Britain’s Spitfire, even a bit better in my opinion. As for firepower, 20 mm autocannons on fighters are being secretly researched in both countries; future fighters will definitely switch to large-caliber autocannons.”
Both sides mentioned 20 mm autocannons on airplanes.
The difference was that Britain and Germany were already researching them for fighters, while Fang Wen’s Taishan Taiji Manufacturing Plant was only at the gunship application stage.
This was a technological gap; no matter how rich an individual was, they couldn’t compare to a country.
Fang Wen adjusted his mindset and asked: “If I want to buy a Spitfire or Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter, is it possible?”
He received surprised responses; for these two top airplanes, it wasn’t just him wanting them—countries like the United States, Japan, France also wanted them, and Britain and Germany would surely keep them strictly secret, making it impossible.
After the silent response, Fang Wen settled for the next best thing.
“Then what other good fighter jets in Europe can be purchased?”
Émile Dewoitine and the Falmang executives provided some suggestions.
France’s MB.150 fighter; the French Air Force solicited bids to develop a new single-seat fighter, but due to ground run issues and insufficient power, it remained in the research and development stage.
Now the French Air Force favored another successfully test-flown airplane, and with existing aircraft manufacturing plants nationalized, the entire project stalled.
If Fang Wen was willing, Falmang people were willing to mediate and have them produce a batch of export models based on the MB.150 fighter.
For this suggestion, Fang Wen knew it was a multi-party beneficial deal of power and money, but he knew there were more choices and didn’t decide immediately.
Next was the Morane-Saulnier M.S.406.
Also a French fighter, already in service with the French Air Force, which planned to replace old fighters with it as the main fighter.
Moreover, it was the first French Air Force fighter to reach 400 km/h in flight.
It could also be customized for export.
Besides that.
There was the Dewoitine D.510 designed and manufactured by Émile Dewoitine.
Czechoslovakia’s B-534 biplane fighter.
Soviet Union’s I-16 fighter.
All could be obtained.
After hearing these, Fang Wen considered whether he could select the fighter he wanted from them.
Just recovered from a serious illness, can only output one chapter for now; readers please forgive.
