Chapter 290: 289 Shuiyun Ii Gull-wing Aircraft R&d And Manufacturing, Munitions Procurement And Penicillin Deal
After many days of observing birds’ flight, Fang Wen recorded a lot of information and organized conclusions from his own observations.
The first type is half-moon-shaped wings, like those of woodpeckers and shrikes; takeoff speed is fast, flight space is small, mainly for flying between trees, not suitable for long-distance flight.
（Woodpecker）
The second type is long, narrow, pointed wings, like those of various swallows,
wings are relatively long, narrow, and pointed, with no gaps between primary feathers, relatively “solid,” can fold backward, similar to an airplane’s two wings.
Suitable for high-speed flight, capable of generating greater lift and propulsive force.
This is also the prototype of swept wings.
（Swift）
The third type is gliding wings, mainly seabirds; Fang Wen specially went to the seaside to observe for this.
Wings are relatively long, narrow, and flat, with no gaps between feathers.
During gliding flight, birds do not flap their wings but glide with the airflow to save energy.
This type of wing allows birds to soar high on thermal air currents for hours.
It is the evolutionary choice for flying over the vast sea surface.
（Seagull）
The last type is soaring wings, belonging to birds of prey; eagles, cranes, and vultures all have this type of wing.
There are wider spaces between feathers, and they are shorter, capable of creating changes in air airflow; wider feathers help increase the speed of airflow over the upper surface of the wings.
When these birds curl the tips of their feathers upward, they can increase flight power without flapping their wings. This wing structure allows birds to use the surrounding airflow to soar and glide effortlessly.
（Eagle）
The four types of birds’ wings; the first two are more suitable for high-speed fighter jets.
But in terms of stability and balance, the latter two are superior.
From this, Fang Wen gained inspiration: the design of Shuiyun II should focus on the wings.
Immediately, he returned to Wuhan and discussed with engineers from the aircraft manufacturing plant transferred from Yangon.
To determine which type of wing is more effective, the best method is to make corresponding wing flight models.
Such small items are not complex for Fang Wen and the engineers.
Soon, they made two gliding and two soaring wing flight models.
In testing, unexpectedly, the effects of both imitation wings were not great.
This is because birds’ flight changes lift through wing flapping to cope with airflow; that’s birds’ instinct, allowing precise adjustment.
Human aircraft have fixed wings, power from the propeller; there are differences between the two.
Immediately, Fang Wen adjusted his thinking, focusing on lift that better adapts to airflow.
In this aspect, gliding wings have the best effect,
After further adjustments, Fang Wen designed gull wings with dihedral angle.
（Gull wing aircraft three-view, sourced from our country’s early propeller trainer aircraft Chu Jiao 6; this model has been used in the international flight training market for decades.）
This upward-angled wing has a lift center much closer to the fuselage than straight wings, with strong gliding capability.
In testing, Fang Wen found that this wing, even without power drive, can perform unpowered gliding flight, with a glide ratio of about 1:9, meaning for every meter of descent, it can glide 9 meters.
Moreover, balance also improves significantly.
When the aircraft yaws to one side, it will not lose control; the wonder lies in the dihedral wings on both sides.
When the aircraft yaws left, this wing produces a counteracting moment, generating reverse force to automatically restore the aircraft to parallel state.
This is also the secret of seagulls’ long-duration gliding flight at high altitude.
Additionally, during large-angle climbs, gull wings can produce rearward moment to assist climbing.
This design inspiration from nature finally allowed the Shuiyun II aircraft to be finalized.
Immediately, Fang Wen began designing the prototype.
Most of the design draft retained Shuiyun Type 1, including internal structure and landing gear floats with no changes; mainly modifications to the wings.
After the design draft was completed, Fang Wen immediately went to Yangon to arrange prototype manufacturing at the aircraft manufacturing plant.
Yangon Taishan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, with engineers and technicians proficient in Shuiyun Type 1 production technology, immediately started production after grasping the wing modification concept.
To save time, they even directly removed the wings from a Shuiyun Type 1 in the acceptance process and modified gull wings directly on its fuselage.
This wing modification key lies in the outward dihedral outer wing section with upward angle.
Because it’s not straight wings, the full-length steel structure supports for internal framework fixation will bend, requiring guarantee of this structural wing’s stability.
After all, this structural wing’s outer wings on both sides bear more force in accidents; if not ensuring solidity and durability, it would be disastrous.
For this, Fang Wen and the engineers used 4 steel brackets in the wings, and welded fixing devices externally.
After all this, Fang Wen piloted the first flight.
The Shuiyun II prototype was pushed onto the sea surface outside the port; Fang Wen took a boat over and boarded the aircraft.
He started the engine, activated mechanical perception, and gained full understanding of the aircraft.
The just-out-of-factory aircraft had good conditions in all aspects; the only uncertainty was the wings.
The aircraft accelerated on the water surface, leaving a long water trail and flying into the air.
During this process, Fang Wen monitored wing changes with mechanical perception at all times.
During takeoff, the aircraft’s lift was slightly less than straight wings, but did not affect normal flight.
As the aircraft flew into the air, the wings were gradually affected by airflow, instead demonstrating the gull wings’ balance.
Fang Wen reduced engine power, letting the aircraft fly at low speed.
Under airflow, the aircraft maintained constant speed in mid-air in a half-powered, half-gliding state.
The wings withstood this high-altitude pressure without any accidents.
Fang Wen immediately relaxed in his heart.
Shuiyun II aircraft test flight successful; production began immediately.
This new seaplane with high balance is safer and more reliable.
And due to the gull wing design, though unable to fly at high speed, it can greatly increase flight range.
Maximum range reaching 1500 kilometers, twice that of Shuiyun Type 1.
This also means longer flight time in the air, better ensuring air superiority.
For this, Fang Wen planned to convert all produced Shuiyun II into gunships, specifically for military purposes.
Thus, Taishan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant’s civilian aircraft production stopped; the entire factory began intense gunship production.
Not only the aircraft manufacturing plant became busy.
The bullet factory’s 20mm autocannon production line was also urgently rushing production.
7.92mm bullets were also being produced in tight time.
But this is not enough.
Taishan Mercenary Group’s weapons and equipment still lack; need rifle telescopic sights to improve shooting accuracy, and matching steel core bullets for sniping.
20mm autocannon shells also in huge demand.
All this cannot rely entirely on Yangon’s industrial foundation for production.
Time to spend money.
Fang Wen, returning from Yangon, stopped briefly in Wuhan, then went to Jinan.
In Jinan, he learned about the escort team’s situation.
During this time, nothing much happened; Japanese army aircraft had bypassed Haihe River Basin, flying directly to Qingdao from Bohai Bay, and also from Great Wall to Beiping; Taishan Aviation Team was powerless, after all nominally just a commercial escort team, unable to handle areas outside Haihe River Basin.
Regarding this, there was some restlessness in the escort team; having just received praise from newspapers and the public, now they could only watch Japanese army aircraft bypass their escort area to continue harassing North China, everyone felt very displeased.
This state easily affects morale; for this, Fang Wen organized an internal meeting with all escort team members.
In the meeting, Fang Wen first let everyone speak freely.
As everyone expressed views, pent-up resentment in their hearts gradually released.
At this time, Fang Wen spoke to guide:
“Not fighting yet now, everything must follow rules, but everyone stay alert at all times; once war starts, we immediately enter wartime state, encountering enemy aircraft will be life-and-death battle.”
His words kept the escort team’s high fighting spirit, all preparing for battle with Japanese army.
After boosting the escort team, the meeting disbanded; Fang Wen returned to residence and sent a telegram to Shanghai intelligence station via telegram.
Requesting Shanghai intelligence station to start contacting purchase of military supplies.
Shanghai, Taishan Intelligence Station secret stronghold.
Now taking over Axe Gang resources, Taishan Intelligence Station has sufficient manpower, business involving penicillin sales, intelligence collection, and some original Axe Gang matters.
Daily intelligence from various channels is organized by station chief Chen Suoxin, then passed to the airport outside the city, handed to Taishan Airlines captain to deliver to general manager.
Today, during routine encrypted telegram reception, the station chief received the general manager’s new order.
He immediately discussed with deputy station chief Liu Ying Shou.
“General manager wants us to purchase military supplies; this is the list, take a look.”
Liu Ying Shou looked at the telegram message.
“100 rifle telescopic sights, large quantity of 20mm autocannon shells, and 7.92mm steel core bullets. These things are hard to get.”
“Hard to get but must get; go find people to ask.”
Immediately, intelligence station personnel were dispatched.
Shanghai is not only an intelligence hub, but also has many arms dealers; after the original Axe Gang people released the news, arms dealers immediately contacted proactively.
Both sides chose to meet in a Shanghai suburban area.
At night, disguised Chen Suoxin arrived first with two subordinates; others ambushed nearby for support.
Several dozen minutes later, a car drove up.
A foreigner got out of the car, followed by several countrymen strong men.
He walked over and said: “Your requirements are high; ordinary arms dealers don’t have them. In entire Shanghai, only I can get them.”
Chen Suoxin asked: “Have stock?”
“Steel core bullets no problem. 20mm autocannon shells might be difficult; Europe is at war now, Spain buying large quantities of 20mm autocannon shells; I don’t have much, mostly leftovers after supplying Central Army. If you want more, need to add price. Also, rifle telescopic sights, I have the best, Dialythan dedicated sight lenses produced by Zeiss Company.”
After hearing the other finish, Chen Suoxin began bargaining; with general manager’s permission, he was confident in reaching the deal.
“I want all the items, money no problem. But I have a suggestion: exchange with better things. Interested in Miraculous Sterilizing Agent?”
Miraculous Sterilizing Agent is the alias Fang Wen gave to penicillin, also the most popular medicine in Shanghai.
This medicine, in an era without penicillin resistance, has excellent effects, treating various bacterial infection inflammations very well.
Unfortunately, each supply is controlled by several major forces in Shanghai; others hard to obtain.
The arms dealer of course wants Miraculous Sterilizing Agent; he showed high interest.
“You have Miraculous Sterilizing Agent?! That’s great; willing to sell you these supplies at normal price; as for 20mm autocannon shells, no need to add price, but need some time to deliver.”
“How long? We prefer cash and goods cleared direct transaction.” Chen Suoxin pressed.
“Of course; 20mm autocannon shells need shipping from Europe, all stock, in army supply warehouse; I have way to get directly from there, rest assured. But I need to know if you really have Miraculous Sterilizing Agent to continue transaction.”
For Miraculous Sterilizing Agent, the arms dealer revealed a bit of his supply source; but he also wanted to know if Chen Suoxin had that divine medicine.
Regarding this, Chen Suoxin asked about the current supply value in the arms dealer’s hands, then whispered instructions to a subordinate; the subordinate left and returned after a while.
He held a small leather suitcase.
Chen Suoxin took the suitcase, opened it, took out small glass bottles containing white medicine powder. “All inside is Miraculous Sterilizing Agent; at market price, value 50,000 silver dollars, that is 19,000 US dollars, exactly value of your batch of goods. Can trade when goods arrive.”
Seeing the powder comparable to gold, greed showed in the arms dealer’s eyes.
But he had no intent to rob; as an experienced arms dealer in Shanghai, he knew connecting this line might bring more Miraculous Sterilizing Agent in future.
Controlling this life-saving medicine is far more valuable than money.
For this, he smiled and reached the first step deal with Chen Suoxin.
Then, the next day, at the same place, both sides completed goods handover.
One box of Miraculous Sterilizing Agent exchanged for a car of bullets and 100 rifle telescopic sights.
Enough to show this medicine’s value.
Throughout World War II, this medicine kept gold-like prices due to huge demand, yet demand remained strong.
Thus, Fang Wen’s planned penicillin manufacturing factory became another hugely valuable industry.
That batch of military supplies was also sent to the airport and transported to Jinan.
Fang Wen inspected this batch of supplies unloaded from Taishan Airlines aircraft at Jinan Airport.
Packaging paper on bullets printed German text; should be one of Central Army’s German weapon suppliers.
Also Zeiss Dialythan rifle telescopic sights, German army equipment.
Fang Wen took a Mauser 98K rifle, installed the telescopic sight, loaded 7.92mm steel core bullets, and began testing.
Rifle with 4x scope had much higher accuracy, thus range increased from 300 meters to 600 meters; at this distance, killing enemies is hard for infantry without telescopic sights.
He adjusted the lens; as it cleared, distant target rings appeared.
Though not a professional soldier, in mind-body unity state, he achieved what a seasoned shooter could.
With bullets firing one by one, constantly adjusting familiarity with the telescopic sight, Fang Wen’s shooting accuracy reached excellent state of hitting nine-ring at 500 meters.
This also made him very satisfied with this rifle telescopic sight’s effect.
But his envisioned elite infantry still needs light armored cars for coordinated combat, and mobile infantry guns as composite firepower supplement.
These things cannot be bought under private name.
He decided to research and produce them himself to supplement the mercenary group.
