Chapter 296: 295 National Army Pilot Seeks Advice, Huo Ke San Vs. Type 95, Personal Visit To Zhoujiakou Airport
The Hawk III pilot looked around at the Jinan Airport with great interest.
His gaze lingered on this civilian airport, searching for the Taishan Escort Team airplanes that had become famous in the domestic aviation circles.
He had heard that they were the best fighter jets domestically, even cutting-edge fighter jets that had only just entered service in Europe and America.
A whistling sound came from behind; two Il-16s had landed.
His eyes lit up even more.
At this time, Fang Wen walked over and welcomed this National Air Force pilot.
“Hello, I’m Fang Wen. We received notice from the local military earlier saying that an Air Force airplane would be landing at our airport, but no other details were provided. Could you please inform us?”
The National Air Force pilot withdrew his gaze and responded: “National Air Force Fourth Air Group, formerly a member of the Central Aviation Team at Jianqiao Airport, Lieutenant Lu Pengtao has come under orders to discuss assistance in combat operations for the North China Theater.”
With these words, he explained his identity and purpose. Fang Wen greeted this Air Force guest with a smile on his face.
“Let’s go inside to talk.”
“Mm, could I first take a look at your fighter jets? As a colleague, before I came, my comrades asked me to make sure to take a good look on their behalf.”
They were all colleagues, and naturally, upon seeing better airplanes, one would want to see them in full. Fang Wen could understand.
He led Lu Pengtao to the military aircraft parking area on the other side of the runway.
The two airplanes that had just landed had also taxied over here.
Led by Fang Wen, Lu Pengtao looked at these latest fighter jets in the world.
And listened to Fang Wen’s introduction.
After listening, Lu Pengtao couldn’t help but exclaim: “Monoplanes are the future direction—more flexible, higher speed. With such superior performance fighter jets, combined with your superb skills, no wonder you have such results.”
In his words, Lu Pengtao was somewhat envious.
He was also very curious how Fang Wen had obtained these airplanes.
On this, however, Fang Wen said nothing. Some things, if known, were known; he himself would not publicize them externally.
But the artwork painted on the fighter jets could not be concealed.
On several fighter jets of Shrike Hao, there were their achievements; on the other Il-16s, there were collective shoot-down achievements; and there were the achievement patterns painted by Qi Baoqian and Du Jiahua individually shooting down an enemy aircraft on the rear of their own Il-16.
These were solid air combat records.
Lu Pengtao, unclear but speculative, looked at those paintings, wanting to speak but hesitating.
At this time, the tour of the fighter jets ended, and Fang Wen led Lu Pengtao into the airport’s temporary command room.
There, Lu Pengtao looked serious as he explained the situation.
“The higher-ups’ combat strategy plans to establish two temporary air combat formations: the Tianjin Detachment and the Nanyuan Detachment. The requirement is to cover the ground troops in the North China region, counter the Japanese Army’s offensive in the Pingjin Region, carry out bombing of Japanese Army positions in Tianjin, Fengtai, Shanhaiguan, Jinzhou, and other places, and assist the Army in recapturing Pingjin.”
Pausing for a moment, Lu Pengtao continued:
“Our Fourth Air Group personnel belong to the Tianjin Detachment, targeting enemy forces in the Tianjin direction. Hearing that you have participated in combat with the Japanese Army, we have come specifically to learn about the situation.”
Fang Wen nodded and walked to the large table in the temporary command headquarters.
On the table was an enlarged North China map.
He used airplane props to simulate that day’s battle process on the map.
“At that time, my Escort Team received the 29th Army’s request for coordinated combat assistance and immediately organized a takeoff to intercept Japanese Army fighter jets at Wanping and Langfang. The enemy aircraft type was Type 95 fighter jet; in the engagement, three were shot down by us. The subsequent Japanese Army fighter jets, under our interception, began to return to base, and afterward, no more enemy aircraft came. Our Escort Team’s operation thus shifted from air interception to ground harassment.”
Lu Pengtao took out his notebook and recorded earnestly, then asked:
“Why didn’t the Japanese Army airplanes continue to attack afterward?”
“I estimate that the invading enemy aircraft at that time were from the Kwantung Army Aviation Team flying from the Northeast Japanese occupied zone. Possibly because their range was too long and not suited for intense combat, they took the initiative to withdraw. But as far as I know, with Tianjin now in crisis, the Japanese Army has already transferred fighter jets to assemble in Tianjin. If they use Tianjin as a jumping-off point for the next offensive, the air raid frequency will be higher, and the threat to our forces greater.” Fang Wen replied.
“They’ve transferred airplanes to Tianjin?” Lu Pengtao said in surprise. He didn’t know this military intelligence yet, but a civil aviation company boss already did.
After recording this important information, Lu Pengtao continued to ask.
“I’ve come this time with an important purpose: to consult you. Comparing the Hawk II and Hawk III fighter jets with the Type 95 fighter jet, what are your thoughts?”
This question was very important; Fang Wen’s answer would provide them with valuable combat experience.
Fang Wen thought about it and replied: “The Hawk II and Hawk III appeared earlier than the Type 95, which only entered service in the Japanese Army last year. Comparing the two types of airplanes, at 3000 meters altitude, the Type 95 flight speed can reach 400 kilometers per hour, while the Hawk III, I hear, is only just over 300 kilometers per hour—somewhat inferior in this aspect.”
Lu Pengtao quickly added: “It’s 360 kilometers per hour.”
Fang Wen nodded and continued: “Although somewhat inferior in speed, there is not much difference in other performance. I’ve encountered the Hawk II fighter jet in Thailand and fought the Type 95 fighter jet in North China. In my view, the two types aren’t about that slight speed difference. I have a small suggestion; you can note it down and tell the others when you go back.”
For the War of Resistance, Fang Wen unreservedly shared his experience and skills in combat with biplanes.
Whether the Spanish Civil War or the North China Beiping air combat, the opponent’s biplanes all had the same weakness.
That was their wings.
The biplane structure, while able to increase climb lift efficiency by nearly 20% compared to monoplanes, also brought greater drag with its double wings.
Once turning or facing airflow conditions, the support structure between the upper and lower wings greatly increased the airplane’s drag area, instead making maneuvers sluggish.
This is also why future airplane wings are getting smaller.
Therefore, when dealing with Type 95 biplanes, the best way is circuitous dogfighting.
That is, from the start, not engaging the Japanese Army fighter jets head-on, but advancing pincer attacks from the flanks and rear, which would make it hard for the Japanese Army fighter jets to cope.
This valuable actual combat experience was more useful than skills; if used properly, it would certainly produce remarkable results.
On this, Lu Pengtao sincerely expressed thanks, then stated the final reason for his visit.
“I’ve come this time to invite your side to join our Tianjin Detachment’s operations. In future air combat, there will be large numbers of fighter jets deployed; with only 7 fighter jets, you cannot face massed enemy aircraft. Our intention is for your side to act as the Tianjin Detachment’s external support group, contacting via telegram during operations, then launching attacks together.”
Fang Wen was tempted by this request.
As long as it didn’t require him to lead his team to a National Army airport for coordinated operations, he could accept it.
He confirmed: “You mean our aviation team stays in Jinan, just coordinating on operations?”
“Yes. If you agree, you’ll need to come with me for a trip to discuss the specific details of cooperation, so we can be more in sync in future coordination.” Lu Pengtao replied.
Fang Wen did not answer immediately.
Instead, he briefed the people at Jinan Airport.
He had Wu Yingzong take full charge of the airport’s security, while the aviation team personnel maintained combat readiness, prepared at any time for possible air raids.
After these instructions, Fang Wen then agreed to go with Lu Pengtao.
Immediately, he piloted Shrike Hao to take off.
The two airplanes flew side by side in the air; Fang Wen intentionally reduced his flight speed so as not to outpace Lu Pengtao’s Hawk III.
The airplanes flew southwest, covering 400 kilometers into Henan territory.
Here, Fang Wen checked the map; it should be near some county town in ZK City.
Below was a new airport, very busy inside and out, with vehicles coming and going.
Lu Pengtao waved from the cabin to signal; he would land first.
After waiting ten minutes, Fang Wen also lowered altitude and landed at the airport.
The airplane decelerated to a stop, and a group of people came over to surround Shrike Hao.
“What airplane is this?”
“I hear it’s the latest model from the United States, a monoplane.”
“The future will be the world of monoplanes; we need to upgrade too.”
While they discussed, ground staff pushed over the boarding ladder, and Fang Wen descended along the ladder.
He faced a group of unfamiliar Air Force officers, not knowing what to say.
Fortunately, Lu Pengtao came to relieve him.
“Everyone, don’t crowd. Let me introduce: this is General Manager Fang Wen of Taishan Airlines, who has vigorously developed the aviation undertaking domestically and abroad and even owns his own airport.”
This introduction made the pilots even more enthusiastic.
Someone asked about the design and manufacturing process of the Shuiyun Type 1 airplane.
Fang Wen said tactfully: “This is a bit complex; can’t explain it in a short time. Simply put, manufacturing airplanes is a large mechanical manufacturing project, requiring a large number of skilled technicians, engineers who continuously monitor and follow up on the project status, and processes like procurement and processing of various materials. The Shuiyun Type 1 airplane was produced through the joint efforts of hundreds of technicians and engineers.”
His answer surprised the pilots.
The Shuiyun Type 1 was actually produced by Taishan Airlines itself.
They had thought it was assembled from parts obtained abroad in a South Asia factory, like the Hawk III, which was shipped as kits from the United States and assembled at the Zhonghang factory.
Taishan Airlines could actually manufacture airplanes itself!
It was too unexpected.
The pilots’ conversation with Fang Wen became even more heated.
This was not good; just after landing, they were chatting endlessly.
Lu Pengtao quickly intervened, “The captain wants to see him. General Manager Fang is staying here today; you can chat with him later.”
Only then did he lead Fang Wen away from the parking area by the runway to the camp.
At the camp, it was a scene of bustle: officers, soldiers, workers busy unloading large amounts of supplies from trucks.
It seemed this airport had just started operations.
Fang Wen followed Lu Pengtao through the construction-site-like unloading area to an office building and entered an office on the second floor.
Lu Pengtao pushed the door open and reported: “Captain Gao, General Manager Fang Wen of Taishan Airlines is here. He has agreed to your coordinated combat plan.”
The young officer who had been writing at the desk stopped his pen, stood up, and warmly shook Fang Wen’s hand.
“Welcome, General Manager Fang, to grace us with your presence. Your aviation team’s feats are widely known in the Air Force. To fight alongside the Taishan Escort Team is an honor for our Fourth Air Group.”
As the first battle in the North China Theater where he shot down three enemy aircraft, Fang Wen received recognition from his peers.
This attitude made Fang Wen look at the young officer in a new light.
The other showed no arrogance, spoke sincerely—a rare practical type in the National Army.
He asked: “May I know Captain Gao’s full name?”
“My life’s ambition is in aviation, so I changed my courtesy name to Zhihang.”
“Good name.” After some pleasantries with him, Fang Wen began formal discussion.
Captain Gao explained the coordination plan. “This is what I think: set a single-line contact telegram frequency. Once there is a combat plan, we will notify in advance, but sudden situations are not guaranteed. Therefore, your side needs to station a telegraph operator to prevent missing telegrams.”
“No problem there; I have three telegraph operators who can rotate shifts.” Fang Wen replied.
“Good. Now, on coordinated combat issues. Since our two sides have not conducted formation training, to avoid confusion during operations, we won’t require your side to mix formations with ours, but we will conduct coordinated attacks. For example, when we prepare to bomb a Japanese Army stronghold somewhere in North China, we will ask your side to independently handle the bombing task at one of the sites.”
“How to load the aerial bombs?”
“Your side will need to fly to Zhoujiakou Airport for bomb loading operations, which can be done in advance to prepare for future air raid bombing actions.”
This was a good arrangement; in the future, the Taishan Escort Team’s aerial bombs would have a source.
Fang Wen and Captain Gao discussed many details of coordinated combat.
Both were managers of aviation teams and clear on many situations, raising various detailed questions respectively.
Once these issues were resolved, the cooperation between both sides was formally reached.
Discussion ended, and Fang Wen and Captain Gao confirmed.
By now, it was already 8 p.m.
The two then realized they hadn’t eaten yet.
Immediately, Captain Gao took Fang Wen to the airport canteen and had the head chef stir-fry a few dishes.
The two sat at the large wooden table in the canteen waiting.
Fang Wen asked about the situation here: “This is a new airport, right?”
Captain Gao used this to pass the time waiting for the food: “Yes. This is Shangshui County, Henan, Zhoujiakou Airport. A military airport built 3 years ago, located in the Central Plains heartland—north to North China, south to cover Nanjing and Shanghai. We are the first batch; ground staff aren’t fully here yet. By August at least, it will be complete.”
“Until August? Then what about air support for North China in this period?” Fang Wen said in surprise. He had thought the National Air Force would immediately launch air support for North China, but it would wait until August.
By then, the Japanese would probably have captured much of North China and pushed south.
On this, Captain Gao said helplessly: “Unlike you, where the whole company is yours, with great resources and full control. Air combat matters need ground crew supplies coordination; they come by train, with troubles en route delaying much time.”
Was this a reason?
Fang Wen didn’t think so; he could see it was due to the National Government’s corruption and low efficiency.
If it were him, just dispatching Taishan No. 1 Transport Aircraft could deliver several tons of aerial bombs in one or two trips a day, completely feasible.
But after he raised this, Captain Gao didn’t look pleased; clearly, those matters were beyond his control.
But he was unwilling to waste precious combat opportunities, “I’ll negotiate with the logistics department. If they agree, it would trouble General Manager Fang to dispatch your large transport aircraft to deliver ammunition and supplies.”
