Chapter 152: Who? Shu Xingbei!
“Secret 1954 No.154”
At three o’clock in the morning, Larry King took a book from the agreed dead drop box.
He knew his time was limited and needed to put the book back in the dead drop box immediately after photocopying it.
It could not exceed eight hours at most.
Larry King himself did not need to go to the Times Square, New York telephone booth; he only needed to pick up the goods from the agreed dead drop box, photograph it well with microfilm, and then put it back in another dead drop box.
After putting the book in his pocket and bringing it back to the apartment, Larry King felt that his work had value.
“MIT Radiation Laboratory Series”—just from this name, he could guess its nature.
It was the technical data that China currently lacked the most.
After a quick browse, he was even more certain of this viewpoint.
Because the title page prominently featured a seal from the Department of Defense, and the mark read “Secret 1954 No.154.”
As a professional, although the security systems used by everyone were not the same, Larry King was very familiar with the army’s set.
Their classified technical data all followed a security protocol called the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (abbreviated NISPOM) for operations.
According to his superficial knowledge, it should be divided into three levels, though there might be more.
But since this was Secret, it was at least a secret, definitely not the lowest level file.
The secrecy level meant importance; just for this Secret book, he felt that the time and money spent on this New York trip were worth it.
Whether it was the car being crashed, the accommodation fees in New York, or the treatment fees paid to Columbia University Medical Center, each of these was a significant expense for Larry King.
But Secret was just the beginning.
In the subsequent “MIT Radiation Laboratory Series” books, some volumes were “Confidential,” some were “Secret.”
In the last two days, what appeared was not books, but a document bag; when he opened it, the title page actually read “Top Secret.”
What was top? The highest level of secrecy.
Larry King guessed this should be the highest level of secrecy.
And the dates on the last two documents were not 1954, but 1950.
For this kind of technical data, the specific stamping requirements depended on the file’s classification level and distribution range; the seals and marks would include date, number, and authorizing institution.
This immediately let Larry King determine who had obtained this thing.
In America, besides that Randolph Lin, no other Chinese person could obtain such highly classified information.
The apartment he rented in New York was transformed by Larry King into a studio in just a short day.
The entire room was filled with the flavor of film and chemical agents.
Only he could find a microfilm camera and a semi-automatic page turner in such a short time without attracting attention.
Larry King, wearing a dark gray coat, with a haggard face and determined eyes, stood in front of a Kodak Recordak microfilm camera.
This latest equipment with planetary design was also equipped with the most advanced semi-automatic page turner of the time, capable of efficiently turning book pages.
Larry King placed the books on the shooting platform, with the camera fixed on a vertical bracket, lens facing down, and the documents fully spread flat on the shooting platform to ensure the pages were even without distortion.
During operation, he took a deep breath, opened the first volume, and the semi-automatic page turner made a soft “rustle”; each page was clearly presented under the lens. Larry King was fully focused, his fingers nimbly moving on the control panel, sometimes adjusting the focus, sometimes pressing the shutter.
He also periodically checked the film frames to ensure the images were correct, sweat beading on his forehead but without stopping. Finally, after completing the task, he carefully packed away the film.
Just this Top Secret alone meant Larry King had to complete the task no matter what.
Not to mention the content inside.
The Top Secret content within was the peak work of American radar technology, premised on the 1940s.
The complete design proposal for SCR-584, from antenna design drawing to automatic tracking system design, to the circuitry used, even including the core magnetron technology and servo drive algorithm.
To put it this way, this radar set from the 1940s, combining England’s magnetron technology and America’s engineering ability, designed to counter German air raids and V-1 missile threats, was like sending charcoal in the snow for China today.
It could fundamentally solve the pressure from the southeast.
Many of the technologies inside could not only be used in radar but also in other aspects.
This radar set was an automatic tracking radar, capable of precise positioning with 75 feet distance precision and 1 degree angular precision; its servo drive algorithm could be used on automatic artillery.
Although this was a 1940s radar, it was not exported to a certain island.
This showed its importance; marking it Top Secret was not surprising at all.
And what Lin Ran placed in the telephone booth was not the original, but his carefully prepared improved version.
The improved version prepared based on current technology points and China’s semiconductor technology would surpass the original SCR-584 in both precision and detection accuracy by more than a notch.
The improvements here were mainly based on later-era information.
Among them, the complete “MIT Radiation Laboratory Series,” such as Volume 1 on radar system engineering and Volume 20 on tracking systems, detailed the design ideas and improvement suggestions for SCR-584, including single pulse, MTI, and modular early experiments.
And in records later publicly released by Bell Labs, proposals for single pulse and fire control optimization on SCR-584 were discussed, which could be used for subsequent tracking improvements to SCR-584.
The 2020 test report on SCR-584 from the U.S. Army Signal Corps stored in the American National Archives covered suggestions for lightweighting and X-band modification.
The “MIT Radar Development History” published in the 1980s detailed the subsequent improvements to SCR-584.
Lin Ran, based on the above existing information, made an anti-interference capability improvement design for the original SCR-584 proposal, including frequency agility, moving target indication, and sidelobe suppression.
Additionally, he made enhancements to improve tracking precision and multi-target capability, including single-pulse tracking, improved range-finding circuitry, and multi-target switching.
This enhanced proposal, for contemporary China, would not be outdated even up to the 1980s.
That is, Larry King wasn’t discerning enough. If he were a bit more discerning, he would discover that this so-called SCR-584 technology proposal contained a lot of content that only appeared at the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s, not stuff from the 1940s at all.
However, just the SCR-584 and Top Secret were enough to make Larry King take it more seriously.
Ever since Larry King saw the first book, he had been in a state of high mental tension.
Larry King pushed open the door to the clinic and walked in with heavy steps. His suit was neat, but it couldn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes and his pale complexion.
“Doctor Kolb, am I beyond hope?” Larry King had a face full of worry, but inside he was cheering with joy.
Because he had successfully completed the task and placed this complete microfilm at the designated location.
This microfilm would cross the ocean to where it should be, giving a boost to China’s currently weak national defense industry.
Not to mention making rapid progress, at least it would thoroughly solve the current gap in radar.
Kolb looked up, glanced at him over his glasses, frowned slightly, and then gestured for him to sit.
Kolb’s tone was gentle, with concern as he asked: “Mister King, you’ve come. Please sit. How are you feeling today?”
Larry King sat down, forced a smile, but it faded instantly. He took a deep breath, trying to hide his fatigue, but the hoarseness in his voice betrayed his condition.
Larry King: “Doctor Kolb, thank you. I… I’m the same as always, not sleeping well, under a lot of pressure. To be honest, during this time in New York, I thought I could catch my breath, but it seems even worse.”
The deliberately crafted hoarse voice seemed especially fitting at this moment.
Kolb put down his pen, leaned forward, crossed his hands on the desk, and gazed intently at Larry King, as if trying to read more from his expression.
“I understand, Mister King. You mentioned work pressure and homesickness before, and now it seems these problems haven’t eased. Can you tell me specifically what happened recently? What made it feel worse?”
Larry King lowered his head, rubbed his temples, and pretended to be utterly exhausted. He deliberately slowed his speech rate, with a heavy tone:
“During my time in New York, I wanted to relax, but work matters kept haunting me. My mind is full of documents, reports, and unfinished tasks. I know I should let it go, but I just can’t.
Besides work itself, I visited IBM’s Technology Ark, which made me even more anxious.
I’m very worried it will cause our unemployment.
Since machines can beat humanity at chess, sooner or later machines will also be able to replace humanity in translation.
At least currently, Babylon does well in translation between Russian Language and English Language.
Maybe next year, maybe the year after, it will be able to translate Chinese Language into English Language.
This creates a worry in my heart, fearing that sooner or later I’ll be eliminated. The more I worry, the more I think about work.
Doctor, do you think I’m sick? Why can’t I relax completely during vacation like others?”
“Mister King, your situation is not uncommon. Many patients who come to me worry about the changes brought by artificial intelligence. The technological singularity proposed by the professor is indeed very appealing, but it also makes many people start to worry.
The more a person’s work might be replaced by artificial intelligence, the more they worry.
It’s hard for everyone to let go of the pressure in a short time. Your insomnia, anxiety, and inability to relax are manifestations of overthinking.
Have you tried the relaxation methods I suggested before? Like progressive muscle relaxation, or a fixed daily walk?”
Larry King gave a wry smile, shook his head, and pretended to be helpless: “I’ve tried, Doctor. I walk by the Hudson River every day and try those exercises, but they don’t help.
At night lying in bed, my mind is still a mess, tossing and turning unable to sleep. Sometimes, I feel like I can’t hold on much longer.
I might have to go back to California; I can’t delay work matters anymore.”
Kolb frowned, a flash of worry in his eyes. He put down his pen, leaned forward, and his tone became serious:
“Mister King, I understand your sense of responsibility for work, but your physical health and spirit need attention. If you go back now, the pressure might be even greater, which is not good for your health. I suggest you stay a bit longer—what do you think? The weekly talks have been helpful for you, right?”
“Doctor, I know you’re doing this for my own good, and I want to stay a few more days, but work matters are really urgent. I’ve already taken a month’s leave; if I don’t go back, it will probably affect the entire project’s progress.
It’s not that I don’t want treatment; I just need to handle work first, then find ways to adjust myself.” Larry King was silent for a moment, pretended to hesitate, then his tone became firm.
Kolb sighed, leaned back in his chair, crossed his hands over his chest, his gaze carrying helplessness and understanding.
“I understand, Mister King. Work is very important to you, but health is the foundation.
If you insist on going back, I suggest you find a psychiatrist in California to continue treatment. I can recommend a few colleagues; they are very professional.
Additionally, I’ll prescribe you some low-dose sedatives to improve sleep, but please take them on time and not overdose.”
Larry King nodded, pretended to be grateful, but a flash of relief passed in his eyes: “Thank you, Doctor Kolb.
I’ll follow your suggestion and find a doctor as soon as I get back. I’ll be careful with the sedatives.
It’s just that I’m worried the pressure will be even greater when I go back, and I don’t know if I can hold up.”
Kolb stood up, walked to his side, gently patted his shoulder, and encouraged: “Mister King, you’re very strong. I believe you can get through this difficult time.
Remember, mental health is as important as physical health; don’t ignore your feelings. If you can’t hold on, call me anytime, or come back to New York to find me.
You can come find me anytime if needed.”
Larry King stood up, shook Kolb’s hand, pretended to be moved to tears, and nodded with a smile.
In reality, Larry King thought to himself that at 100 US Dollars per hour for treatment, if it weren’t to complete the task, coming to see you would mean I really am sick.
At that time, America had not yet implemented medical insurance, and psychiatric treatment mainly relied on personal payment. Medical coverage almost never included mental health services.
Just like medical insurance wouldn’t cover massages.
Moreover, the 100 US Dollars was because Larry King was a federal employee; if Larry King were an ordinary person, this fee would have to increase by another 50%.
As a top-tier institution affiliated with New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center was just that expensive.
Larry King said sincerely: “Thank you, Doctor. Your words have put me much more at ease. I’ll remember your suggestion and make good adjustments when I get back. I hope I’ll be better the next time we meet.”
Kolb smiled and saw him to the door, watching him leave.
After getting the latest information from America, its value was immediately apparent.
The huge value of the MIT Radiation Laboratory series itself in electronic engineering was a gold mine, and this gold mine had to be excavated slowly, impossible to achieve overnight.
Whereas the value brought by SCR-584 was immediate.
Now we can start right away to replicate it; with SCR-584, it would be a huge boost for China’s national defense.
Even a qualitative leap.
So the old routine: have Southwest transfer all the national talents in radar.
The first to arrive was Bi Dexian, the pioneer in the radar field.
He graduated with a master’s degree from Stanford University’s electrical engineering department in 1941 and a PhD from California Institute of Technology’s physics department in 1944. He had just been transferred to Yudu to serve as vice dean of the Communications Soldier Engineering Academy when an order transferred him to the even more southwestern Area 51.
He was the first expert to arrive.
As a top-tier expert in the radar field, he had always been active in education, teaching and nurturing talent besides research.
So the Chinese side hoped he would serve as the head of the SCR-584 radar replication project.
Area 51: As soon as Bi Dexian arrived here, he felt vitality, thick vitality.
He knew Wu Xijiu; he was a few years older than Wu Xijiu. Wu Xijiu studied at Berkeley in ’49, while he graduated with a PhD from California Institute of Technology in ’44.
So before meeting Dean Qian, he first had a meal with Wu Xijiu in Area 51’s canteen.
He could clearly feel the passion on Wu Xijiu, an unprecedented passion, a passion where the whole person was burning.
Moreover, Bi Dexian could feel that this was passion spontaneously ignited by him.
Completely different from passive arrangement.
This feeling also made Bi Dexian curious about this place for the first time.
And Wu Xijiu’s words further heightened his curiosity: “Senior Brother, I believe you weren’t transferred here for no reason. Soon you should see things here that you’ve never seen before.
That will be a surprise you’ve never seen before!”
Bi Dexian didn’t know what he was talking about.
But the next day, he saw it.
In Area 51’s meeting room, the room had soft lighting, and the simple wooden long table was covered with technical blueprints and thick technical manuals.
“Dexian, sorry, it was an emergency. You have a more important task, so we had to transfer you over.” Dean Qian also knew Bi Dexian.
Bi Dexian was three years older than Dean Qian, but Dean Qian got his PhD from California Institute of Technology five full years earlier than Bi Dexian, and it was a double PhD in aerospace and mathematics.
Bi Dexian was definitely a genius of that era, but Dean Qian was undoubtedly an even more brilliant genius.
“Look at it first; we’ll talk after you’ve finished.” Dean Qian continued.
“Dean, this information is indeed very detailed.
I’m very familiar with SCR-584. Back when I was studying for my master’s in Stanford’s electrical engineering department, some classmates of mine went to research this thing.
It was an automatic tracking microwave radar developed by Americans during World War II, using the S-band, working frequency between 2.7 and 2.8 GHz, wavelength about 10 centimeters.
I wanted to join that project at the time too, but because I was Chinese, and radar research unlike the atomic bomb wasn’t short of people, I couldn’t go, but I heard about it from them.” Bi Dexian said after roughly flipping through it.
The information was photocopied, with sensitive identifications blacked out inside.
“Look at it more carefully.” Dean Qian didn’t reply.
“So complete; it wasn’t easy to get this technical data.
Its antenna design is indeed as ingenious as I imagined, achieving high-precision target tracking with a parabolic reflector and conical scanning technology.”
“The conical scanning here helped the radar leap from manual tracking to automatic tracking.
Our current radars are still at manual tracking; this automatic tracking system is much more advanced.”
“So that’s how it is. SCR-584’s conical scanning uses a rotating antenna off-axis beam to determine the target position.
The antenna rotates at a certain frequency; the received signal strength changes with the target position. By analyzing these changes, the system automatically adjusts the antenna direction to keep the target at the beam center. This greatly improves tracking precision and speed.” Bi Dexian murmured to himself while looking, which was also his habit.
He felt this could effectively improve reading efficiency.
Dean Qian knew he had this habit, so he didn’t disturb him.
“No, no, there was no frequency agility technology or moving target indication filtering back then.
This isn’t right; these technologies can improve the radar’s anti-interference capability and low-altitude target detection capability, sure, but where would there be such technologies in the 1940s.
Radars back then were all fixed frequency; how could it be frequency agility technology.
“I just saw this in IEEE not long ago.” Bi Dexian’s face was full of disbelief.
“Dean, this definitely isn’t the SCR-584, even though the name says SCR-584.” Bi Dexian said, looking straight at Dean Qian.
“Are you sure?” Dean Qian asked.
Bi Dexian nodded and said: “I’m sure. As I said earlier, I have classmates who participated in the research and development of the SCR-584. They know I’m interested in this. We Chinese people studying in America at the time wouldn’t miss any military industry information that could potentially enhance China’s strength.
So they would reveal some less important information to me.
For this SCR-584 thing, they kept complaining that the magnetron technology England gave them was not tunable, which also caused the SCR-584 to be unable to avoid the opponent’s electronic interference.
Frequency agility allows the radar to quickly switch working frequency within a certain range to evade enemy electronic interference.
The magnetron is tunable, achieving limited frequency adjustment, which is very advanced. Not to mention America’s 1940s technology couldn’t do this—even the master of 1940s magnetron technology, England, couldn’t do it at the time either!” Bi Dexian said firmly.
Dean Qian then asked: “Compared to our current technology, what aspects of it can we learn from.”
Bi Dexian shook his head and said: “Learn from? I suggest we stop all our current radar projects and invest all resources into replicating this project.
Like here, the SCR-584’s antenna design—its parabolic reflector has a diameter of about 6 feet, beam width of only 4 degrees, and angular precision of 1 degree, far surpassing our current level. The 411 radar we developed has angular precision of only about 5 degrees.
They lead us by a huge margin in high-precision tracking.
Of course, that doesn’t mean blindly worshiping American technology. Just imitating this, I’d call it the current improved version of the SCR-584. Whether for training our radar industry’s talent team or the help the replicated SCR-584 provides to military strength, it’s far better than us imitating Russian goods.
Although the SCR-584 is advanced, it’s mainly designed for anti-aircraft fire control. We need to modify and innovate based on our own needs.
But there are too many things in this set that are too advanced.
For example, the MTI filtering technology mentioned here, which can effectively distinguish moving targets from fixed clutter, would be very helpful for our low-altitude radar improvements.
But it’s hard for us to manufacture the corresponding equipment.
Including applying the SCR-584’s automatic tracking system to fire control radar, which can greatly improve the hit rate of anti-aircraft guns.
Modification is also very difficult for us.
The hardest part is probably that the SCR-584’s design is based on America’s industrial foundation and materials technology. We might encounter difficulties in implementing it.
Manufacturing high-precision servo motors is very difficult for us.”
After reading it, Bi Dexian finally understood what surprise Wu Xijiu was talking about.
This set of information, in his judgment, should be the latest, from American sources.
Moreover, it’s an improved version based on existing technology, invaluable to China.
“There are too many technical details inside. Although the other side has written it clearly enough, it’s still hard for us to replicate.” Bi Dexian said.
Dean Qian replied: “That’s why we called you, Dexian, to take charge of this. Do you have confidence?”
After thinking for a moment, Bi Dexian stared into Dean Qian’s eyes: “I think there’s someone more suitable to lead the SCR-584 project.”
“Who?”
“Shu Xingbei!”
10,000 words offered up, woo woo woo, begging for a monthly ticket!
