Chapter 194 Iron Hook Tank

Charles hadn't been to the tractor factory for some time. He found that as the business grew, the trivial matters also increased unknowingly.

For example, the "date" with Steed, and the tactical guidance at the tank base and the flying club.

Colonel Brownie and Carter would often call Charles during his vacation to ask questions. They even hoped that Charles could come and give them guidance in person. But Charles could never answer, "Wait until I go to work tomorrow!"

After all, this is not only a training issue, but also concerns Charles' business: if the tank and aircraft units cannot win, then the tanks and aircraft produced by Charles may not receive orders from the military, and without orders, it naturally cannot make money.

Therefore, this can only be said to be a kind of "after-sales service" to obtain more orders.

Charles thought that he should tell Gallieni someday: if official business took up Charles's private vacation, then Charles' private affairs could naturally take up his military service time.

But Charles thought this would not work, and Gallieni would most likely reply: "You can refuse to handle official business during your private vacation!"

"You said so. I can refuse to fight during the holidays in the future?"

"It's up to you, as long as you can withstand the pressure from the public!"

Charles sighed deeply. Gallieni knew Charles' weakness, and Charles did not dare to destroy his public image easily.

If Charles left his post for vacation in the middle of a battle, his image among the military and civilians would collapse instantly.

Then, what will Charles use to fight against the capitalists?

This may be what people often say, "It's lonely at the top." Once you are praised to a certain height, it is no longer possible to live like an ordinary person, unless you fall down hard one day.

The last vacation was the most tiring one, as Charles spent the entire day welcoming technicians from the Martin Auto Plant.

Conversation, socializing, arranging accommodation, etc.

Charles attaches great importance to this group of talents, and at least wants them to feel that Charles values ​​them.

During the period, Charles vaguely revealed some of the future development of automobiles, such as electric start, closed cabin, three-box cars, electric wipers... Charles only needed to mention a few features of modern cars.

(Note: The windshield wiper was invented by a woman named Mary Anderson in 1903, but for a long time it was manual, requiring the driver to turn the wiper while driving. It was not until 1923 that it was changed to electric and installed on cars.)

The technicians were all dumbfounded. They had heard that Charles was a hero who was good at developing military equipment, but they didn't expect that he was also good at researching cars?

And the few points mentioned casually seem to be a good development direction for automobiles!

"How about we build a car at the same time?"

"That's a good idea!" Charles agreed straightforwardly: "As long as you can build them, we'll take all the planes, tanks, and cars! We'll accept all! Just tell me what you need, factories, equipment, supplies... Eric, arrange a special buyer!"

After that, Charles promised them that they could bring their families here to live at any time as long as they wanted.

In fact, Charles is not very interested in civilian cars.

Military equipment has high profits and quick cash conversion, and there are already a lot of things waiting for me to invent. Joining the automotive industry will offend more capitalists, such as Renault.

But if the technical personnel have this enthusiasm, let them research. At worst, they can just do racing and sell invention patents like before.

That night, Eric happily called Charles:

"Char, do you know what the technician said about you?"

"They all agree that you are a very visionary and forward-looking boss! They think that following you will have a bright future and money to earn. Some even think that they may make a mark in the history of invention."

"Some of them are planning to settle in Paris for a long time!"

"The only thing they are worried about is the stalemate on the battlefield. It would be perfect if you could end the war as soon as possible one day!"

Charles smiled helplessly. End the war as soon as possible? This was not something he could do.

…

The holiday finally came, and without any other trivial matters, Charles could finally go to the tractor factory with peace of mind.

When he arrived at the R&D department, Charles was shocked by what he saw: there was a small tank next to the "Mark I" tank. Its skeleton and outline were basically completed, and it looked a bit like a "Renault" tank.

This is not surprising at all, as it uses the same suspension and rotating turret, and the layout is almost the same.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Matthew came up to Charles with a confident smile on his face. "We drove it for a while and it's much more stable than the Mark I!"

"It's ready to open?" Charles was surprised at the progress.

"Yes!" Matthew nodded, "but we're not sure how thick the armor should be."

Colonel Estiny, who was discussing something with a worker on the other side looking at a blueprint, saw Charles. He immediately stopped what he was doing, flipped through a pile of documents next to him, pulled out a blueprint and walked quickly towards Charles.

"Nice to meet you, Major!" Estiny said as he walked up and showed the drawings to Charles.

"This is an imaginary picture of it after it is completed." Estiny explained while comparing it to the actual body: "We plan to install 22mm thick armor on its front..."

"No, 25MM!" Charles interrupted Estiny.

Estiny was a little confused: "The German K bullet can only penetrate 13MM steel plate. I think 22MM is enough."

"25MM!" Charles didn't explain further.

In fact, Charles didn't know how to explain it. The German T-shaped anti-tank gun could penetrate a 25MM vertical steel plate at a distance of 200 meters. If the front armor was only 22MM thick, it would be very dangerous in actual combat.

There is no need to worry about this for 25MM. After all, the frontal armor is mostly inclined, and the equivalent thickness will be greater than 25MM.

"Okay!" Estiny was a little helpless: "Then... the front of the car may be too heavy!"

Without thinking, Ciel pointed at the sketch and said, "We can add a tail hook to the tail!"

"Tail hook?" Estiny was confused: "But what use is it?"

Xia Er replied calmly: "Compared to the Mark I, this light tank has a very obvious disadvantage. You should have discovered it!"

Astiny looked at Ciel in shock.

Matthew also had disbelief in his eyes: "You only took a look at the sketch and you know its shortcomings?"

He deliberately did not tell the answer, as he thought Charles might be lying.

But Estiny shook his head and said, "No, Matthew. The major does know that the tail hook is added to solve the problem of insufficient trench crossing ability!"

Matthew suddenly understood. He opened his mouth for a while, then shook his head and smiled, convinced.

(End of this chapter)