Chapter 1426 Secret Transaction (Second update, please subscribe)

The darkest hour is darker than anyone can imagine, so dark that people cannot see any hope. However, in the darkness, there is sometimes a glimmer of light.

In Yankee, New York, United Technologies Corporation, an enterprise invested and founded by Otis Elevator Company 20 years ago, specializes in the production of internal combustion engines. Its products range from small engines for motorcycles with a few horsepower to large engines for ships with hundreds of horsepower, and can be said to have a wide range of applications.

Like other American internal combustion engine companies, United Technologies Corporation started out by introducing Ming Dynasty's gasoline engine technology. In fact, they also took the path of copycat products, but the copycat products could not catch up with the original ones, so they had to introduce Ming Dynasty's technology.

However, through years of introduction, digestion and absorption, many engines launched by United Technologies Corporation in the past few years have been very popular in the market, and their quality is even not inferior to similar products of Ming Dynasty. This has even contributed to its ambition to enter the automobile manufacturing industry - the car produced by United Automotive Corporation has just rolled off the assembly line.

Just when United Technologies Corporation was moving ambitiously towards the automotive industry, the arrival of a guest changed everything.

"Willis, my friend, this is the best opportunity!"

In his office, Theodore Roosevelt, the police commissioner, no, the former New York police commissioner who had just been appointed Deputy Secretary of the Navy a week ago, said.

"This engine is not only the most advanced engine in the world, but it is also used in new aircraft - airplanes! If your company can successfully copy it, not only will you receive a huge government order, but you will also gain the most advanced technology, leaving all your competitors far behind."

Theodore Roosevelt sought out Willis Odes not only because they were old friends, but also because of his factory, which had the best machines.

Of course, they are friends. Even in the United States, relationships are not immune to the same customs. After all, we are all ordinary people. Moreover, the politics of sharing spoils and collusion between officials and businessmen are the traditions of the United States.

"I know, but we all know that the military needs cars more than airplanes. I heard that Washington will purchase 200,000 cars this year. My God, that's 200,000 cars! Even more than the entire United States produces!"

Willis Odes said, pointing out the window at the factory.

"My factory can produce 20,000 cars a year. If we add night shifts, we can produce 40,000 cars a year, or even more. But what about airplanes? Not only is the output uncertain, but the technology is also very complicated. Look at this..."

Willis picked up the cylinder that the other party brought, and the moment he got it, he was so surprised that he couldn't close his mouth.

"This is an aluminum cylinder, and inside it is a very thin steel liner. It is both light as aluminum and strong as steel. It is just a cylinder, but the design is so exquisite. What about the whole engine? The structure of this engine is very complicated, which means we need a long time to study it and imitate it. With so much time, we can completely produce cars, which will undoubtedly bring more considerable profits to the company!"

"But what about the future?"

Theodore Roosevelt put it bluntly.

"The future belongs to the sky, my friend. You see tens of thousands of cars, but in the future the military will purchase tens of thousands of airplanes. The most complicated part of an airplane is the engine, and the rest is just wood and canvas. It won't even affect your car factory. Of course, you only need your engine factory to produce engines, and the rest only needs carpenters and sewing workers..."

The reason why Roosevelt came here was to lobby him to imitate the Ming Dynasty's aircraft engines and even the Ming Dynasty's aircraft. War mobilization was not just about an order, there were many other things to do.

"Our army needs airplanes, Willis. This war, if we want to win, we must have airplanes."

Faced with his friend's lobbying, Willis thought about it in his heart and then said.

"Well, the plane is indeed important, but you know I'm a businessman. My question is, how much funding will the military give me to copy it, or how many orders will the military give me?"

For businessmen, patriotism may be an issue, but they care more about profits. Willis will definitely produce military products, which is not necessarily out of patriotism, but because of profits, because of the profits from arms.

During war, who would refuse the huge profits from producing arms?

"Orders for no less than 1,000 aircraft!"

Roosevelt said bluntly.

"This is just the first order. There will be more in the future. Who knows? Maybe 2,000 or even tens of thousands. Only God knows how much material this war will require. But one thing is for sure... we will fight until the moment of victory!"

"Of course, we will never surrender, and we will not let those yellow people occupy us. Don't worry, I will mobilize the company's best technicians to study this engine. As long as your prototype is shipped over, we will definitely copy it in the shortest time. God bless, aluminum is very cheap now."

As Willis spoke, he glanced at the photo of himself and his son on the table, then spoke.

"Theodore, you know, I only have one son. Now that the war has broken out, every American man should join the army and serve his country, don't you think?"

Theodore said in response to Willis' question.

"Of course, it is the duty of every American, and so is little Elisha, and I believe he would be very happy to serve his country. Well, I think he should join the Navy."

Roosevelt certainly knew what his friend was asking for, just a guarantee of security.

Fighting wars has never been the business of the rich. The rich have their own way of fighting wars, and Roosevelt certainly understood this. After all, this is the way the world works. Of course, if they are willing to go to the front line and become heroes, it is not a bad idea, but most people are just ordinary people.

"These planes are exactly what the Navy needs. The Navy will definitely send a liaison officer to the factory. Willis, I, little Elisha, will definitely be able to take on this position. What do you think?"

"Haha, of course, no one knows this factory better than him, Theodore. With him, I believe we will deliver the first aircraft before the end of the year!"

After getting this reply, Willis seemed very excited. To him, nothing was more important than his son's life. Of course, business was also important. Being able to make a deal while ensuring the safety of his child was naturally the best thing.

"That's great, Willis. The American sky is eager for your aircraft. I have a list of the best aviation experts in the United States. You can hire them to your company..."

As he spoke, Roosevelt took out a piece of paper and handed it over. After taking the note, Willis took a look at it and a smile appeared on his face. He smiled.

"Haha, thank you for your help, my friend."

Transactions are everywhere, but they are often unknown to outsiders...

The old group is down, so I created a new book club group: 739209015. Everyone is welcome to join and discuss and deduce the plot together.

(End of this chapter)