Mingzhao pointed precisely to a coordinate on the map. "There, radar arrays and decoys simulating the enemy's most advanced air defense system are deployed. The distance is far enough and the environment is complex enough to simulate real combat to the greatest extent."
The plan was quickly finalized.
Unlike the maiden flight and high-altitude tests, this operation was highly classified and codenamed "Shadow Raid".
A specially modified transport plane took off ahead of schedule and airdropped several simulated target vehicles equipped with signal reflectors and several mobile air defense radar simulators that were in operation at the "Wolf's Lair" test range.
The shadowy figure slid back onto the track.
This time, it carried an inconspicuous streamlined pod under its belly, containing a satellite data link receiving terminal and dedicated reconnaissance and targeting equipment.
Old Zhao sat in the cockpit, took a deep breath, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's.
On the tactical screen in front of him, there was no longer a traditional radar scanning interface, but a battlefield situation map that had been specially encrypted and transmitted in real time by the "Galaxy" satellite network, clearly marking the target range location, simulated radar radiation sources, and even the expected trajectory of moving targets.
Inside the control tower, the atmosphere was even more somber than during the high-altitude tests.
Zhang Meng, Ming Zhao, Su Xuan, and Wang Tiezhu gathered together, while Jiang Feng was in charge of electronic silence and counter-reconnaissance shielding for the entire base.
The monitoring screen in front of Mingzhao was divided into several areas: fighter jet status, satellite link signal strength, the power-on status of the range simulation radar, and most importantly, real-time battlefield footage transmitted from the Shadow pod via satellite relay.
"Tower, Shadow requests takeoff." Old Zhao's voice rang out in the encrypted channel.
"Takeoff approved! Shadow, proceed with the planned route and execute a silent penetration! Good luck!" Zhang Meng ordered in a deep voice.
The engine's low growl was further suppressed by a special device, and the shadowy figure, like a true ghost, silently blended into the twilight sky.
On the ground radar screen, its signal was so weak that it almost blended into the background clutter.
Throughout the flight, the Shadow maintained strict radar silence.
Old Zhao's eyes were firmly fixed on the tactical screen.
The green dot representing the shadow's own location, on the vast electronic map drawn by the satellite, is rapidly and stealthily approaching the "Wolf's Lair" range along a carefully calculated route that avoids all known fixed radar stations.
The red radiation circle representing the simulated radar at the test range is clearly visible on the screen.
"The 'Galaxy' link is stable, and the data refresh rate is normal."
Su Xuan reported, his voice tinged with nervousness.
"Simulated radar power-on status confirmed, all functions are online!"
The officer in charge of monitoring the firing range reports.
Wang Tiezhu stared intently at the green dot on the screen representing the shadowy figure, which was slowly cutting into the edge of the red radiation zone representing the air defense perimeter of the firing range. His heart was in his throat.
Without radar warnings or electronic jamming countermeasures, can an attack really be launched invisibly in this dead zone using only satellite-transmitted data?
"Enter the edge of the simulated radar detection envelope!" The monitoring officer's voice suddenly rose.
Everyone in the control tower held their breath.
On the screen, the radiation circle representing the simulated radar of the target range resembles an invisible giant net, while the shadowy green dots pierce through like needles!
However, the expected piercing alarm signaling a radar lock did not sound in the control tower, nor did the range command post report any sighting of an unidentified aerial target! On the screens of the several simulated radars, there was only a green background of noise, symbolizing "safety"!
The shadowy figure moved with ease, like an invisible assassin, right under the enemy's nose.
The satellite precisely guided its course, avoiding the scanning direction of the radar's main lobe. Based on the situation information on the screen, Lao Zhao calmly fine-tuned the flight attitude and altitude, ensuring that he remained in the "shadow zone" or "side lobe clutter zone" of the enemy's radar detection.
"Arrived at the attack starting point!" Old Zhao's voice rang out, as calm and steady as ever.
On the screen, the green dot has penetrated deep into the center of the red radiation circle and is hovering at its predetermined position thousands of meters above the simulated target group! Below, the signal point representing the moving target vehicle is slowly moving across the Gobi Desert.
"Shadow, execute the simulated attack program! Targets: mobile vehicle T1, fixed radar station R2!" Mingzhao issued the order.
"Received! Target T1 locked... Lock complete! Simulate weapon deployment!" Old Zhao's voice was completely calm.
On the control tower screen, the image representing the Shadow Pod's perspective instantly zoomed in and focused!
A clear crosshair steadily locked onto a camouflaged truck traveling across the Gobi Desert below.
Immediately afterwards, the scene simulated a virtual weapon release. There were no real missiles or bombs, but the laser rangefinder and calibration device built into the pod was activated instantly. An invisible coded laser beam accurately shone on the target vehicle, and at the same time, a "hit" confirmation signal was sent to the control tower via satellite data link!
"Target T1 hit!" Su Xuan shouted excitedly.
Almost simultaneously, Lao Zhao's hands moved rapidly across the joystick. "Switch target...lock R2...simulate attack!"
The pod's view instantly switched to a distant fixed antenna position emitting simulated radar waves. The same targeting, lock-on, and simulated attack commands were issued!
"Target R2 hit!" The monitoring officer's voice was filled with unbelievable excitement.
The shadowy figure, having completed the simulated attack, did not linger for a moment.
Under Lao Zhao's operation, it moved like a bat blending into the night, using the retreat route provided by the satellite to silently slip out of the air defense zone of the target range from another direction where radar detection was weak.
Throughout the entire process, the screens of all the ground-based simulated radars remained completely clear, with no visible points of light representing any threat!
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