Chapter 258 Rocket Propellant Formula
Finally, after General Winter's careful persuasion, Charles reluctantly agreed to authorize production at a unit price of 50,000 francs.
This price seemed reasonable to General Winter. After all, it was 20,000 francs cheaper than Russia. Especially since Charles had originally not intended to sell it, but now he not only agreed but also gave a discount. This showed that he had played his role and could report to the British government.
However, Charles added a condition, which he mentioned casually during the negotiation:
"Our need for rockets has increased dramatically since we destroyed enemy reconnaissance balloons with our Congreve rockets."
"But there have been problems with the production of rockets, and we even had some accidents during the process."
This is true. Due to procedural problems, an explosion occurred at a rocket arsenal, killing and injuring more than a hundred people.
Charles looked at General Winter calmly, "I heard that Britain has a safer formula for rocket propellant. Can you provide the formula and production method?"
Charles looked very relaxed, as if it didn't matter whether he gave it or not, and it wasn't a big deal.
General Winter agreed without hesitation: "No problem, in fact, I have also noticed this, and I believe the British government is willing to share this technology with your country."
In General Winter's opinion, this is a failed technology and it is even about to be abandoned by the military.
Since the birth of the Congreve rocket, European countries have been trying to find ways to improve the accuracy of this "artillery", but the results have disappointed everyone, and the accuracy of the rocket has never been improved.
If there was any progress, it was that Britain and Germany found new ways to make propellant.
(Note: There are two methods for making rocket propellant. The traditional method requires repeatedly rolling the semi-solid and semi-liquid propellant at high temperature to make it mix evenly. This method is very easy to catch fire and explode. The production process is very dangerous and cannot be mass-produced.)
But what they want is precision, precision, precision!
What’s the point of rockets being produced safely and in large quantities if their accuracy cannot be improved?
Rockets that fail to hit the target are waste, no matter how many there are!
Anyway, this is how all European countries understood it. Because of this, even though Europe had the most advanced rocket technology, it never took it seriously, and it was the Russians who ultimately developed it.
Hearing General Winter's answer, Charles secretly thought that he had come up with an idea.
With the formula and production method of rocket propellant, "Katyusha" and "bazooka" seem to be on the agenda!
Charles does not intend to compete with Schneider in traditional artillery. This will not only lead to a head-on confrontation with Schneider, but there will also be gaps in technology, talent, equipment, etc., making it very difficult to catch up.
But the rocket launcher piece of cake should belong to Charles. In addition, the development direction of anti-aircraft guns and tank guns is to make improvements on artillery shells. Charles can use foresight to seize the opportunity and will certainly not be snatched away by Schneider.
Charles felt as if he was launching a siege against Schneider, using his knowledge to block all possible ways out for Schneider in the future, and finally trapping Schneider in his own little corner, making him unable to move.
For a company, the most terrifying thing may not be bankruptcy, but rather accumulating a large amount of capital and connections, but finding that it has no way out, no innovation, and no way to develop.
Eventually, he will be kicked out of the military industry because of the limitations and substitutability of his equipment, and there is nothing he can do about it even if he has money and power.
…
After the negotiation was over, Charles finally got a long-awaited day and a half of vacation.
Gallieni told Charles: "I hope you understand that the holidays will not be normal in the future. It's just because the war situation is stable and there is nothing for you to deal with."
He was worried that Charles would ask about the vacation again.
"Yes, General!" replied Charles.
What else can he say?
If regular vacations were requested, Gallieni might not give any.
His reasons would be very good:
"Do soldiers on the front line get so much leave?"
"You do have a big contribution, but the soldiers on the front line are giving their lives, that's all they have."
"A few extra hours of work could potentially save hundreds, thousands or more lives."
"This is the duty and obligation of every adult!"
With one hat after another being put on him, Charles would feel that "taking vacation" was "murder and robbery."
…
The snow stopped that afternoon, but the sky was still gloomy.
Such weather in winter can actually make people feel comfortable, because the sun is not glaring everywhere like mirrors all over the ground.
On the way back, Charles was surprised to find that the road leading to the town of Oise had been repaired with stones and the snow had been cleared to the roadside.
Colonel Laurent seemed to see Charles's confusion. He explained while driving the car: "This is because you haven't had a holiday recently, Colonel."
"What?" Charles was confused. What did this have to do with him not having a holiday?
Colonel Laurent replied: "It's your admirers. They know that you don't have a holiday recently. They guess it's because of the road conditions, so they spontaneously organized to clear the snow and repair the road, and they clean it every morning."
Charles was speechless for a moment. These people were quite good at making blind guesses.
But it seems like a good thing, and it's more meaningful than receiving a bunch of flowers.
…
Because she didn't notify her family in advance, Camille almost screamed and ran out when the car stopped at the door. She hugged Charles warmly and smiled happily.
But soon she complained again: "We wanted to visit you several times, but we were not allowed. You talk to the general. There is always time to sleep and rest. We can arrange to visit you at that time!"
"Mom!" Charles shook his head and replied, "It's not a matter of time, it's for keeping it secret!"
Ever since Charles handed over the list given by Lucia, the headquarters' level of confidentiality has increased.
Gallieni transferred all officers who were "suspected" to be spies from the command center, and the people who replaced them, including the chef in the officers' mess, had all been strictly screened.
Although Camille and Djoka are Charles' parents, they are still commoners, and it is almost impossible for them to enter.
Just as he was about to enter, Charles was surprised to find that Deyoka and Colonel Estiny were there.
It was afternoon now, and Deyoka should be busy in the factory, while Colonel Estiny should be at the tank base training tanks and expanding the tank force.
The military ordered 500 "Charter A1s". The cost of 15 million francs included the training of qualified tank soldiers, and Estiny was busy with this during this period.
"Nice to meet you, Colonel!" Colonel Estiny's frown relaxed when he saw Charles. "We have some matters that require your decision."
Charles looked at Estiny, then turned his gaze to Djoka.
Djokovic nodded: "We may be in trouble. We were just discussing this issue!"
(End of this chapter)
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