Chapter 394 Talent Development Plan
"We can use the echo sounder to detect routes, General," said Versenden. "It can make our routes more accurate and safer. It can detect reefs, shoals, and other obstacles such as sunken ships. It can be used to explore new routes."
Charles looked at Fussenden in disbelief: "That's all?"
After hearing this, Versenden's enthusiasm was instantly extinguished.
Yes, all of these can be done manually, and the existing routes are sufficient. The nautical charts used by the military have been repeatedly surveyed, so why bother?
Thinking of this, Fussenden backed out. With frustration in his eyes, he said weakly, "Sorry, General, this is just my personal opinion. I'm sorry to waste your precious time..."
"No, no." Ciel explained, "I mean, do you think the 'echo sounder' is only used to detect the route? Of course, it does have this function, and we really need it to further supplement the safety of the route."
Versenden's eyes lit up. Does this mean that Charles is interested in this?
However, Versenden asked doubtfully: "But besides this, what else can it do?"
Versenden is a scientist who knows nothing about military equipment, and this is all he can think of.
Charles was speechless for a moment. It was because you didn't expect it that sonar had already been made, but the final inventor was someone else.
"Detect submarines, sir." Charles reminded: "If your 'echo sounder' can detect icebergs and reefs, can it also detect submarines?"
Fussenden's eyes suddenly widened, and he was stunned for a long time before he nodded excitedly:
"Yes, General, it...it can, I'm sure of it."
"All we have to do is change the wavelength, I mean, some wavelengths are more easily reflected by metal, and increase the sensitivity of the receiver, so that we can detect the submarine even though it is moving."
"God, we can also determine the distance of the submarine based on the length of time it takes to receive the signal, and then calculate its position based on the direction of the sound waves."
Ciel nodded slightly.
Sonar was invented in 1906, but it is not really a "sonar"; it should be called a "hydrophone."
Because it is purely based on listening to the sound of the enemy submarine's engine and propeller in the water, it is controlled by sailors with sensitive hearing after certain training.
Active sonar appeared in 1915. Its inventor was Professor Lang Zhiwan, a physicist who had an affair with Madame Curie.
However, before this, Versenden had invented active sonar, but it was not used on submarines and was called "echo sounder".
Versenden was surprised and delighted. He looked at Charles expectantly: "So, General, you will hire me?"
"Of course." Charles nodded affirmatively.
Although France does not have much demand for anti-submarine warfare, such talents and technology must not fall into the hands of the British.
Moreover, Fussenden was also a radio expert. His inventions covered many fields. He was also proficient in physics, chemistry, mathematics, architecture, and astronomy.
It’s hard to imagine that such inventive genius can be put within reach for just a small amount of money.
At this time, Fussenden hesitated: "I, I have an unwelcome request, General, while working for you, can I retain the industrial property rights of my invention?"
"Of course." Charles nodded confidently: "I do the same to the workers, and you will certainly not be an exception."
This is a great bait to attract talent.
Then Charles added, "However, due to the war, I hope I have the right of first refusal to purchase your industrial property rights. If you don't want to sell, you can also cooperate with me, but there will be a confidentiality period of at least three to five years."
Fossenden expressed his understanding of this, saying that no one would be willing to leak advanced military equipment to the enemy. This was not a question of industrial property rights, but treason, espionage and endangering national security.
Besides, it doesn't matter who you sell it to. If the price is right, why not sell it to Charles?
"I agree." Versenden nodded decisively.
He didn't dare to talk about salary. A high salary was a complete luxury for him now. He just hoped to meet basic living needs.
Charles seemed to see through Fussenden's thoughts and said calmly, "Monthly salary of 5,000 francs, food and accommodation provided."
At first, Fussenden didn't react much. As an American, he habitually converted this number into US dollars according to the current exchange rate.
5,000 francs was about 330 US dollars that year... God, an annual salary of 4,000 US dollars, which was far more than his highest salary in the past.
"Do you have anything to add?" asked Charles.
Charles could have asked for a higher salary. Expenditure of several thousand francs a month was just a drop in the bucket for him at that time, and what was more, these expenses would be recovered many times over in the future.
But Charles knew that if he wanted to retain talent, he couldn't pay too low a salary or too high a salary.
If they are paid too much, they will feel that the income they earn is enough after a few years and often choose to resign and concentrate on their own research.
"No, no, nothing to add." Versenden hurried forward and shook hands with Charles: "I agree, General."
"Three-year contract?" Charles asked, "Or five?"
"I'd like five years, General," said Versenden.
Such a good job with such favorable conditions, of course the longer the term, the better.
Charles stood up and walked out the door, instructing his staff to draft a contract, then sat back in his chair to discuss the details with Versenden: "I will set up a laboratory for you, sir. You can list the equipment you need, the requirements for the laboratory, and the equipment and so on."
Versenden looked at Charles in disbelief. "You mean, a laboratory that belongs to me personally? I can make any request?"
Having his own laboratory was always a distant dream for Versenden, but he never expected that it was right before his eyes.
"Yes!" Charles nodded: "You can also choose the assistants you need. If they are willing, I will hire them as well."
Versenden half opened his mouth. This was clearly to fund his research and allow him to retain industrial property rights. Did he hear it wrong?
"I don't understand, General," said Versenden. "You're doing all this just for the 'echo sonar'?"
Charles could simply buy the property rights, which would be much cheaper than setting up a laboratory.
"No." Charles shook his head. "There are radios, sir, and many more."
For example, the formula of torpedo explosives. With this laboratory, Charles had a perfect excuse.
There are also radios that need to be miniaturized so that they can be installed on cars and fighter planes, and then the troops' fighter jets will be comprehensively upgraded, especially fighter planes.
In addition, the aerodynamic layout of the fighter also needs to be solved by fluid mechanics.
If necessary, we can also develop vacuum tubes into transistors...
This is actually Ciel's talent development plan.
(End of this chapter)
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