Chapter 575 Closed Cockpit
Taking advantage of the holiday, Charles went to the aircraft manufacturing factory.
He didn't go to see Uncle Eric. Charles heard that this alcoholic had become a henpecked husband since he quit drinking. He went home after work every day to accompany his wife and raise the children. He was so busy that Charles decided not to join in the fun.
He made a special trip to the aircraft manufacturer's R&D department, where aero-engine talents recruited from the UK gathered.
The R&D department is like a factory, but more like a warehouse, filled with equipment, machinery and workers. The workers are busy working, using various tools to tinker with machines that Charles cannot understand.
They were so busy dismantling, cutting and welding that Charles didn't even notice them when he approached them.
(Note: The first welding in the true sense appeared in 1881, which was carbon arc welding. Electroslag welding appeared in 1915, but most of them used manual arc welding invented in Sweden in 1910)
Later, Charles realized that he had misunderstood. Those "workers" were not actually workers, but technicians from the R&D department.
Charles stood in the middle and asked, "Sir, where is the R&D department?"
The "worker" who was working hard to tighten the screws with a wrench beside him answered without even looking up: "It's here."
Charles was stunned and looked around. He imagined that the R&D department should be full of drawings, desks, data flying everywhere, and charming and enchanting secretaries shuttling around serving tea and water. He didn't expect it to be like this.
"So." Ciel hesitated: "What about Dorn?"
The "worker" raised his chin towards the engine in front and shouted, "Boss, someone's looking for you!"
The engine was on the operating table, and there was a person tinkering with it below. After hearing the shouting, he waited for a while before lying on the skateboard and coming out.
He was covered in grease. He sat up, wiped his hands with a cloth, and asked casually, "Who is it?"
When I looked back at Charles in military uniform, I was stunned.
Then he suddenly laughed: "Assholes, it's the 'Corsican kid', you didn't even notice it!"
The other "workers" finally reacted, stopped what they were doing and looked at Charles. Then there was a cheer and the sound of wrenches falling to the ground.
When they gathered around, many of them already had notebooks and pens in their hands:
"I'm a fan of yours, General."
"Give me an autograph!"
“Sign one for me, too.”
…
Charles met their requests one by one, and those who didn't bring a notebook asked Charles to sign on their clothes.
"Everything is going well, boss." Dorn nodded in the direction of the engine. "It has exceeded 200 horsepower. We think there is still room for improvement."
(Note: aircraft engines are different from tank engines. The former need to strictly control the size and weight, while the latter are much more relaxed in these aspects. Therefore, it is possible that the tank engine reaches 250 horsepower while the aircraft engine is still 200 horsepower.)
"Very good." Charles praised.
In 1918, the Germans installed the most advanced aircraft engine on airships to bomb Britain, but the engine had only 200 horsepower.
In other words, the aero engines of Shire's R&D department are at least two years ahead of Germany.
"Boss." Dawn took a sip of water and said half-jokingly, "Are you coming to see us during this rare holiday because you're worried that you can't keep us?"
The researchers burst into laughter and said in unison:
"Don't worry, boss. We read the newspaper every day and know every victory you have won."
"We deserve credit for those wins, and that's one of our motivations."
"Yes, until now we still firmly hold the air superiority, we are really amazing!"
…
Talented people often have extroverted personalities. They don’t quite understand the social norm of being humble and reserved, and they say whatever they think.
Charles acknowledged their contribution very frankly: "That's right, gentlemen. Air superiority is one of the reasons why I can win. It is indispensable. Your efforts can almost determine the victory of a battle!"
Charles was telling the truth.
The rate of fighter jets appearing abroad has not been high recently, but that is because the German fighter planes were unable to match the French "Camel" and adopted a "hide one's capabilities and bide one's time" strategy.
The French army thus obtained more comprehensive and timely intelligence, and was able to attack the German army's logistical supply lines at will.
The researchers' faces were filled with pride, and they seemed to enjoy the appreciation from Ciel.
"But I'm not worried about not being able to keep you." Charles imitated them and boasted a few words: "Because I am the wisest boss, I can give you the most suitable environment and the best development space. Only a fool would leave here, don't you think?"
The researchers burst into laughter; this "boss" seemed to be very sociable.
Ciel stopped smiling a little: "I came here because I have an idea, and I want to hear your opinions."
"What is it?" Dawn moved a work chair and sat in front of Charles, and asked with interest: "Is it about the engine?"
"No." Charles shook his head. "We all know that in order for an airplane to fly faster, besides increasing the engine horsepower, another way is to reduce the drag coefficient."
Everyone nodded in agreement, with some surprise in their eyes. The "Corsican boy" was good and knew the drag coefficient.
Dorn interjected, "That's why we put cowlings on the Camel's machine guns, General."
This is where the nickname "Camel" comes from, as the two machine guns on the nose use fairings to make them look like a camel's humps.
"I know." Ciel nodded. "So I was thinking, since we can put fairings on the machine guns, why not do the same for the cabin?"
"cabin?"
"Put on the fairing?"
The researchers were all stunned.
Soon they exclaimed:
"Yes, it's a genius idea. An open cockpit will increase a lot of wind resistance, especially when climbing and diving."
"Adding a fairing will undoubtedly solve this problem. In addition, it will greatly improve the comfort of pilots. At least they don't have to be outside in the wind and rain!"
"But how do pilots fight with the fairing added?"
"We can use clear glass for the fairing, Bruce!"
…
Dorn looked at Ciel and nodded slowly: "It's a good idea, Boss. I'm thinking of a possibility. Can you not go to the battlefield and stay here to be a part of us?"
The researchers laughed again. They all knew that this was impossible. If Charles really wanted to do this, the French would tear down the institute the next day.
But Charles, he did have the right to be here, because the suggestion he made alone was better than many others.
"Look!" Charles spread his hands and threatened in a mean tone: "Does anyone else want to leave here?"
The researchers laughed:
"No, Boss."
"We would love to serve you."
"I won't leave, but give us a raise..."
Charles' face was filled with black lines, he didn't hear what was said!
(End of this chapter)
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