The group quickly entered the Baigong Academy.
After several expansions, the scale of the Hundred Craftsmen Institute has grown significantly. In addition to scientific researchers, it has also recruited many skilled craftsmen.
The role of these craftsmen is simple: to turn their research into reality. Compared to designers and researchers, these craftsmen are crucial, as they possess many skills that others don't possess, and their ideas are also crucial during production.
When entering the Academy of Craftsmen, Zhu Youxiao looked around from time to time.
It had been a while since Zhu Youxiao had been here. Apart from paying him money, he hadn't paid much attention to the place. Now, the place felt a bit unfamiliar to him.
Zhu Youxiao glanced at Bi Maokang, smiled gently and said, "Take me around for a look."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Bi Maokang quickly agreed and walked a few steps ahead, then suddenly thought of something and said, "Your Majesty, we can walk here, but we may need a carriage to get to any further places."
Baigongyuan is really too big. I could walk there before, but not now.
Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "Okay, no need to rush. I have plenty of free time today."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Bi Maokang agreed again, turned around and led the way, introducing: "This is where the shells are made."
"After the design is finalized, two main types of shells are produced here. One is for mortars, and the other is for mountain artillery."
Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly.
He knew that the Ming Dynasty only had two types of artillery. It was not that he did not want to expand, but that conditions were limited and he could only produce two types at first. And in Zhu Youxiao's view, these two types were enough.
One of them is the mortar. Its function is self-evident. It is lightweight and used for short-range attacks.
The second type is the mountain cannon, which uses the French Miss, that is, the Italian cannon.
In addition to these two types of artillery, another type of naval gun has been successfully developed but has not yet been manufactured.
This type of artillery is installed on warships and has already been tested. If it is suitable, it will be mass-produced. The navy has begun to build a production base, and after obtaining first-hand data, modifications will be made and construction will begin.
Led by Bi Maokang, Zhu Youxiao went in for a visit, mainly looking at the copper cannonballs.
Actually, the Ming Dynasty was at a disadvantage in this regard. There weren't many easily mined copper mines. Needing more copper, the Ming Dynasty had no choice but to plunder it from outside. Both Korea and Japan were within their reach.
Besides, there are more copper mines in the south. After Zhu Youxiao has finished cleaning up the north, he will naturally reach out to the south, and then the Ming Dynasty will have sufficient artillery shells to use.
After the cannon was made, the group got on the carriage.
After walking for a distance, he stopped at the gate of a yard.
Zhu Youxiao also got out of the car again.
Bi Maokang also came up at this time and said, "This is the Artillery Academy, where artillery is developed and cast. I have already had people prepare a performance, and I will demonstrate martial arts for Your Majesty later."
After hearing this, Zhu Youxiao shook his head and said, "Don't bother with this cold weather. I've already seen it last time. I know your contributions and will not let them go unnoticed. When this manufacturing task is completed, you will all receive the rewards you deserve."
"I thank Your Majesty." Bi Maokang said, feeling emotional in his heart that it was really comfortable to work under such an emperor. He would give money when he asked for money and policies when he asked for policies.
In fact, Zhu Youxiao was very clear about the thoughts of Bi Maokang and others, and the rewards were never delayed. He would even give them extra during festivals. It can be said that the treatment was very generous.
Moreover, Bi Maokang and others also had very high status, and most of them were given official positions. Although they were honorary titles, they received all the necessary treatment.
After visiting the artillery factory, Zhu Youxiao also became excited. Of course, he came here not only to see the artillery factory.
He already knew these things and had seen them before he left last time.
I even visited the rocket factory, where they were producing brand new rockets, equipped with a new flame, which was more powerful and had a longer range. With the new ignition method, you only need to pull the wire and it will be launched, without having to ignite it.
Zhu Youxiao regarded this type of rocket as a strategic weapon, which was very advantageous in combat. In this regard, Zhu Youxiao would not reduce his investment.
Whether it was the later individual rocket launcher or the multiple rockets, they both had special significance in the Ming Dynasty. They could also be used in the navy with very, very good results.
The time for missiles is not here yet, but investment in scientific research in this area cannot be reduced but must be increased.
What really attracted Zhu Youxiao to come here was that Bi Maokang and his team had developed metal bullets, which was something Zhu Youxiao had always been looking forward to.
After the development of metal fixed shells, the development of metal fixed bullets and breech-loading guns was put on the agenda. These two things were what Zhu Youxiao valued most.
With metal fixed bullets, the hand-cranked Gatling gun can fire at a rate of up to 1,200 rounds per minute. This rate of fire can create a very strong attack power, and this weapon is very effective against cavalry.
In addition, there are breech-loading rifles that can be grooved to achieve accurate shooting.
The old muskets required volleys of fire, but the current ones don't. One bullet can kill one enemy at a time. This is the only way to do it. Otherwise, there is no hope at all.
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