Chapter 575 Closed Cockpit
Taking advantage of the holiday, Charles went to the aircraft manufacturing plant.
He did not go to see Uncle Eric. Charles heard that this alcoholic had become a henpecked husband since he quit drinking. He went home every day after work to accompany his wife and teach the children. He was so busy that Charles decided not to join in the fun.
He made a special trip to the R&D department of the aircraft manufacturing plant, where aviation engine talents recruited from the UK gathered.
The R&D department was like a factory, but more like a warehouse. It was full of equipment, machinery and workers. The workers were busy working and using various tools to fiddle with machinery that Charles could not understand.
Disassembly, cutting, welding, they were so busy that Charles did not notice them when he walked up to them.
(Note: The real welding appeared in 1881, which was carbon arc welding. In 1915, electric slag welding appeared, 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. They were technicians in the R&D department.
Charles stood in the middle and asked, "Sir, where is the R&D department?"
The "worker" who was working hard with a wrench next to him answered without 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 all over the place, and charming secretaries shuttled between serving tea and water. He didn't expect it to be like this.
"Then." Charles hesitated: "Where is Dorne?"
The "worker" raised his chin in the direction of the engine in front and shouted, "Boss, someone is looking for you!"
The engine was on the operating table, and there was a person tinkering with it below. After hearing the shout, he waited for a while before lying on the skateboard and pulling himself out.
He was covered in oil. After sitting up, he wiped his hands with a cloth and asked casually, "Who is it?"
Looking back at Charles in military uniform, he was stunned at the time.
Then he suddenly laughed: "Assholes, it's the 'Corsican kid', you didn't even notice it!"
The other "workers" then reacted, stopped what they were doing and looked at Charles, and then there was a cheer, and there was the sound of wrenches falling to the ground.
When they gathered around, many people already had notebooks and pens in their hands:
"I'm your fan, General."
"Sign for me!"
"Sign for me too."
...
Charles met their requests one by one, and those who didn't bring notebooks asked Charles to sign on their clothes.
"Everything is going well, boss." Dorn raised his head in the direction of the engine: "It has exceeded 200 horsepower, and we think there is still room for improvement."
(Note: aircraft engines are different from tank engines. The former needs to strictly control the size and weight, while the latter is much more generous in these aspects, so there will be a situation where the tank engine reaches 250 horsepower while the aircraft engine is still 200 horsepower.)
"Very good." Charles expressed his appreciation.
In 1918, the Germans installed the most advanced aircraft engine on airships to bomb Britain. The engine was only 200 horsepower.
In other words, the aeroengine of Charles' R&D department is at least two years ahead of Germany.
"Boss." Dorn took a sip of water and said half-jokingly: "You are not worried that you can't keep us, so you come to see us during this rare holiday?"
The researchers laughed and said:
"Don't worry, boss, we read the newspaper every day and know every victory you have won."
"Those victories belong to our credit, which is one of our motivations."
"Yes, until now we still firmly grasp the air superiority, we are really amazing!"
...
Talents often have flamboyant personalities, they don't understand the social humility and restraint, and say whatever they think.
Charles admitted their contributions very straightforwardly: "You are 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 is telling the truth.
The rate of fighter jets going abroad is not high recently, but that is because the German fighters cannot match the French "Camel" and have adopted a "hide and bide" strategy.
The French army thus obtained more comprehensive and timely intelligence, and could also attack the German army's logistics supply lines at will.
The researchers' faces were filled with pride, and they seemed to enjoy Charles' praise.
"But I'm not worried about not being able to keep you." Charles imitated them and boasted a few words: "Because I am the most wise boss, I can give you the most suitable environment and the best development space. Only fools will leave here, don't you think?"
The researchers laughed together, and this "boss" seemed very sociable.
Charles stopped smiling: "I came here because I have an idea, I want to hear your opinions."
"What is it?" Dorn 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, in addition to increasing the engine horsepower, another way is to reduce the drag coefficient."
Everyone nodded in agreement, with some surprise in their eyes, "Corsican boy" is good, knowing the drag coefficient.
Reading the error-free version! 6=9+Book_Bar first release of this novel.
Dorn interjected, “That’s why we put fairings on the Camel’s machine guns, General.”
This is where the Camel got its nickname, the two machine guns on the nose used fairings to make them look like camel humps.
"I know." Charles nodded: "So I was thinking, since we can install fairings for machine guns, why not do the same for the cabin?"
"Cabin?"
"Install fairings?"
The researchers were all stunned.
Soon they exclaimed:
"Yes, this is a genius idea. An open cockpit will increase a lot of wind resistance, especially when climbing and diving."
"Adding fairings will undoubtedly solve this problem. In addition, it will greatly improve the comfort of pilots. At least they don't have to be exposed to the wind and rain outside!"
"But how do pilots fight after adding fairings?"
"We can use transparent glass for fairings, Bruce!"
...
Dorn looked at Charles and nodded slowly: "Good idea, boss. I'm thinking of a possibility. Can you stay here and become a part of us instead of going to the battlefield?"
The researchers laughed again. They all knew that this was impossible. If Charles really wanted to do this, the French would demolish the institute the next day.
But Charles, he is indeed qualified to stay here, because just this suggestion he made surpassed many people.
"Look!" Charles spread his hands and threatened in a mean tone: "Anyone else wants to leave here?"
The researchers laughed:
"No, boss."
"We are happy to serve you."
"I won't leave, but give us a raise..."
Charles' face was dark, he didn't hear what he said!