The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 634: Developing Helicopters, 1200 New Enterprises

And when Zhang Chi began to introduce its power core, it caused exclamations.

"It can achieve such performance thanks to its heart - the T53-L-13 turboshaft engine."

"Maximum takeoff power: 1800 shaft horsepower. Weight: only 243 kilograms."

"What?! One thousand eight hundred horsepower?! It only weighs over five hundred pounds?!" Zhu Jiaren exclaimed in shock, almost knocking his glasses off.

He is knowledgeable. The most advanced piston aircraft engine in the world currently has to weigh tons to achieve this power.

This power-to-weight ratio is simply unbelievable.

Who produces it?

Which country or company has the ability to produce such an engine?

Zhu Jiaren hurriedly asked for details. When he heard the designs of "5-stage axial flow + 1-stage centrifugal compressor", "annular combustion chamber", "two-stage gas generating turbine + single-stage free turbine", he was fascinated and felt powerless.

That's the difference, this advanced engine sounds amazing.

But even if the real object is right in front of you, it will take a long time to understand the design ideas without a teacher.

Not to mention imitation.

Zhang Chi was very clear about the current situation, and he changed the subject:

"Of course, with our current material technology and processing precision, it would be difficult to replicate this 55-year-old process in one step..."

He immediately changed his words after letting the cat out of the bag:

"Well, I mean, trying to replicate this extremely advanced engine is unrealistic."

He paused and pointed at the AH-1G:

"However, its design concept, overall layout, transmission system, rotor design, including the good visibility and drag reduction effect brought by the tandem cockpit, are all priceless treasures.

It is worth our in-depth study, digestion and absorption.”

"Our primary goal is not to directly build it one-to-one," Zhang Chi clarified the task, "but to learn from some of its design concepts, combine them with our actual situation, and first develop a small, practical and reliable transport helicopter.

It can quickly transport ammunition supplies to the front line, evacuate the wounded, and perform low-altitude reconnaissance and search and rescue missions.

This is the answer you need to submit in the first stage!"

These words brought Zhu Jiaren and others back to their senses from the shock of cutting-edge technology, and their eyes became more passionate and focused.

The goal is clear, and there is such a perfect "model" at the side. Although it cannot be completely copied for the time being, the thinking has been opened up.

They immediately gathered around it, carefully touching the streamlined fuselage as if it were a priceless treasure, discussing the angle of the drive shaft, studying the design of the tail rotor, and marveling at the good view provided by the curvature of the cockpit glass.

"Great! One person can focus on driving, and the other can focus on operating the weapon, without interfering with each other."

"It turns out that the engine's intake and supercharging structure can be arranged like this."

"The body and power must be designed as an integrated whole, and weight reduction and balance are key."

These people were rare all-rounders among the Chinese of that period, with strong theoretical and practical abilities. They quickly saw some of the clues and the discussion became increasingly heated.

Zhang Chi looked at this scene and felt relieved.

The two M134 electric rotary machine guns will naturally be disassembled and sent to a specialized firearms research institute for replication.

The mission of the 401 Institute is to fully understand the aviation technology contained in this helicopter.

He walked aside and whispered to Zhu Jiaren:

"Engineer Zhu, the South Pacific is dotted with islands and boasts a vast coastline. Whether the army needs rapid mobility and fire support, or naval vessels require anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue platforms, helicopters are highly effective. Their value is no less than that of jet fighters."

Zhu Jiaren nodded heavily, his eyes still fixed on the AH-1G, his tone filled with excitement and determination:

"I understand, Your Excellency the Great Commander, please rest assured.

Even if we don't eat or sleep, we will definitely make the "air mule" you want as soon as possible.

And then... and then work towards this 'Cobra'."

Zhang Chi smiled and patted his shoulder.

With the system in hand, he has the future development direction of the entire helicopter technology tree.

Let Nanyang’s helicopter industry skip the long early stages of exploration and detours and start evolving directly from this ferocious “Cobra”.

-----

A few days later, a small high-level meeting was held.

Prime Minister Zhang Guangsong was holding a newly released statistical report with an irrepressible joy on his face, reporting to Zhang Chi who was sitting in the main seat.

"Commander-in-Chief, good news, great news." Zhang Guangsong's voice was a little excited. This was not a formal meeting, so his choice of words was not so particular.

"According to statistics from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, from March to April just past, the total number of newly registered companies, businesses, and factories of all types exceeded 1,200 nationwide, an average of nearly 20 new businesses per day."

He pushed up his glasses and pointed at the detailed data in the report:

"It is particularly noteworthy that among these, nearly 200 companies are partially invested or controlled by foreign capital.

Merchants from White Eagle, the Netherlands, and even Bern and the Viking Kingdom came.

Many bosses who came from the Republic of China, seeing that our policies are stable and there are many opportunities, simply brought their families with them, became Nanyang citizens, and stayed here to start factories and businesses.

The Chinese Chambers of Commerce in Yangon and Singapore alone have added hundreds of new members.”

Zhang Chi listened with a satisfied smile on his face.

What he needs is exactly this kind of situation where all industries are booming and merchants gather together.

"Very good, Guangsong, this proves that we are on the right track.

Ordinary people, when they have enough to eat, will think about wearing decent clothes, living in a more spacious house, and giving their children a better education.

Once you have a bicycle, you will want a motorcycle and a car; once you have a flashlight and a watch, you will long for a refrigerator, a radio, and an air conditioner.

This demand goes up layer by layer, endlessly."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the city under construction outside.

“We can’t reach that far, nor can we manage such details.

Electricity, steel, large mines, and trunk railways, which are related to the lifeblood of the country, are in our hands.

The rest can be completely opened up to private capital and foreign capital to participate in the competition.

Only when the water is lively can the fish be plentiful and fat.”

Zhang Guangsong nodded in agreement, but a trace of worry still flashed across his brow:

“Great Commander, great insight.

It is indeed the right thing to do to open up the market and introduce fresh funds.

But... the accumulated capital of our local Chinese is limited after all.

It is imperative to introduce foreign capital, but I am always worried that these foreign businessmen have strong capital and rich experience. What if... what if they unite and squeeze or even oppress our local Chinese businessmen? What should we do?

By then, our economic lifeline may be controlled by others."

This is his natural concern as a Chinese who was born and raised in Southeast Asia, stemming from his localist and traditional sentiments.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chi turned around and laughed.

These local Chinese in Southeast Asia have been severely oppressed by foreign colonists in the past few decades. Even though they have become masters of their own destiny, they are still sensitive and prejudiced towards foreign businessmen. He can understand this.