I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

Chapter 571: Enclosed Cockpit

During the holiday, Shire went to the aircraft manufacturing plant.

He wasn’t there to see Uncle Eric; Shire had heard that the alcoholic had turned into a henpecked husband ever since he quit drinking, going straight home every day after work to accompany his wife and teach his children, busy as a bee. Shire decided not to disturb their peace.

He went specifically to the research department of the aircraft manufacturing plant, where talent from Britain was gathered for engine development.

The research department looked more like a factory, or even a warehouse, with equipment, machinery, and workers everywhere. The workers were immersed in their tasks, using various tools to tinker with machines Shire couldn’t understand.

Disassembling, cutting, welding, busy happily, without noticing Shire as he approached.

(Note: True welding appeared in 1881 as carbon arc welding, and electroslag welding emerged by 1915, though manual arc welding, invented by Sweden in 1910, was mostly used.)

Later, Shire realized he had misunderstood; those "workers" were actually the technical staff of the research department.

Standing amidst them, Shire asked, "Excuse me, where is the research department?"

The "worker" beside him, busily twisting a screw with a wrench, replied without looking up, "You’re here."

Shire was taken aback and glanced around. He had imagined the research department to be filled with blueprints, desks, data flying everywhere, and alluring secretaries providing tea and water. He hadn’t expected this scene.

"Then," Shire hesitated, "where’s Dorne?"

The "worker" gestured towards the engine, shouting, "Boss, someone’s looking for you!"

An engine was mounted on the operation table, and underneath, someone was working with a "clank, clank" sound. Hearing the shout, he waited a moment before sliding out on a board.

Covered in grease, he sat up and wiped his hands with a cloth, casually asking, "Who is it?"

Looking back and seeing Shire in military uniform, he was immediately stunned.

Then he suddenly burst into laughter, "Damn, it’s the ’Corsican Kid,’ and you guys didn’t even notice!"

The other "workers" finally reacted, stopping their work and turning their eyes to Shire, followed by cheers and the sound of dropped wrenches.

Many of them came over with notebooks and pens in hand:

"I’m your fan, General."

"Sign my notebook, please!"

"Sign mine too."

...

Shire fulfilled their requests one by one, signing on the clothes of those without notebooks.

"Everything is going smoothly, Boss," Dorne gestured towards the engine, "It’s already surpassed 200 horsepower, and we believe there’s still room for improvement."

(Note: Aircraft engines and tank engines differ; the former requires strict control of size and weight while the latter has more leeway. Hence, while tank engines reached 250 horsepower, aircraft engines were still at 200 horsepower.)

"Excellent," Shire expressed his approval.

In 1918, the Germans equipped their airships with the most advanced aircraft engines to bomb Britain, which only had 200 horsepower.

This meant Shire’s research department had outpaced Germany by at least two years.

"Boss," Dorne said half-jokingly after taking a sip of water, "Are you worried we’ll leave, hence visiting us during this rare holiday?"

The researchers burst into laughter, chiming in:

"No need to worry, Boss. We read the newspapers daily and know about all your victories."

"Those victories are partly our credit, which motivates us."

"Indeed, we still firmly hold air superiority, we are truly amazing!"

...

Talents often have flamboyant personalities and aren’t versed in societal modesty, speaking their minds freely.

Shire straightforwardly acknowledged their contributions, "You’re right, gentlemen. Air superiority is one of the reasons for my victories. It’s indispensable; your efforts can almost decide the outcome of a battle!"

Shire was speaking the truth.

Recently, the sortie rate of fighters wasn’t high, mainly because German warplanes couldn’t compete with the French "Camel," adopting a "hide and conserve strength" strategy.

This allowed the French Army to obtain more comprehensive and timely intelligence and freely attack the German Army’s logistical lines.

The researchers’ faces beamed with pride, enjoying Shire’s praise.

"But I’m not worried about retaining you," Shire jokingly boasted, "I’m the most visionary boss, providing the best environment and development space. Only fools would leave here, wouldn’t you say?"

The researchers laughed heartily, this "Boss" seemed quite congenial.

Shire curbed his smile, "I’m here because I have an idea and want to hear your opinions."

"What is it?" Dorne pulled up a work chair and sat in front of Shire, asking with interest, "Is it about the engine?"

"No," Shire shook his head, "We all know that to make an aircraft fly faster, besides increasing the engine horsepower, another way is to reduce the wind resistance coefficient."

Everyone nodded in agreement, surprised that the "Corsican Kid" knew about wind resistance coefficients.

Dorne interjected, "That’s why we added a cowling to the machine guns on the ’Camel’ fighter, General."

This was how the nickname "Camel" originated; the two machine guns on the nose used cowlings, resembling a camel’s hump.

"I know," Shire nodded, "So I’m thinking, since we can add cowlings to the machine guns, why not do the same for the cockpit?"

"Cockpit?"

"Add a cowling?"

The researchers were all stunned.

Soon they exclaimed:

"Yes, this is a genius idea; the open cockpit increases wind resistance significantly, especially during climbs and dives."

"Adding a cowling can undoubtedly solve this issue and greatly enhance pilot comfort; at least they won’t be exposed to wind and rain!"

"But with a cowling, how will the pilot fight?"

"We can make the cowling transparent, Bruce!"

...

Dorne looked at Shire and slowly nodded, "Great idea, Boss. I was wondering, could you avoid the battlefield and join us instead?"

The researchers laughed again, knowing it was impossible; if Shire genuinely wanted to do this, the French would dismantle the research institute the next day.

But Shire indeed had the qualifications to stay here; merely proposing this idea exceeded many others.

"See!" Shire spread his hands, mockingly threatening, "Is there anyone else who wants to leave now?"

The researchers laughed once more:

"No, Boss."

"We are happy to serve you."

"I won’t leave, but please increase our wages..."

Shire’s face darkened; he pretended not to hear that!