Chapter 687: The Delegation Is Here

Dowding was very satisfied with the maneuverability and firepower of the SH-1a, which deliberately ignored the armor problem.

Although he saw the data of the armor, in his opinion, this is the original design. He didn't know that the thickness of the armor before was four times that of the current one, so he didn't have that strong sense of drop.

Armor is weak, and having considerable firepower and mobility is its advantage, it depends on what kind of war situation it is put into.

"Mr. Brigadier General, if you are interested, we also have fighter jets, Hellcats, and D-11s in service. It is one of the best fighter jets in North America."

Seeing Dowding sinking into thinking, Johnson properly promoted other products of the skunk, and the D-11, which is valued by the US military, is the focus.

"I know about it." Dowding looked up at him, and said quite proudly: "But we have a good enough fighter, the Hurricane produced by Hawker, maybe you should know more about it."

The Hurricane fighter, manufactured by the British Hawker Company, is equipped with a liquid-cooled V-12 engine invented by Rolls-Royce, other information is not very clear.

It is said that the military is very satisfied with this fighter, and plans to let it gradually replace the existing main fighter and become the trump card in future battles.

Although the politicians in the government are very optimistic that the war will be limited to a controllable local area, the army still maintains a sense of crisis.

Not to mention the United Kingdom, even the American military across the Atlantic Ocean is also prepared.

The order of 01 was also generated because of this.

"Then take a look at this." Li Zitao looked at Johnson, motioning for him to take out the materials he had prepared.

P-38, Lightning, 20mm caliber cannon, 4 0.5-inch machine guns, 1415 kg of explosives can be hung under the wings, flying speed...

"It's impossible." Dowding looked at him with a 'hell' look.

"Nothing is impossible, Brigadier General, our prototype is almost finished, if you can stay for half a month longer, I believe you will see its power."

Li Zitao said with a slight smile on the corner of his mouth, he did not expect the development of 'Lightning' to speed up so much, thanks to Tesla and Donald Douglas.

The cooperation between the two made the progress of "Lightning" advance by leaps and bounds. With the determined shape, the prototype is already in production.

Relying on the strong industrial productivity of the Skunk R&D Center, Li Zitao is confident that the prototype will be put into production directly after it is finalized, so he invites Dowding to stay for a few more days.

"Okay, I'll wait another 15 days, hoping to get a satisfactory answer." Dowding said firmly.

If the information in his hands is true, this fighter will be ahead of its time, and the fighters in active service and remanufactures are completely incomparable.

"Your Excellency, General, you should consider how to get Congress to approve the transaction." Money is a good friend, and Li Zitao shortened his name from "Brigadier General" to "General." '

Don't worry about the 01 orders, Dowding is here for them, and so are the other delegations.

Dowding is also very interested in the 1a and b models of the SH series of helicopters, and it would be a surprise if he can get an order for 'Lightning' again.

But whether the Congress can pass it depends on the negotiation between the two countries. After all, it involves national defense and the latest achievements, and it is difficult for any country to release it.

"I will communicate this matter with the country." Dowding said solemnly.

As long as he sees the data on it turn into reality, no matter what the cost, he will facilitate this transaction.

Originally thought Dao Ding would act only after seeing the real thing, but Li Zitao far underestimated the importance and allure of 'Lightning'.

On the second day after the accommodation was arranged for him, the Federal Arms Commission sent an investigation team to the skunk, requesting detailed data and manufacturing progress of the 'Lightning'.

"The prototype will be completed in about 10 days. After testing, it will be officially put into production in about half a month, with a monthly production capacity of about 80." Johnson handed over the sorted information to the other party.

In the oral report, he used a lot of uncertain words. After all, it has not yet been put into production. Now it is only calculated based on the foundation and production capacity of the skunk. No one knows whether there will be problems in the manufacturing process.

After bringing all the materials, the investigation team visited the progress of the work in person and left after making some records.

The rest of the matter will be left to the two countries to negotiate. If the British really want it, there will always be a way.

Before World War II, the United States still envied and longed for the life of the aristocrats in Europe. There should not be too many things about the rich kneeling and licking the poor and empty nobles.

Washington's attitude towards the United Kingdom is also very ambiguous, with the ambivalence of being defensive and close, and eager to be recognized, which makes the two countries maintain complicated diplomatic relations.

Three days later, the French delegation arrived, led by a major general. The visit to the skunks was their second stop in the United States. Before that, they went to Curtis.

Although Curtiss has not yet been engaged in the research and development of fighter jets, its scale and research and development level should not be underestimated.

There is also the Republic Aircraft Company and the North American Aircraft Company are enemies that need to be vigilant.

Compared with the skunk who came from behind, some people believe that the "age" is the best guarantee of quality.

It's just that after the other party has watched SH1b's performance one after another, this kind of thinking has been greatly changed.

After learning the specific data of the 'Lightning' and the news that the prototype could be seen in another week, the major general also chose to stay in Santa Barbara for a while.

The Spanish, Dutch, and Soviet delegations came a bit late, but the timing was just right for him, because when they arrived, the 'Lightning' prototype was just completed.

"Everyone, our pilots are ready. Please keep your eyes open...don't blink." After simply arranging some seats beside the runway as an observation deck, Li Zitao pointed to a larger aircraft on the runway Said.

The aircraft of this era are not large in size, with twin engines and wings, and the 'Lightning' with a double tail brace structure looks a bit silly.

But these are not the key points. The powerful firepower like a shower, the simple disassembly and assembly technology make it easier to repair, and the multi-overlapping design of the vulnerable surface support makes it difficult for the fuel tank to explode when it is attacked by shells. Condition.

And its powerful power and climbing height are all reasons for people's favor.

There is no spray paint on the exterior of the prototype, and the exposed steel nails look a bit rustic.

After the plane started, the fire extinguishers on both sides were dragged down after seeing that there was no problem with the normal rotation of the propeller.

The plane gradually starts to accelerate on the runway, and the front three-point landing gear allows it to take off and land at complex and simple airports, which is also very important.

It has powerful firepower, can carry explosives, and can take off and land at a simple airport.

With these conditions combined, it was developed specifically for the battlefield, and Li Zitao did not refute this.

"The federal government issued a call for a twin-engine interceptor in March. It requires a climbing altitude of 4500-6500 and a subsonic speed. It is simple, safe, and has extremely strong firepower. This fighter was developed and manufactured for this purpose."

Li Zitao proudly pointed to the sky, where the P-38 was sweeping the "battlefield" below with great force, as wood chips flew and explosions rang out.

After the plane ceased fire and hovered in the sky, the 'battlefield' on the ground had been cleared to a level. This is the advantage shown by 'Lightning'.