Chapter 258 Rocket Propellant Formula

In the end, under General Winter's cautious "good talk", Charles reluctantly agreed to authorize production at a unit price of 50,000 francs.

This price seemed very reasonable to General Winter. After all, it was 20,000 francs cheaper than Russia. Especially Charles had not planned to sell it originally, but now he not only agreed but also discounted it. This shows that he has played a role and can hand over to the British government.

However, Ciel came with a condition, which Ciel seemed to mention casually during the negotiation:

"Since we destroyed enemy reconnaissance balloons with Congreve rockets, our demand for rockets has increased significantly."

"But there have been problems with the production of rockets, and we even had some accidents during the process."

This is true. Due to process problems, an explosion occurred in a rocket arsenal, killing and injuring more than a hundred people.

Charles looked at General Winter with a calm face: "It is said that the UK has a safer rocket propellant formula. Can the formula and production method be included?"

Ciel's demeanor was very relaxed, as if it didn't matter if he gave or not, it wasn't a big deal.

General Winter agreed without thinking: "No problem. In fact, I have also noticed this. I believe the British government is willing to share this technology with your country."

This was a failed technology in General Winter's view, and it was even about to be abandoned by the military.

Since the birth of the "Congreve" rocket, European countries have been working hard to find ways to improve the accuracy of this "artillery", but the results have disappointed everyone, and the accuracy of the rocket has never been improved.

If there is any progress, it is that Britain and Germany have found new ways to make propellants.

(Note: There are two methods for making rocket propellant. The traditional production method requires repeatedly rolling the semi-solid and semi-liquid propellant at high temperatures to mix it evenly. This production method is very easy to catch fire and explode, and the production process is very complicated. Dangerous and cannot be mass produced)

But what they want is precision, precision, precision!

What is the use of rockets that cannot improve their accuracy even if they can be produced safely and in large quantities?

Rockets that fail to hit the target are useless. No matter how many rockets there are, they are still useless!

Anyway, this is how European countries understand it. Because of this, even though Europe has the most advanced rocket technology, it has never paid attention to it. It was Mao Zi who ultimately promoted it.

Hearing General Winter's answer, Charles secretly thought of a plan.

With the formula and production method of rocket propellant, it seems that "Katyusha" and "Bazooka" can be put on the agenda!

Shire does not intend to compete with Schneider for traditional artillery. This will not only lead to a head-on confrontation with Schneider, but there is also a gap in technology, talent, equipment, etc., making it very difficult to catch up.

But the rocket launcher cake should belong to Shire. In addition, the development direction of anti-aircraft guns and tank guns is to make a fuss about artillery shells. Shire can use foresight to seize the opportunity, and of course it will not be taken away by Schneider.

Charles felt as if he was launching a siege against Schneider, using his knowledge to block Schneider's possible future outlets one by one, and finally covering up Schneider within an inch of his land, unable to move.

For a company, the most terrifying thing may not be bankruptcy, but that it has accumulated a large amount of capital and connections, but finds that it has no way out, no innovation, and no development.

Eventually, he will be kicked out of the military industry because of the limitations and replaceability of the equipment, and there is nothing he can do even if he has money and power.

…

After the negotiation was over, Charles finally got a long-lost day and a half vacation.

This is what Gallieni said to Charles: "I hope you understand that holidays will not be normal in the future, just because the war is stable and there is nothing for you to deal with."

He was worried that Charles would ask about the holiday again.

"Yes, General!" Charles replied.

What else could he say?

If he asks for a normal holiday, Galieni may not give him a day off.

His reasons will be good:

"Do soldiers on the front line have so many holidays?"

"You do have a great contribution, but the frontline soldiers are giving their lives and that's all they have."

"A few extra hours of work could potentially save hundreds, thousands or more lives."

"This is the duty and obligation of every adult!"

Being slapped with hats one after another will make Charles feel that "taking a vacation" is "seeking money and killing people."

…

The snow stopped this afternoon, but the sky was still overcast.

The weather in winter makes people feel comfortable, because it is not like the bright sunshine everywhere, like mirrors all over the floor.

On the way back, Charles was surprised to find that the road to the small town of Oise had been repaired with gravel, and the snow had been cleared to the roadside.

Colonel Laurent seemed to see Charles' doubts. He explained while driving the car: "This is because you haven't had a holiday recently, Colonel."

"What?" Charles didn't understand. What does this have to do with him not having a holiday?

Colonel Laurent replied: "They are your admirers. They know that you have not had a holiday recently, and they guessed it was because of the road conditions, so they organized themselves to clear the snow and repair the roads, cleaning them every morning."

Charles was speechless for a moment. These people were pretty good at guessing.

But this seems to be a good thing, and it is more meaningful than receiving a bunch of flowers.

…

Since she didn't notify her family in advance, Camille almost screamed and ran out when the car stopped in front of her house. She hugged Charles warmly and smiled happily.

But soon he complained: "We wanted to visit you several times, but we never got permission. Tell the general that there is always time to sleep and rest, and we can arrange to go at that time!"

"Mom!" Charles shook his head and replied: "It's not a matter of time, it's about keeping it secret!"

Since Charles handed over the list given by Lucia, the level of confidentiality in the headquarters has increased.

Gallieni transferred all officers who were "suspected" informants from the command post, and the replacements, including the chefs in the officers' mess, were strictly vetted.

Although Camille and Djoka are Ciel's parents, they are still civilians and it is almost impossible to enter.

Just as he was about to enter, Charles was surprised to find that both Djoca and Colonel Estini were there.

It is now afternoon, Dejoca should be busy in the factory, and Colonel Estini should be training tanks and expanding the tank force at the tank base.

The military ordered 500 "Charre A1", and the cost of 15 million francs included training of qualified tank crews. Estini was busy with this during this time.

"Nice to meet you, Colonel!" Colonel Estini's frown spread when he saw Charles: "We have some things that we need you to decide on."

Charles looked at Estini and then turned his attention to Djoka.

Djoka nodded: "We may be in trouble, we were discussing this issue just now!"