Chapter 266 The Effect of the Formula

During this period, the charge of torpedo warheads was generally TNT.

For ordinary bombs or shells, TNT was sufficient and did not need to be improved. In fact, TNT was quite advanced in this era.

(Note: TNT was used as explosives around 1907. Before that, picric acid was used. After the invention of TNT, it was used as a bright yellow dye for nearly 40 years. Its function was to dye cotton, silk, and even hair)

(The above picture shows hair dyed yellow with TNT. It was called "Thor" at the time)

But if it is used on torpedoes, TNT may not be enough, because torpedoes have to save space in every possible way to carry more compressed air.

The first to think of improving explosives was Germany. In 1907, they mixed 60% TNT and 40% hexanitrodiphenylamine (HND) and found that its explosive power was 7% stronger than 100% TNT charge.

This means that to blow through the same battleship, the volume of torpedo charge can be reduced by about 7%.

This is a German military secret, and the Allies did not know this at the time.

However, Charles knew a more advanced formula, the torpedo charge SW9a used in the late World War II: 50% TNT, 10% hexanitrodiphenylamine, 5% aluminum nitrate, 35% aluminum.

The key point is aluminum, which releases a lot of heat when burning, and the explosion power is about 70% stronger than 100% TNT charge.

In addition, the density of aluminum is nearly twice that of TNT, so the charge of the warhead with this formula can be reduced by almost half.

If the fuel is changed to decalin with a higher combustion value, the torpedo range can be easily doubled or even further.

(Note: Torpedoes using this charge and fuel during World War II can reach a range of 6 kilometers at a high speed of 44 knots, and even a range of 14 kilometers at a low speed of 20 knots)

These improvement plans are not difficult, the key lies in the formula.

Knowing the formula is just to find these raw materials. If you don’t know the formula, it’s useless even if you rack your brains. You have to test the ratio of each raw material bit by bit.

Charles didn’t plan to give an answer so quickly.

The main reason is that France does not have much demand for torpedoes, and the German Navy is supported by Britain. The ultimate goal of Charles's improvement of torpedoes is to suppress the British Navy. That is a long-term plan and there is no rush.

At the same time, Charles believes that what he gives to Wells should be given little by little like squeezing toothpaste, so that he can be kept supporting him.

If all the technology is given to this guy at once, the nature of capitalists is to turn around and deny it, and stand on Schneider's side again.

Or, Charles thinks that the advanced formula can be kept for himself.

For example, starting from the original formula of 60% TNT40% HND of the Germans, followed by SW18, then SW36 and SW39, and finally SW39a.

With so many intermediate formulas and fuel, won't you be killed?

However, Charles was frustrated to find that he only remembered the proportions of the final form SW39a, and had no impression of the others.

This is troublesome.

But Charles thought again, it doesn't matter if he doesn't remember, just change the right formula, add aluminum nitrate first, then aluminum, and fiddle with the ratio at will, as long as there is a little progress each time to confuse Wells, it's fine.

Charles was secretly proud, it's still Charles, he can think of this method.

At this moment, a staff officer guarding the telegram exclaimed: "The navy has launched an attack on the Dardani Strait!"

As he said, the staff officer quickly sent the telegram to Gallieni's desk. This kind of urgent telegram can be sent directly without going through Charles.

Gallieni glanced at the telegram and looked at the staff officer in confusion: "What happened yesterday?"

"Yes." The staff officer nodded: "Maybe for confidentiality reasons."

Gallieni nodded with a "hmm", he didn't take it too seriously, there was really no need to notify the army of the navy's actions.

But this was a joke in Charles' eyes.

The Germans may have known this from Hari long ago, even the detailed battle plan, but the French second-level command will not know it until one day after the war.

After a brief thought, Gallieni called the staff including Charles to gather for a short meeting. He raised the telegram in his hand:

"The first batch of main battleships has a total of 16 battleships, including 4 French and 12 British."

"The lineup is not small. They should hope to use the navy to force the Ottoman Empire to surrender."

"But yesterday's battle was not smooth. They failed to successfully break through the Dardanelles and even did not blow up a turret!"

"If the war continues to develop like this, it is likely that the army will need to attack head-on to hold back the Germans. Do you know how to do it?"

The staff answered one after another:

"Yes, General."

"Understood!"

...

Before the war, it is necessary to prepare for the source of troops, supplies, transportation, medical care and even equipment updates. The staff are already familiar with this.

The crowd dispersed and each was busy with their own things, but Charles was stopped by Gallieni.

"Colonel." Gallieni looked at Charles meaningfully: "Don't you want to express your opinion?"

Charles' previous suggestion to Albert I was to land from the north, but now the Allied fleet is attacking from the south. Does this mean that Charles' suggestion has been abandoned?

"No, General." Charles replied calmly: "I have nothing to say."

Galieni was stunned for a moment, then smiled and nodded slightly. Charles' attitude had already told him the answer.

Charles was so calm, which meant that his suggestion had not been abandoned, and the Allies were probably doing what he suggested.

In other words, the attack on the Dardanelles was a feint, and the main attack direction of the Allies was still in the north.

What Gallieni didn't expect was that he guessed the front but not the back.

The Allies did fight according to Charles' plan, but they turned the tables and confused Gallieni, the shrewd old general.

Gallieni didn't waste much time on this. He took out a document from the drawer and handed it to Charles: "This is a light machine gun designed by the Pitot Arsenal. I want to hear your opinion!"

No one knows more about equipment than Charles, a capitalist. Gallieni believes that at least Charles' approval must be obtained before an order can be placed.

Charles took the document and looked at it. It was the "Chauchat" machine gun.

It seems that Steed has successfully transferred the design plan to the Pitot Arsenal.

Charles pretended to think for a while, and answered with an uncertain expression: "It doesn't seem to be a big problem. After all, our army lacks light machine guns. On the other hand, it is difficult to see the performance of a machine gun from the blueprint. It often needs to be used on the battlefield to find out where it is insufficient."

The first half is to encourage Gallieni to buy, and the second half is to give a vaccination.

If the "Chauchat" machine gun reveals many problems later, it is none of Charles's business.

Galieni agreed with this: "I think so too. The battlefield is in urgent need of light machine guns. Let's order a batch first and see the situation!"

It must be, Charles thought, only if the military orders and is likely to continue to place orders, will the Pito Arsenal expand production.

The higher you climb, the harder you fall!

What Charles wants is for this newly transformed arsenal to fall hard!