Chapter 394 Talent Development Program

"We can use the 'echo sounder' to detect the route, General." Fussenden said: "It can make our route more accurate and safer. It can observe other obstacles such as reefs, shoals, and shipwrecks. It can be used It explores new routes.”

Charles looked at Fossenden in confusion: "That's it?"

After hearing this, Fossenden's enthusiasm was instantly extinguished.

Yes, these can all be done manually, and the existing routes are sufficient. The nautical charts used by the military have been repeatedly detected, so why bother?

Thinking of this, Fusenden retreated. With frustration in his eyes, he said feebly: "Sorry, General, this is just my personal thought. I'm sorry to waste your precious time..."

"No, no." Charles explained: "I mean, you think the 'echo sounder' is only used to detect waterways? Of course, it does have this function, and we need it to further supplement the safety of the route."

Fusenden's eyes lit up. Does this mean that Charles is interested in this?

However, Fossenden asked doubtfully: "But besides that, what else can it do?"

Fossenden was a scientist. He didn't know much about military equipment, and there was only so much he could think of.

Charles was speechless for a moment, just because you didn't expect that sonar has been made, but the final inventor was someone else.

"Detecting submarines, sir." Charles reminded: "If your 'echo sounder' can detect icebergs and reefs, can it also detect submarines?"

Fussenden's eyes suddenly widened and he was stunned for a while before nodding excitedly:

"Yes, General, it...it can, I'm sure."

"What we have to do is just change the wavelengths, I mean, some wavelengths are more likely to be reflected by metals, and increase the sensitivity of the receiver so that we can detect the submarine even though it's moving."

"God, we can also determine the distance of the submarine based on the duration of reception, and then combine it with the direction of the sound wave to calculate its orientation."

Ciel nodded slightly.

Sonar was invented in 1906, but it is not actually a "sonar" and should be called a "hydrophone."

Because it purely listens to the sound of the opponent's submarine engine and propeller in the water, and is controlled by sailors with sensitive hearing after certain training.

Active sonar appeared in 1915, and its inventor was Professor Lang Zhiwan, a physicist who had an affair with Marie Curie.

However, before this, Fusenden had already invented active sonar, but it was not used on submarines. It was called an "echo sounder".

Fessenden was surprised and delighted. He looked at Charles expectantly: "So, General, you will hire me, right?"

"Of course." Charles nodded firmly.

Although France does not have much demand for anti-submarine warfare, such talents and technology must not fall into the hands of the British.

What's more, Fossenden is also a radio expert. He has inventions in many categories. He is also proficient in physics, chemistry, mathematics, architecture, astronomy...

It's hard to imagine that such an inventive genius can be put into a stone's throw with just a small amount of money.

At this time, Fossenden hesitated: "I, I have a grudging request, General. While I am working for you, can I retain the industrial property rights of my invention?"

"Of course." Charles nodded affirmatively: "I do the same to workers, and of course you are no exception."

This is a great lure for attracting talent.

Then Charles added: "But because of the war, I hope that I have the first right to purchase your industrial property rights. If you are unwilling to sell, you can also cooperate, but there will be at least a three to five-year confidentiality period. "

Fussenden expressed his understanding of this. No one would want to leak advanced military equipment to the enemy. This is not a matter of industrial property rights, but a matter of treason, espionage, and endangering national security.

What's more, whoever sells it is not selling. If the price is right, why not sell it to Shire?

"I agree." Fusenden nodded simply.

He doesn't dare to talk about salary. A high salary is a luxury for him now. He only hopes to meet his basic living needs.

Charles seemed to see through Fessenden's thoughts and said calmly: "The monthly salary is 5,000 francs, with room and board provided."

Fossenden didn't react at first. As an American, he habitually converted this number into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate.

5,000 francs is about 330 US dollars. That year... God, an annual salary of 4,000 US dollars, which was far more than his previous highest salary.

"Is there anything else you would like to add?" Charles asked.

Charles can definitely propose a higher salary. The expenditure of several thousand francs a month is just drizzle to Charles at this time, not to mention that these expenditures will be recovered doubled in the future.

But Charles knows that if you want to retain talents, you can't give too low a salary or too high a salary.

If they are given too much, if they think it is enough after a few years of earning, they will often choose to resign and focus on their own research.

"No, no, there is nothing to add." Fossenden hurriedly stepped forward to shake hands with Charles: "I agree, General."

"A three-year contract?" Charles asked, "Or five years?"

Fessenden quickly added: "I hope five years, General."

With such a good job and such favorable conditions, of course the longer the job, the better.

Charles got up and walked out the door, told the staff to draft a contract, and then sat back in his chair to discuss the details with Versenden: "I will set up a laboratory for you, sir. You can list the equipment you need, the requirements for the laboratory, and the equipment and so on."

Versenden looked at Charles in disbelief: "You mean, a laboratory that belongs to me? I can make any request?"

A laboratory of his own was an unattainable dream for Versenden, but he didn't expect it to be right in front of him now.

"Yes!" Charles nodded: "You can also choose the assistants you need. If they are willing, I will hire them together."

Versenden half opened his mouth. This was clearly to fund his research and allow him to retain industrial property rights. Did he hear it wrong?

"I don't understand, General." Versenden said: "You did all this just for the 'echo sounder'?"

Charles could buy its property rights, which would be much cheaper than setting up a laboratory.

"No." Charles shook his head: "There is also radio, sir, and many more."

For example, the formula of torpedo explosives, with this laboratory, Charles has a perfect excuse.

There is also the need to miniaturize radios, which can be installed on cars and fighter planes, and then the fighter planes of the troops will be comprehensively improved, especially fighter planes.

In addition, the aerodynamic layout of fighter planes also needs to be solved by fluid mechanics.

If necessary, vacuum tubes can also be developed in the direction of transistors...

This is actually Charles' talent development plan.