Doomsday: I Build a Space Fleet

Chapter 198 Expeditionary Force in Preparation

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This modification increased its maximum takeoff weight to 13.8 tons, its payload by 800 kg, and improved its maneuverability and flight stability.

The remaining load capacity was allocated to the weapon systems, the hatch was moved back, the rear side windows of the cockpit were sealed, and the machine gun mounts were removed.

The original short pylons were enlarged, with two 30mm autocannons installed near the fuselage and two 13-cell 70mm rocket launchers installed on the outside.

The upgraded version of the second project has undergone even more significant changes. From the appearance alone, compared to the prototype, the improved model gives people an extremely fierce feeling.

Platinum first looked at the aircraft's power system.

The attack helicopter replaced its original two turboshaft engines with four smaller engines, each with slightly lower output power. These four engines are arranged in pairs, extending diagonally upwards from the back of the fuselage.

The two ducted fans on both sides of the fuselage that provided lift for the helicopter were replaced with four smaller ducted fans.

These four slightly smaller ducted fans are grouped in pairs and encased in a large wing structure, which slightly reduces energy consumption while providing faster flight speed and better high-speed performance.

The structure of its tail fins has not changed much. The horizontal tail fins on both sides are longer and slightly tilted upwards, and the vertical tail fins located at both ends of the horizontal tail fins have also changed to a configuration that is longer at the top and shorter at the bottom.

The most significant changes were to the nose section, which has become longer and sharper than its original short, stubby, and rounded shape, clearly referencing the design style of some fighter jets.

It is worth mentioning that the cockpit canopy of this aircraft has been replaced with a transparent metal instead of the original high-strength glass, and the fuselage has also been fitted with an additional layer of composite armor, which can effectively resist direct hits from 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds.

The short pylons near the cockpit have also been adjusted, changing from the original two slightly longer straight pylons to a trapezoidal short wing similar to the canard of a fighter jet, with a twin air-to-air missile launcher still mounted on the wingtip.

The electronic equipment near the nose of the aircraft remained largely unchanged, but a triple-mounted 25mm rotary cannon was added behind it.

After reviewing the two proposals, Bai Jin did not open the subsequent project marked as a heavy transport helicopter. Instead, he frowned and looked up at Ouyang Nian beside him.

Platinum was well aware of the shortcomings of these two helicopters; their massive ducted fans on both sides were their biggest drawback.

Faced with a cluster of organized anti-aircraft guns with a diameter of 20mm or larger, these two types of helicopters would most likely crash on the spot due to fan failure.

Seeing Bai Jin's furrowed brows, Ouyang Nian instantly understood his worries. In the past two days of complicated design tasks, he had gained a lot of military-related knowledge from Lorraine.

Ouyang Nian reached out and tapped on the flagship's cockpit, after which an audio message was played by Cleveland.

"Platinum, we're not facing an organized and disciplined army right now. We're mostly dealing with massive numbers of zombies that have almost no anti-air capabilities, or clearing out silicon-based creatures with extremely strong direct-fire capabilities."

"Neither conventional helicopters with a single rotor and tail rotor nor high-speed helicopters with a coaxial counter-rotor configuration can adequately meet the current requirements."

"While these two helicopters with external ducted fans have a larger hit area and a more complex mechanical structure, their maneuverability, flight speed, payload capacity, and many other aspects completely surpass those of conventional helicopters."

"Moreover, thanks to the modular design of these two aircraft, all parts except the main fuselage can be quickly replaced."

"Most importantly, these helicopters are all unmanned, so there will be no casualties."

After hearing Lorraine's explanation, Platinum was still somewhat conflicted, but she still felt that something was wrong.

Ouyang Nian's knowledge in this area was still somewhat shallow, and he didn't know how to enlighten Bai Jin. Fortunately, Lorraine had already returned to the flagship from Ethan's camp.

"Okay, stop frowning all the time, it doesn't look good."

Having removed his power armor, Lorraine came up behind Platinum, reached out and rubbed her temples with both hands, and said softly.

"But a larger hit area means they have a higher probability of being hit, and small and medium-sized enemy units can effectively strike aircraft at an altitude of 4 meters."

After a quick thought, Lorraine identified Platinum's concerns.

In her view, existing aircraft could be easily modified to carry out long-distance strike missions, so why go through the trouble of producing an additional model?

"The Barn Owl drone is simply a cheap and cost-effective tool that can perform patrol and short-range assault missions with extremely high efficiency. Its range of operation is a circle with a radius of 120 kilometers centered on the base."

"Most existing attack helicopters emphasize low-altitude performance and radar performance, which gives them almost no advantage against enemies using visual aiming."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have gone to the trouble of researching this."

After listening silently to Lorraine's explanation, Platinum realized that his mind was still stuck in the past special operations.

But thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. After all, you need new tactics and weapons to deal with new enemies.

Moreover, after being equipped with electromagnetic weapons, the number of ammunition and the range of this attack helicopter will change.

However, so far, they do not have many units that can effectively confront giant individuals head-on.

Just as Lorraine was about to take a sip of water and catch his breath, he heard Platinum suddenly blurt out something.

"Do we have any units capable of directly confronting giant entities? Like Titans or mechs?"

"puff!"

Lorraine spat out a mouthful of water.

"Cough cough cough"

After he recovered, he and Ouyang Nian looked at her with a strange expression.

"Is it really that bad? I don't believe either of you haven't fantasized about something like that!"

At this point, Platinum's momentum gained the upper hand.

Moreover, seeing the timid looks in their eyes, Bai Jin instantly understood that these two probably already had a corresponding design plan.

So Platinum simply stretched out her hand to the two of them, making a gesture as if she wouldn't give up until she got what she wanted.

The two exchanged a glance, sighed helplessly, and chose to report the matter truthfully.

Lorraine picked up his data panel and manipulated it for a few moments, projecting a set of design drawings onto the dashboard.

The two then dragged Platinum to the holographic sand table and looked at the mecha model floating above it.