The 32 seaplane is a large seaplane developed by Shanghai Changyang Aircraft Manufacturing Company, which defeated its bidding rival, Guangzhou Anyu Company, and then the Navy has placed several batches of orders, and more than 200 have been delivered into service so far.

The maximum range of this large seaplane is very exaggerated, exceeding 5400km under standard load, its cruising speed is about 210km/h, and the theoretical stay time can reach as much as 25 hours.

Moreover, its low-speed flight performance is good and relatively stable, with a stall speed of about 150km/h, which means that it can hover over the target at a slower speed, which is obviously helpful for accurate ground attacks.

These large, slow seaplanes are often used for long-range reconnaissance or for long patrols against discovered enemy submarines; Bombing missions can also be carried out, but the risks are greater.

About half an hour later, Zhou Changfeng was led to the airport hangar east of the naval base.

The air was filled with the smell of paint and gasoline mixed with an uncomfortable mixture, while a few idle mechanics and ground crews were gagging on the sidelines.

When you stand next to this four-engine aircraft, you can feel its enormity and the sense of power that is unique to mechanical creations.

He reached out and touched it, and tapped it twice with his index knuckle, and the sound was quite crisp.

Yo, full metal skin.

"The skeleton and skin of this thing are basically made of aluminum alloy, so why do you say 'basic'? Because some of the joints are also reinforced with steel, then the rudder skin of the tail wing is fabric. ”

One of the mechanics here was a familiar acquaintance, and he introduced the Type 32 seaplane with a big grin.

Thinking about it, the impact that take-off and landing on the water is higher in some cases than at ground airports, and it is reasonable that the structural strength of the airframe needs to be strengthened.

Yes, that's enough to install artillery.

Zhou Changfeng nodded thoughtfully, pointed to the hatch and asked, "Can you go in and have a look?" ”

"Cheng, you come with me."

A few people next to him pushed two boarding ladders so that they could enter.

The spaciousness of the interior space surprised Zhou Changfeng, which was much wider than other planes he had ridden, and he was afraid that it was not three or four meters.

The entire aircraft is divided into several cabins, which are connected by rectangular openings with rounded corners.

The nose at the front, a twin 7.36mm machine gun at the bottom, and the pilot, navigator, and mechanic on the top;

The second compartment is the radio operator's quarter, where parachutes and first-aid kits are also placed, as well as chassis ammunition;

The third cabin is the lounge, with bunk beds on the left and right, both of which can be folded to one side. At the same time there is a small toilet in the corner.

The fourth cabin is the galley and pantry, which can be used for on-site cooking or heating of refrigerated dishes; and store inflatable dinghies and things to survive at sea.

The fifth compartment is the fighting compartment, with a 7.36mm machine gun on the left and right, and a spherical turret on the top, which is a twin 7.36mm machine gun;

After that, there is a long aisle leading to the tail, which is relatively low enough to allow people to pass with their heads down.

Since the fighter likes to attack such a slow, clumsy aircraft from the rear, the rear has the most powerful self-defense firepower, with a twin 12.8mm machine gun installed.

“…… This guy is very big, and he can jump up and down in it. If you are cruising, you can fly for up to one day and night, twelve hours. ”

"Well, this is the place to sleep, take turns to rest, the electric fan next to it is not out of the factory, we added it ourselves."

"Then this is the kitchen room, there are not many kitchen utensils, but enough, an electric heating plate, an alcohol stove, an electric kettle, and a few side dishes are no problem."

The mechanized man happily introduced his mount to Perimeter Wind, as well as the small changes he had made on his own.

The latter was quite satisfied, then pointed to his feet and said solemnly: "Do you think it is strong enough at the moment?" ”

Is it enough... Strong?

What is the "strength" method?

My mount can carry two torpedoes, and theoretically it can send a cruiser to the bottom of the sea, isn't that enough?

Apparently the mechanic was confused by this inexplicable question and could not answer.

Zhou Changfeng smiled slightly and continued: I came here this time to transform it and make it more energetic. ”

Next, he briefly described his ideas for the gunboat machine, as well as the general needs and assumptions.

“…… The gunboat aircraft is only suitable for striking enemy forces without air defense when the side basically has air supremacy, but it is extremely effective in this situation. I'm not as professional as you in terms of implementation, so it's up to you how to change it. ”

Seriously, Zhou Changfeng originally thought that the crew of this plane would be a little resistant, after all, the love plane that had been with them for a long time was going to be tossed, and their mission was going to change greatly.

However......

He saw the excitement in the lieutenant mechanic's eyes, as if he had learned a good anecdote.

"Wonderful! Chief Zhou has 10,000 hearts, isn't he in a hurry? We immediately started thinking about it. ”

Later, several other crew members were also called over.

Because they had nothing to do today, they went to the entertainment office to drink and watch a movie.

The so-called entertainment office is the soldiers and officers club of the Ming Army, where there are projectors, gramophones, you can watch movies and listen to songs, of course, most people go to gather to drink.

After learning what had happened, the pilots, navigators, machine gunners, and others looked at each other and immediately cheered.

And such a good thing?

In the end, it's the circumference that is slightly embarrassing, and they are all a bunch of thrill-seeking guys who are happy when they hear the war.

However, if you don't pursue excitement, you won't come to HNA.

In this way, several other experienced engineers and mechanics from the base were also called, and everyone discussed how to make the transformation better.

"The artillery must be brought, otherwise the ground strike efficiency will be too low." Zhou Changfeng first gave the basic requirements.

"It has to be installed on the side, the center of gravity is unbalanced."

"Therefore, it can't be too heavy, and the backseat travel must be smaller, so you don't have to think about medium and large-caliber field artillery."

"How about a six-and-a-half (20.8mm) cannon? There are many in the armory, and two machine guns are paired with them. ”

"It's too weak, it's such a big plane, it's a shame."

"I have an idea, the Marine Corps has a small cannon, it's very light, what's up?"

The engineer's so-called small cannon is actually a Type 19 38.4mm infantry gun, which is a domestic version of the French Mle-7916 37mm infantry gun.

With a total weight of only 85kg, it was small and light, and was used to accompany infantry detachments against exposed enemy fire points, which were equipped by both the Army and Marine Corps, but have now been decommissioned.

"I don't think so, that's... The charge of anti-explosive shells was pitifully small. Zhou Changfeng shook his head.

After all, the caliber is here, and the charge of the 38.4mm anti-explosive bomb is only 29g, and the power is not as great as that of a grenade.

Hiss... It seems a bit tricky.

After a short silence, someone said leisurely: "Actually, we can cut off the barrel of the mountain artillery, and that's probably it." ”

Oh huh? That's a good idea!

Everyone's eyes lit up.

The Type 32 seaplane looks like this, but instead of a double vertical tail, it has a single vertical tail.

(End of chapter)