Chapter 0142: Fighter Aircraft

"Your Highness, Mr. Gustav Lilienthal wishes to see you!" Upon Qin Tian's return to Berlin, Karl von Jonalett immediately conveyed this news.

"Ah? I understand. Have him come in at once!" Qin Tian responded promptly. 

Gustav Lilienthal was the head of Qin Tian's fighter aircraft project. Thus far, Qin Tian had invested twenty million marks into this initiative and had enlisted the full support of the German Engine Manufacturing Company to develop aviation engines. At last, it seemed they were on the brink of achieving results.

While various nations were advancing their own aviation technologies, Qin Tian was confident that, with his near-innovative approach, Germany would surpass others and lead the world in this field. Being a latecomer in this domain, he understood more clearly which developmental directions were prudent, allowing him to avoid missteps and conserve time.

Half an hour later, Gustav Lilienthal arrived at Qin Tian's office.

"Your Highness!" Gustav Lilienthal held profound admiration for Qin Tian, despite the fact that the Imperial Crown Prince was only 21 years old. This admiration stemmed not only from Qin Tian's unwavering support, which sustained their aviation aspirations, but also from his unique insights into the field, facilitating rapid advancements in aircraft development.

"Mr. Lilienthal, please have a seat. Have your research efforts met with success?" Qin Tian inquired.

"Indeed, Your Highness. Our first aircraft has been successfully developed. We conducted our inaugural test flight yesterday, and it was a resounding success. I would like to invite you to witness our second test flight," Gustav Lilienthal replied with palpable excitement.

"Excellent! When is the second test flight? I shall certainly attend," Qin Tian nodded, eager to see Germany's future fighter aircraft. In upcoming wars, control of the skies would dictate victory. However, it was still too early to speculate; even with the advent of aircraft, becoming a battlefield mainstay was a long journey ahead.

Nonetheless, Qin Tian hoped that these flying units would be combat-ready before war erupted. Not only did the army require the assistance of these aircraft, but the navy also longed for them. Only by developing carrier-based planes could he confidently proceed with constructing aircraft carriers, ensuring they would serve as pivotal assets in defeating the British Navy.

"Yes, Your Highness. The second test flight will take place in three days," Gustav Lilienthal replied eagerly.

"Very well, I shall be there," Qin Tian assured him.

Three days later, under a clear sky, autumn in northern Germany was crisp and invigorating.

The Deutsche Industrie Group had established a research center for flying machines in Oranienburg, north of Berlin, where Gustav Lilienthal and his team worked diligently. The team comprised not only German aviation experts but also many foreign specialists, all recruited by Qin Tian through various means. Some were motivated by profit, while others were coerced into coming.

Early in the morning, Qin Tian arrived at Oranienburg, where a rudimentary aircraft sat on the small airfield's runway, resembling an awkward duckling.

Indeed, to Qin Tian, this aircraft appeared much like an ugly duckling. Yet, it represented the future of German aviation, and he firmly believed it would soon transform into a magnificent swan.

"Your Highness, this is the aircraft we have developed," Gustav Lilienthal announced.

Qin Tian approached and circled the aircraft. It was a biplane, and in comparison to the future's jet fighters, it was unremarkable. However, it was the best that could be achieved under the current technological constraints.

"Please provide a description of this aircraft," Qin Tian requested.

"Wilbur, Orville, would one of you explain this aircraft to His Highness?" Gustav Lilienthal inquired.

Wilbur and Orville were none other than the renowned Wright brothers. However, after Qin Tian offered a substantial sum for their acquisition, they left their American endeavors to join Gustav Lilienthal's fighter aircraft project.

"Brother, you take the lead," Orville Wright suggested.

Wilbur Wright nodded and began, "Your Highness, this aircraft was designed according to your specifications. It measures 7.3 meters in length, with a wingspan of 9.5 meters, a height of 2.4 meters, and features a four-cylinder engine manufactured by the Deutsche Engine Manufacturing Company, producing 120 horsepower. The aircraft's maximum takeoff weight is 500 kilograms, with a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour, a service ceiling of 2800 meters, and a flight endurance of 1.5 hours. It is armed with a 12.7-millimeter heavy machine gun, with a magazine capacity of two hundred rounds. Additionally, there are two external mounting points beneath the wings for carrying two 25-kilogram aerial bombs."

"So, this aircraft can be considered to possess rudimentary combat capabilities," Qin Tian remarked.

"Indeed, Your Highness," Gustav Lilienthal confirmed with a nod.

"Let the pilot commence the test flight!" Qin Tian declared without further ado. 

While he acknowledged that the aircraft was still far from combat-ready, it nonetheless represented a significant breakthrough. First, they had resolved the issue of existence; now they could build upon that foundation for further advancements. Qin Tian was confident that it would not be long before they developed an aircraft that would satisfy his expectations.

"Understood, Your Highness," Gustav Lilienthal replied.

The test pilot saluted Qin Tian before climbing into the aircraft. With the assistance of ground crew, the propeller began to spin.

Soon after, the pilot released the brakes, and the plane began to taxi down the runway. After more than two hundred meters, the nose of the aircraft lifted. Fueled by the engine's robust power, it soared into the sky like an arrow.

"Bravo!" Qin Tian initiated applause. Flying in the early twentieth century was undoubtedly perilous; a moment's inattention could result in disaster. Thus, each test pilot was an embodiment of courage. Even as the Imperial Crown Prince, Qin Tian felt compelled to express his utmost respect for these brave individuals.

The aircraft ascended, performing various test maneuvers. Although somewhat clumsy, it nevertheless exhibited the beginnings of what would eventually evolve into future fighter jets. Qin Tian was certain that from this aircraft's foundation, Germany would develop even better fighters in the years to come.