Collect oil drums? What is this for?
Commander Chen and Commander Cheng were both full of confusion. They had no idea why the Logistics Department needed oil drums.
“Yes!”
Although confused, Commander Cheng responded readily.
“Deputy Commander, why does the Logistics Department need oil drums?”
“Any specific requirements?”
The Deputy Commander smiled mysteriously and explained, “I don’t know the specifics either. This was a special request from Minister Zhang.”
“He said to collect as many oil drums as possible and to arrange for military workers to go to the Logistics Department. They will then be given artillery.”
“He also said that the number of oil drums will determine the number of artillery pieces.”
Upon hearing this, Commander Chen and Commander Cheng were even more confused.
They were even dumbfounded.
What connection could there be between oil drums and artillery?
Oil drums in exchange for artillery?
Could things really be that good?
Commander Chen looked astonished. He couldn’t believe it and confirmed, “Are you sure you didn’t hear wrong?”
The Deputy Commander nodded, “I’m sure. I have confirmed it with Zhang Wanhe several times.”
“There were other people from other regiments present at the time. I think Zhang Wanhe wouldn’t joke about something like this.”
Upon hearing this, Commander Chen and the others were stunned.
However, since Zhang Wanhe had said so in front of everyone, there must be no mistake.
It’s just that it was too unbelievable.
Trading oil drums for cannons!
This…
Commander Chen made a decision, “No matter what, inform the troops to collect oil drums first. I will go and see what’s going on myself later.”
“Yes!”
…
On the other side.
The 8th Route Army Headquarters.
At this moment, Zhang Wanhe was explaining the Flying Thunder Cannon to the Deputy Chief of Staff who was in charge of the armory.
After listening, the Deputy Chief of Staff was shocked, astonished…
“Old Zhang, you’re not joking with me, are you?”
“Oil drums can launch explosive packs to a range of about 150 meters?”
“This…”
Zhang Wanhe chuckled, “I knew it would be hard to believe, so I brought the Flying Thunder Cannon.”
“Seeing is believing. Let’s try it out and you’ll see for yourself.”
Brought it?
The Deputy Chief of Staff immediately stood up and walked towards the door.
He immediately saw an oil drum next to a soldier.
Just this?
After checking, he found that the oil drum had only undergone simple modifications and was not much different.
This made the Deputy Chief of Staff doubt how the oil drum could launch explosive packs.
He wasn’t a procrastinator!
He then said to Zhang Wanhe, “Let me see if this ‘cannon’ is as magical as you say.”
Zhang Wanhe nodded.
He then instructed the artillerymen nearby to prepare for the test firing.
Half an hour later.
In an empty area.
The guards had cordoned off the area. An oil drum was buried in the ground, and the artillerymen were preparing for firing.
Not far away, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Zhang Wanhe were waiting in the bunker.
After the preparations were complete, the artillerymen, upon receiving permission, decisively lit the fuse.
Sizzle sizzle sizzle~~~
A muffled explosion echoed.
Then, the explosive pack placed in the oil drum shot out.
“Boom!”
“Rumbling~~~”
Zhang Wanhe looked at the shocked Deputy Chief of Staff and explained, “This is called the Flying Thunder Cannon!”
“The explosive pack is designed to explode upon landing.”
“Unfortunately, it didn’t meet expectations.”
“This cannon has several shortcomings, but it’s better than nothing. Most importantly, it’s cheap to manufacture, simple, and is something that we can currently produce on a large scale.”
The scene before him and Zhang Wanhe’s words left the Deputy Chief of Staff in a daze.
He never imagined that using gasoline barrels could launch explosive packs.
The inventor of the Flying Thunder Cannon was a genius!
“You said the Flying Thunder Cannon didn’t meet expectations. What do you mean?”
“Could it be that there are other shells, or should I say, other types of explosive packs?”
Zhang Wanhe nodded, “That’s right～”
“The length of the explosive pack’s fuse determines the detonation time, while the weight determines the explosive power and destructive force.”
“However, since the launch distance cannot be precisely controlled, the detonation time will vary. Data needs to be collected for further improvements.”
“Besides explosive packs, it can also launch concentrated grenades to eliminate enemy forces.”
“Of course, this is just a concept. Research and testing are still needed.”
“Considering our lack of artillery, it can be temporarily used to improve our firepower shortage.”
“My purpose for coming here is to ask you, Deputy Chief of Staff, to issue orders to collect gasoline barrels and send people here to learn about the manufacturing and use of the Flying Thunder Cannon.”
“They don’t need to know much about military engineering. They just need to be able to make explosive packs and be artillerymen.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff, a graduate of the Frunze Military Academy in the Soviet Union, naturally understood the importance of the Flying Thunder Cannon to our army.
He immediately agreed.
He then instructed the communicator to convey the order to all divisions.
After issuing the order.
The Deputy Chief of Staff asked Zhang Wanhe curiously, “Our armory is really full of talent!”
“Who is this genius who came up with this idea?”
Zhang Wanhe smiled awkwardly.
“Deputy Chief of Staff, this is what I’m going to report to you next.”
“This comrade is not from our armory. His name is Su Yang, a company commander of the county battalion…...”
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