Want to bomb Tokyo?
Right now!
I dream about it!
Every bomb dropped on Tokyo is a valuable propaganda for Roosevelt, and it is also the guarantee that he will win over Dewey.
Although George's voice was not loud, it still caught Roosevelt's attention.
"George, do you have any suggestions?"
"Not suggestions, but technology, Mr. President."
George said with a smile.
"I want to invite you to watch a movie."
Soon in the movie room of the White House, Roosevelt and several generals sat on the sofa, staring at the screen, not wanting to miss any details.
Aerial refueling!
When the tanker in the movie screen completed the refueling and the two planes separated, George stood up and explained.
"Mr. President, aerial refueling aircraft can refuel at a rate of 300 gallons per minute. Through aerial refueling, the range of long-range bombers can be increased by more than 30%. Last year, the US military has recovered Attu Island from the Japanese. If we can build an airport on Attu Island, then the bombers can bomb the Japanese mainland, including Tokyo, through aerial refueling."
Attu Island!
It is the westernmost island in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, USA. The island was once occupied by Japan and was called Atsuta Island. Last May, the US military fought a fierce battle with the Japanese army here to recapture Attu Island. It was also on Attu Island that the Japanese army "died in glory" for the first time. From then on, it was broken again and again, and finally broke into peace, the kind of nuclear peace.
Attu Island is also the bombing takeoff base chosen by George for the US military.
"George, is this technology complicated? I mean when using it."
In fact, what Roosevelt cares about is how long it will take to modify and train.
"Mr. President, we only need to make simple modifications to the aircraft before it can be put into use. Any skilled pilot can easily achieve air docking."
Looking at Roosevelt, George said.
"As we all know, the military originally planned to take off from Chengdu to bomb the Japanese mainland, but we all know that every drop of fuel and every bomb of the bombers taking off from Chengdu needs to be transported to Chengdu via the "Hump Route", and for every ton of bombs dropped on the Japanese, 18 tons of various materials must be transported to China by plane, and all these materials must be transported to India around half the world."
"You mean it's not economical for us to use China's bases to bomb Japan."
In fact, the military has repeatedly emphasized this point, but Roosevelt needs to use the bombing of Japan to help him defeat Dewey and win the election.
"Yes, if the war is fought like this, we can't win."
George pointed to the tanker on the movie screen and said.
"So, this is the solution. Of course, it's only temporary. After all, in the future, as we get closer step by step, maybe next year, we can occupy some islands where we can build large airports. But before that, we only need an aerial refueling plane and a few tons of fuel to drop bombs on the heart of the Japanese! Drop it on Tokyo!"
At this moment, George had an indescribable feeling, only his heart was pounding.
At this time, the movie was over, and when the lights came on, while the generals were whispering, Roosevelt looked at the young man in front of him, and his mouth corners rose more than 60 degrees.
This young man... has something!
"I will call General Arnold personally, George, you contact him, I hope to hear good news as soon as possible."
The voice seemed to come from the distant horizon and reached George's ears, and the voice was like the sound of nature. A surge of blood rushed to his head:
"Mr. President, you won't be disappointed!"
That night, when George returned to the hotel, he received a call before he had time to take a shower.
"Hello, is this Mr. George?"
"Yes."
"I am Henry Harry Arnold. I am in your hotel restaurant. If it is convenient, I hope we can meet today."
Arnold is the commander of the US Army Air Force and the deputy chief of staff of the US Army. The development plan of the B29 bomber was promoted by Arnold. From B17 to B29, it was with Arnold's full support that the United States established the world's largest long-range bomber force, which eventually brought destruction to Germany and Japan.
And now, he is downstairs.
"Please wait a moment, I'll be down soon!"
A few minutes later, George met Arnold in the hotel restaurant. After a simple politeness, Arnold made it clear what he was here for.
"Two hours ago, I received a call from the president, saying that you have realized the practical application of this technology, right?"
Why did Arnold come so quickly?
It was not just because of the president's call, the deepest reason was that he did not agree to bomb Japan from Chengdu.
It was not because the cost was too high, but because the planes taking off from Chengdu could not reach Tokyo!
Bomb Tokyo!
This is a meaningful bombing!
"Yes."
"The president said that the combat radius can be increased by 30%, right?"
"At least."
"Very good."
It is 3,200 kilometers from Attu Island to Tokyo, and the combat radius of B29 is 2,600 kilometers. 30%... can almost cover the entire Japan!
Instantly, Arnold made a decision.
"Let your planes and technology come to Washington. If successful, we will adopt your plan."
"General, you will definitely not be disappointed."
Many times, the advancement of some things is even simpler than imagined. All it takes is a phone call to solve all problems.
The next morning, two DC2 aircraft took off from New York and flew directly to Washington. That afternoon, they performed an aerial refueling show for Pentagon officials including General Arnold. After the plane landed, the Army Air Force almost immediately decided to place an order for 100 tankers and 100 refueling equipment.
As for the company's two DC2 aircraft, they were also bought by the Air Force at a high price of $150,000 for pilots to conduct aerial refueling training. Of course, as a compensation, the Air Force transferred six B17s to the company for aerial refueling tests and further research.
Although it is not a B29, it has made Coham the world's largest private user of B17 bombers overnight. Although it is an aircraft used for research, it still retains military equipment including Norton bombing sights.
In fact, compared with B17, George wants DC4 more. After all, they are civilian aircraft. It is better to use civilian aircraft to carry goods. Moreover, the range of DC4 is far enough, but there is no choice these days.
Soon, Coham delivered the first batch of aerial refueling and receiving equipment to the military. While Boeing was renovating the B29, heavy machinery shipped from the mainland to Attu Island had already been renovated on the island's airport.
Bombing Tokyo.
It was advancing in an orderly manner...