The aircraft soared gracefully above the research center before landing smoothly, with the entire process executed without a hitch.
Upon disembarking, the test pilot was warmly greeted by Qin Tian, who held immense admiration for such valiant individuals. It was their courage that propelled the rapid advancement of Germany's aviation industry.
Though Qin Tian longed to experience the thrill of flight himself, he ultimately refrained from voicing this desire, aware that such a suggestion would likely meet with vehement opposition. The current aircraft remained perilously unsafe, and as the imperial heir, he could not recklessly gamble with his own life.
After the test flight concluded, Qin Tian convened with the gathered team in the conference room. While he was pleased with the progress at the research center, he recognized that the aircraft, codenamed F1, still fell significantly short of his expectations.
"Esteemed colleagues, I wish to congratulate you on your success. Developing an outstanding aircraft in such a short time, in accordance with my specifications, is no small feat. I recognize the immense effort you have all put forth during this period, and on behalf of the Empire, I extend my gratitude. It is precisely your dedication that positions our nation at the forefront of the aviation industry!"
Hearing these words, many German engineers and experts were visibly moved, their eyes glistening with tears. Their tireless efforts were driven by a singular aspiration: to strengthen Germany.
Even foreign engineers and experts felt a sense of pride and fulfillment, especially since the project's success had also earned them considerable bonuses.
"Your Highness, it is our duty," Gustav Lilienthal responded humbly.
"However, I must inform you that while you have achieved initial success, there remains a significant gap to true operational standards. I urge you all to redouble your efforts and develop superior aircraft as swiftly as possible," Qin Tian continued.
"Yes, Your Highness," the team responded in unison.
"Currently, nearly all nations employ biplanes. While biplanes excel in stability and maneuverability, they suffer from a fatal flaw in speed. Therefore, I want you to pivot your research towards monoplanes. The aircraft we aim to equip the Empire with should achieve speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and a range surpassing 500 kilometers. I understand that this may present a challenge, but I have faith in your capabilities," Qin Tian declared.
He envisioned a plane akin to the Fokker Eindecker, renowned for its advanced design, which had dramatically shifted the aerial warfare landscape in an alternate timeline. With the full backing of the Deutsche Motorenbau company, Germany was already at the forefront in engine technology, making the development of an aircraft slightly superior to the Fokker Eindecker feasible. Moreover, Germany's research center housed the world's foremost experts, facilitating a significant leap in aviation.
"Your Highness, the demands you set forth are indeed formidable, yet we will strive to meet them. We aim to fulfill your vision within three years," Gustav Lilienthal vowed.
Qin Tian nodded. Although three years was not a brief period, achieving success within that timeframe would be commendable. Should they manage mass production of several hundred new fighters at the onset of war, it would substantially tilt the balance against enemy air forces.
"In addition to fighters, we must also focus on developing bombers. Bombers should be classified as land-based or carrier-based. The former must prioritize payload capacity and range, while the latter requires durability, short takeoff distances, and maximized bomb loads. I hope you will find success in these endeavors over the coming years. A successful outcome will yield substantial bonuses for all involved," Qin Tian urged.
"Yes, Your Highness," the team affirmed.
While many of Qin Tian's aspirations seemed ambitious, upon reflection, they recognized the prescient nature of his vision. Especially with carrier-based aircraft; while other nations utilized planes primarily in land-based airspace, Qin Tian had already begun to plan for their naval deployment. If realized, this would undeniably bolster the strength of the German Navy.
Qin Tian aimed to develop torpedo bombers before the outbreak of war, enabling the future construction of aircraft carriers capable of launching these bombers. Even if they could only deploy light or medium torpedoes, they could still achieve impressive results against enemy surface vessels. However, he understood the challenges of developing heavy torpedo bombers capable of operating from aircraft carriers before the war, as their decks offered limited takeoff distances.
After leaving Orelinburg, Qin Tian began to strategize the development of the air force. Aircraft alone were insufficient; personnel were essential. Although the current planes did not meet standards, they could be used to train pilots. Once more advanced models were ready, Germany would possess a sufficient number of skilled aviators for combat.
Establishing a fully-fledged air force immediately was impractical, and even forming army or naval aviation units would face significant obstacles. Many were still unaware of the aircraft's potential, and there was a risk of leaks. Qin Tian considered these aircraft to be Germany's trump card, thus both land-based and carrier-based units needed to remain highly confidential.
After much contemplation, Qin Tian resolved to establish an aviation squadron within the Eighth Army Corps, selecting and training qualified individuals to cultivate a larger pool of pilots for future warfare. Ultimately, when the time was ripe, the Eighth Army Corps Aviation Squadron would evolve into the Imperial Army Air Corps, and eventually into the Imperial Air Force!