Lao Zhou took a serious look at Li Hang, thought for a while, and then nodded in agreement, "I can only give you a maximum of 50,000 yuan, and you can make sure you give me a plane that can take off and has the same performance as the Hawker III. Fighters with similar performance?"
It's not that Lao Zhou doesn't want to give more, but that he seems to be the head of the Air Force, but in fact his power has been greatly weakened.
Not to mention personnel appointments.
The most important thing is funding.
Most of the funding for the Aeronautical Commission goes to that lady.
Previously, a lot of funds were raised for the Air Force to purchase fighter planes, but the wife believed that fighter planes were being replaced too quickly, so she deposited the money in a U.S. bank to earn interest and wait until she needed to buy it later.
But the result is that planes that cost only ten to twenty thousand dollars each have now risen to thirty to fifty thousand dollars, and they may not even be available.
This is true, but no one dares to mention it.
"This..." Li Hang hesitated, "Sir, an engine costs a lot of money."
"I definitely can't buy you a new engine, and we can't make it in China. However, some of the damaged Hawker III engines were left in the warehouse to collect dust. Although they are not new, I can approve two of them for you. You go and try.
Fifty thousand yuan, plus two working engines, this is the support I can give you. Of course, you can also use some parts from old aircraft. If you need them, just bring them to me.
To get greater support, you have to come up with a prototype that satisfies me. If you can't even convince me, let alone convince Chongqing. "Lao Zhou said seriously.
Lao Zhou's words were actually heartfelt.
Li Hang heard this, nodded, and immediately promised, "Sir, please rest assured, Beizi will definitely be able to produce a prototype. Give Beizhi one year, no, give Beizhi half a year, and Beizhi will personally fly the new aircraft to prove it to the superior."
"Half a year? Don't talk nonsense. Is it convenient for you to give me the drawings? The Aviation Committee has established an aviation research institute in Chengdu. There are many talents there. I plan to show them the drawings.
That is to say, Wang Zhu is not here, otherwise he might be able to see the level of your aircraft design. "Although Lao Zhou's tone was calm, his attitude towards asking for the drawings was very tough.
Maybe he was worried that Li Hang was lying to him, or maybe he was worried that Li Hang would have an accident.
"Sir, this bag contains the drawings painted by Bei Zhi."
Li Hang handed over the drawings without thinking.
The previous drawing was actually just a sketch. If the aircraft was changed to a wooden structure, many changes would have to be made, so it would be okay to hand it over.
I don’t think Lao Zhou would take this drawing as his own, because it’s not necessary.
"I didn't expect you to give me one surprise after another. If possible in the next battle, don't be too competitive. It's best to survive. If you can really design a plane that can be mass-produced and rival the Japanese fighter With the new fighter aircraft, your people are more important.
Also, you might attract the hate of little devils, so generally don’t run around. Even if you leave the airport, it’s best to take someone with you. "Lao Zhou patted Li Hang on the shoulder and gave emphatically a warning.
For a lieutenant general and former enemy commander of the Air Force to say this to a captain, Li Hang, was pretty good.
"Thank you for your concern, sir!"
. . . . . .
Originally, according to the plan, Li Hang's squadron was transferred to Nanchang after the New Year to strengthen the defense there.
But plans can't keep up with changes.
On February 1, the second day of the Lunar New Year, major newspapers in Wuhan suddenly reported the massacre in Nanjing.
In fact, when Li Hang was cleared of his name, there were media reports on the Nanjing Massacre, but there was no follow-up soon.
The reason is also simple. At that time, I learned about the tragedy in Nanjing from Li Hang's mouth, and there was no evidence. No one could confirm whether what Li Hang said was true.
Even though the Nationalist Government has been calling for it internationally, Europe and the United States don't quite believe it.
But this time it was different.
There were many witnesses who escaped, including civilians, trapped soldiers, and even foreigners. Many of these people witnessed the massacre by the Japanese army, and some even left photos to prove the massacre by the Japanese army.
In this way, the massacre committed by the Japanese army was confirmed.
As some media reports in Europe and the United States, and also in China, the matter started to ferment. Even Li Hang felt that it was a little late and a little sudden.
However, the impact of this incident was great, especially after the evidence was exposed. Although it was not much, it could prove that the Japanese army really carried out a massacre in Nanjing.
If something like this happened, everyone would definitely have a hard time this year.
Under this circumstance, the Air Force decided to take the initiative to launch an air strike. In addition to restoring the image of the National Government, it could also deal a certain blow to the Japanese invaders.
That is what Li Hang proposed before. It was originally going to be later, but it was moved forward because of this matter.
February 5th is the sixth day of the first lunar month.
In the early morning, before dawn, Hankou Airport became very busy.
The 10 pilots of the 23rd Squadron began to assemble.
"Everyone, today's mission is to escort the bombers of the China Air Force, and our target is the two airports in Nanjing that were occupied by the Japanese army."
After breakfast, Lu Jichun held a meeting with the pilots and briefly explained today's mission.
"So that's where it is. I've wanted to blow up those nasty little devils for a long time. Even if the airport is destroyed, I can't give it to the little devils." Zhou Zhikai on the side suddenly made an impassioned speech.
"Okay, stop talking nonsense. Today's mission is not simple. We are the only escort formation, and we still need to refuel in Hefei before rushing to Nanjing. The requirements are very high, so everyone must take it seriously." Lu Jichun glared. Zhou Zhikai hurriedly warned everyone.
"We are the only one in the squadron? Can it be done?" Liang Tiancheng was a little worried.
The main reason is that this is their first action after switching to the I-16 fighter jets, and it is still an active attack. It is a test for everyone.
"You have to do it even if you don't. You have also heard about the tragedy in Nanjing. You didn't believe it when Li Hang said it before, but you should believe it now, right?
We enjoy the best treatment in the entire military. We cannot just enjoy it without paying. "How could Lu Jichun not know that this attack would be difficult?
Most of their squadrons are students who have just graduated from school and have no combat experience.
Fortunately, this is an active attack. As long as you are careful, the losses can still be controlled, which is much better than passive defense.
"Don't worry, squadron leader, we have been mentally prepared for a long time." Zhou Zhikai suddenly became serious.
Others also nodded. After all, the casualty rate of the Air Force was there.
"Li Hang, what do you have to say?"
"Just say, when we come back, let's all celebrate together, and I'll cook a delicious meal myself."
"Really? Chief Li can also cook?"
"Just for this meal, I have to come back!"
Amid cheers and laughter, ten pilots boarded the plane one after another and took off.
And behind them, there are more than a dozen bombers!
