Munitions Empire-Chapter 1227 - 1147 Expensive Visit

Sometimes admission tickets are quite cheap. For example, going to Disneyland or Universal Studios International, a ticket costs more than 600 to over 1,000 dollars. It seems expensive, but in reality, it’s actually very cheap.

Because compared to touring an aircraft carrier, that admission fee is extremely affordable: to board a Great Tang Empire aircraft carrier currently in service, the boarding standard is... a deposit of one billion dollars.

Yes, one billion dollars as a deposit, plus a purchase contract worth 900 million dollars as the remaining payment. Only after the money is paid in full does a country qualify to send its delegation to board and tour a Great Tang Empire aircraft carrier.

As long as a country has its own ports and coastlines, no one would want to miss such an opportunity. Many countries paid the fee and then quickly arranged for delegations to visit Linshui, where a Great Tang Empire aircraft carrier was docked for resupply.

This aircraft carrier had only been launched slightly over three years ago. It was still quite new. It’s truly colossal, with a full-load displacement exceeding 30,000 tons. It is, in the truest sense, a fleet carrier.

It wasn’t until they climbed the gangway that the members of the delegation from Dorne truly grasped the enormity of the aircraft carrier: its ship sides were much taller than those of a battleship, and the flight deck was so vast that it showcased the grandeur and might of this gigantic war machine.

For this occasion, the aircraft carrier had been specially prepared, taking all attendees on a nearshore sailing tour.

The escort fleet consisted of three destroyers. The entire formation was an awe-inspiring sight, giving visitors firsthand experience of what it means to witness the majesty of an aircraft carrier strike group.

They were like hicks experiencing a grand tourist attraction for the first time, meticulously examining every detail of the aircraft carrier. Among the delegation were technical experts from various professional fields, intent on analyzing the design in hopes of reverse-engineering the Great Tang Empire’s aircraft carriers back home.

But the more they observed, the more alarmed they became. This aircraft carrier was like a floating city; every single detail was a masterpiece of modern industry. It was impossible for them to replicate such a complex project. Every component of the ship was filled with ingenious design.

When they saw the Stuka Dive Bombers parked on the deck, their wings folded, they finally confirmed that the Great Tang Empire indeed incorporated foldable aircraft wings to maximize the number of planes onboard.

However, even after physically inspecting the folding mechanisms on the carrier-based aircrafts’ wings, they couldn’t guarantee they’d be able to create components of similar strength to allow their own country’s planes to fold their wings.

When they observed the elevators on the deck, it dawned on them that making elevators large enough could allow airplanes to use them! Previously, they had only considered complex crane systems. But now, after seeing the elevators, it all seemed so simple.

Unfortunately, their excitement didn’t last long. Relevant engineering experts quickly threw a bucket of cold water over their hopes: the elevator technology was equally intricate, and there was no guarantee they could replicate it back home.

Then, the delegation saw the arresting wires at the rear of the carrier. That was the moment it struck everyone—adding a hook to an aircraft’s tail could solve the problem of landing on an aircraft carrier.

But the issues were still manifold. The arresting wires weren’t as simple as four ropes strung across the deck. Assuming so would be utterly naive.

The bridge design, the planning of runways, the deployment of deck personnel—these details, while not decisive in determining whether an aircraft carrier could engage in combat, were vital in determining its operational efficiency.

As a fleet carrier, it also featured various specialized compartments inside, such as a command center, a communications room, and meeting rooms for pilots. Each had a crucial role, and all of them were innovations not seen on previous warships.

When they saw that the carrier also housed an entire level dedicated to a hangar equipped with maintenance facilities, capable of repairing and testing carrier-based aircraft, they were completely overwhelmed by the complexity of the aircraft carrier.

The Great Tang Empire’s advanced weaponry and equipment once again delivered endless surprises to its spectators. As in past visits, the delegates were both astonished and convinced that the tour’s hefty price tag was truly worth it.

At the port, the delegation also watched the Great Tang Empire Navy’s aviation personnel demonstrate fighter jet operations and had the chance to eat a naval "officer and soldier meal" aboard the aircraft carrier.

To be honest, what they ate and whether they ate it was of little consequence. What mattered was seeing a Stuka lurching as it took off from the deck—it was as if they were witnessing the gateway to a whole new world opening before their eyes.

With the ocean breeze refreshing their spirits and the sight of carrier-based aircrafts taking off into the wind, every single delegate felt newfound confidence in the Navy’s upcoming revolution.

With an aircraft carrier, their battleships would have greater operational capability. With an aircraft carrier, their coastlines would be even safer.

Admittedly, there was a slight regret—they hadn’t had the chance to witness the Great Tang Empire’s new naval weapon capable of launching long-range strikes that could severely damage battleships.

The Styx Missile, a dangerous weapon even the Great Tang Empire struggled to counter, was, of course, not available for purchase. For the world’s nations to acquire anti-ship missiles, they might have to wait until the Great Tang Empire perfected its Aegis destroyers.

Furthermore, the visiting delegation missed many minor details on the carrier: the Fresnel optical landing aid system on both sides behind the flight deck was covered with tarpaulins, so the delegations didn’t see the device during their tour.

Later, when planes were taking off and landing, the visitors were positioned next to the bridge, so naturally, they couldn’t see the system in action.

These minor oversights would only affect the combat effectiveness of their own future carriers once they returned and began their mimicry projects... It didn’t matter; at worst, it would just result in a few more dead pilots, a few more crashed planes, or a few more carrier repairs—trivial matters.

Nevertheless, the demonstration of takeoff and landing by the naval aviation team gave the visiting delegation a glimpse of the future form of naval warfare. The extensive use of radar and radio navigation expanded the effective range of naval engagements to several hundred kilometers.

In the Southern Island Naval Battle, apart from the standout performance of the Styx Anti-ship Missile, carrier-based aircraft fitted with bombs and torpedoes also played pivotal roles. The complete destruction of Mirage Country’s main naval fleet was the best testament to the Great Tang Empire’s carrier-based aviation forces.

Thus, as they ate in the carrier’s cafeteria, representatives from various countries began discussing related arms procurement discussions: it was obviously not enough to merely purchase aircraft carriers—they needed to also buy corresponding carrier-based aircraft.

The atmosphere came to life. Some nations hoped to purchase WWII-era American carrier aircraft like the Dauntless. Others preferred Japanese models such as the Nakajima B5N or Aichi D3A dive bombers.

There were countries interested in British carrier-based aircraft like the Seafire or Sea Hurricane, while others began negotiating for Pirate fighters and Stuka dive bombers from Tang Country...

Notoriously infamous, the Zero fighter had few takers. However, it was relatively cheap and had an extended range, making it a viable choice for some.

Additionally, the Great Tang Empire offered modification services, converting land aviation-designed planes into carrier-based aircraft to enable takeoff and landing on an aircraft carrier.

Recently, the frequency at which countries were purchasing cutting-edge technologies from the Great Tang Group had significantly increased. The endless stream of advanced weapons and revolutionary technologies inevitably led to skyrocketing expenses worldwide.

On one hand, countries purchased the Great Tang Empire’s latest radar, missiles, and fighter jet technology. On the other hand, they also sought naval submarines, carriers, and carrier-based aircraft technologies.

In civilian sectors, the brand-new commercial jet airliners drew much interest as well, and buying them was simply a natural step. In fact, many nations were hoping to use civilian airliner engines as a reference for designing advanced combat aircraft for their countries.

Unfortunately, success was impossible as civilian airliner engines and military combat aircraft engines were fundamentally different, with barely any reference value.

Moreover, there were also numerous dual-use technologies, such as those involving Huey Helicopters. These advanced innovations were highly valuable, and countries were keen to bring them in as well.

The huge expenditure on such extensive technology importation was, as expected, financially burdensome. Even though many nations had earlier made significant profits through mercenary engagement, their spending outpaced their income.

The Great Tang Empire, just by offering submarine technology, had nearly recouped the costs incurred from hiring troops to fight the internal war in Dahua. To afford subsequent technologies, countries had no choice but to resume large-scale bartering.

Indeed, the primary way these nations purchased the Great Tang Empire’s new technology and arms was by exporting massive quantities of unrefined ore.

The Great Tang Empire’s substantial importation of these unprocessed minerals was chiefly because Great Tang sought to extract the accompanying uranium within them.

The Great Tang Empire’s nuclear research program was entering its most critical stage, and having sufficient material supplies significantly impacted the success of future experiments.

If the Great Tang Empire were less scrupulous, they could launch a few dirty bombs with Dongfeng-3 missiles at Northern Island right now. Who knows? The Goblins might eventually mutate into the Hulk someday.

To settle debts, countries were forced to provide the Great Tang Empire with adequate quantities of ores and hard resources such as grains.

And, to deliver these goods, they had no choice but to reorganize their industries: herding cattle, planting crops, mining minerals… all of these essential assets could, in critical moments, serve as currency.

As days passed, the entire world began to change. The Great Tang Empire was transporting increasingly large quantities of supplies and personnel to New Island and South Island, leaving the timing for operations on Ben Island almost ripe.

The Poplar Empire and the Ice Cold Empire continued their brutal standoff at Hotwind Port. Both sides suffered heavy losses but remained unable to gain the upper hand against each other. These two nations had already burned through nearly 500,000 troops here, yet the frontlines persisted in a relatively stagnant state.

This war seemed to represent the current global standard for warfare—a stalemate reminiscent of World War I trench battles.

In contrast, on another nearly forgotten battlefield, the civil war in Dahua seemed to be moving toward a conclusion.