Chapter 488 The Heavenly Chariot ascends to the sky

The Tiannian space plane is 125 meters long and has a wingspan of 110 meters.

And you know, even the An-225 has a fuselage length of 84 meters and a wingspan of 88.4 meters.

So it can be said that this Tiannian space plane is a veritable behemoth, and can even be called an air cruise ship. After all, a small cruise ship is generally only more than a hundred meters long.

However, what is different from other aircraft is that the Tiannian does not have a streamlined fuselage that looks comfortable. On the contrary, the Tiannian can be called "fat".

The diameter of its fuselage is several times larger than that of other passenger aircraft. The most important thing is that the middle part is still a little protruding, as if a flying saucer is embedded in the middle of the streamlined fuselage, and this "flying saucer" is still Connected to the wings on both sides.

Of course, this "disk" embedded in it is the controllable nuclear fusion reactor. The heart of this behemoth is the energy core that drives the Tiannian to fly.

This controllable nuclear fusion reactor uses a new type of device similar to a tokamak. It is not the conch-type device designed by Lin Xiao before. This is mainly because of the use of YB-1 material - Lin Xiao later found out the end Liao Cheng named this material YB-1 instead of Yuebei-1 as he named it at the time.

All in all, after using the YB-1, you no longer have to worry too much about the service life. At least, the Tiannian's controllable nuclear fusion reactor can be used for at least more than 20 years.

As for the cost of the entire Tianzhuan, it is as high as more than 9 billion.

Of course, in fact, it is more than 9 billion, which is very cheap.

After all, the cost of the Long March 9 rocket is as high as 5 billion, and the most important thing is that the Long March 9 rocket can be said to be disposable.

However, the Tiannian can be reused. Even if the cost of a single ship is as high as more than 9 billion, in the end, on average, calculated over 20 years, it will only be about 400 to 500 million per year. If it is divided into installments, it will cost more than 9 billion per day. Just over one million.

Although today's rockets have actually mastered recyclable technology, recyclable rockets can only recycle the first-stage rocket, while other parts of the second-stage rocket, third-stage rocket, etc. are not recyclable. .

So no matter what, as a rocket, it is inherently far behind a space plane by several levels.

"It's so spectacular!"

In the hangar, everyone present could not help but be shocked by this thing.

Although the people present are basically staff members, and they basically watched this giant thing being painted from the frame to the exterior, and finally formed into this appearance, yet every time they see it, it still gives them a spiritual feeling. Shocking.

And the three characters on it, ‘Tian Nian Hao’, were even said to have been inscribed by the leaders above.

At this time, a voice rang from the hangar's broadcast: "Attention all units, from now on, preparations for the Tiannian's takeoff will begin. The first test flight of the Tiannian is expected to begin in four hours!" "

After hearing the words on the radio, these staff members were heartened, and then started their work again. Everyone had only one idea in their mind, that is, to do all their work well, and then witness the Tianxian's ascent. sky!

…

Meanwhile, in an office on the upper level of the hangar.

"My dear, Chief Lin, what did you build? A space carrier? Even if Hydra comes, you are not as good as you."

Ma Gaoliang, who hadn't seen him for a long time, looked at the huge thing outside the window. The shock on his face had never stopped since he came in just now.

He really didn't expect that Lin Xiao would create such a man-made wonder so quietly. It was simply outrageous.

"That's it. The Space Carrier is not that big of a deal. Of course, it is indeed a mothership." Lin Xiao said with a smile.

Ma Gaoliang was stunned and asked: "Is it still a mothership? Why?"

"Because it can be used to transport satellites, if we want to launch satellites in the future, we can just let Tiannian fly directly to the predetermined orbit, and then open the satellite cabin at the back and release the satellites."

Lin Xiao said.

The Tiannian has a maximum take-off weight of 2,900 tons, of which the maximum fuel load is 700 tons, which is equivalent to the maximum take-off weight of an An-225.

Of course, this fuel capacity is mainly aviation fuel. If you want such a behemoth to fly from the ground, you need to have enough aviation fuel. According to calculations, these 700 tons of aviation fuel are enough for the Tiannian to fly into the sky. Then cruise for thousands of kilometers in the sky.

In addition, the maximum cargo weight it can carry is 500 tons, including 10 satellite cargo bays with a load capacity of 10 tons.

In other words, Tiannian can carry satellites with a total weight of 100 tons into the sky at a time. As for the number of satellites, there is basically no limit, as long as the satellite cargo compartment can accommodate their size.

Therefore, it is equivalent to spaceX's Starlink plan. They can now easily implement it at a lower cost and carry more satellites at a time.

After listening to Lin Xiao's words, Ma Gaoliang couldn't help but marveled: "This is really... tsk tsk, it's so awesome."

"Is it going to take off soon?"

"Well, it's about to take off." Lin Xiao said: "Let it go to say hello to the astronauts on our space station first, then make a few turns in the orbit, and then come back."

"Then I have to witness it." Ma Gaodian nodded, but then he asked: "Oh, by the way, where is our pilot? Oh, no, it should be the astronaut."

Lin Xiao smiled and said: "The Tiannian is equipped with intelligent assisted driving, so this time it is artificial intelligence that conducts the test flight."

"Oh, that's it, I understand..."

Hearing Lin Xiao's words, Ma Gaoliang nodded at first. After all, ordinary launch vehicles are like this, unmanned and controlled by ground bases.

However, he reacted after a while. He was stunned for a moment, and then he was shocked. The Tiannian was not a rocket!

This is an airplane!

Although it is called an aerospace plane, it is still an airplane, and it even has the function of carrying people. Nowadays, no manned aircraft uses unmanned pilots!

What's more, this thing is so valuable!

He quickly asked: "You want artificial intelligence to conduct a test flight? Are you sure?"

"OK." Lin Xiao nodded slightly, looked at the Tiannian outside, and said, "I know what you are thinking, but just trust me. I am sure."

"But...this is something worth ten billion."

Ma Gaoliang still found it hard to believe that such an expensive thing could use driverless driving?

This is too...confident, right?

At this moment, there was a sudden knock on the office door, and six people broke in. Four men and two women, all of whom looked very capable.

In addition, they all wear special clothing. This uniform represents the six astronauts who have been receiving aerospace aircraft driving training here for more than a year.

They were all outstanding pilots in the Air Force, and then they were selected and came here to receive training. They will become the next batch of Chinese astronauts to enter space.

Seeing them coming in, Lin Xiao said, "Why are you here? There is no training today?"

The male astronaut in the lead said to Lin Xiao anxiously: "Chief Lin, what's going on? Why is the Tiannian about to conduct a test flight? We didn't receive a notice either! "

This man is called Zhu Xiong, and he is the captain of these six people.

Their training period was originally eighteen months, and as of now, there are still a few months until the end of the eighteen-month training period. However, they never expected that they suddenly received the news today that Tiannian The number is about to undergo a test flight!

This really surprised them.

Lin Xiao smiled and said: "Don't worry, didn't I tell you before? The test flight is to use artificial intelligence, and your training period is not over yet, so you should wait until the eighteen months of training is completed. , and after passing the assessment, it will be up to you to drive."

The six future aerospace plane pilots were all stunned. Lin Xiao actually wanted to use artificial intelligence?

"But didn't you say at that time that we would wait and see what happens later?" Zhu Xiong said, "So Chief Lin, let us go first. In this case, we can have a guarantee."

"Although we haven't completely finished the training, there are only three months left until it ends, so I think we are up to the task!"

"We will definitely be able to ensure the safety of the Tiannian!"

The other five people also said in unison: "We must ensure the safety of the Tiannian!"

"absurd!"

However, after they finished speaking, Lin Xiao said sternly: "I won't let you conduct a test flight just to ensure your safety. When will you be needed to ensure the safety of an aircraft?"

"All your previous training was in vain?"

Lin Xiao snorted coldly: "Otherwise, what would be the use of the self-driving artificial intelligence I worked so hard to develop? Isn't it just to better protect your safety?"

Hearing Lin Xiao's scolding, the six future astronauts were stunned for a moment, and then they felt moved in their hearts.

They did not expect that Lin Xiao actually thought this way.

After all, you must know that the Tiannian is worth more than nine billion.

"But……"

"Nothing but."

Zhu Xiong wanted to say something else, but Lin Xiao interrupted him directly and said: "Okay, don't say anything else. Go back and continue your training. When we take off in four hours, you can come and visit. .”

"The test flight is just to test the most basic performance. If there is a problem, even if you go up, it will be in vain. If danger occurs, your leader will probably come to trouble me."

Seeing this, Zhu Xiong and the others could only give up. Of course, they were also grateful because of Lin Xiao's words, just like when they first entered the Air Force for training, the coach told them that they were worth more than The kind of feeling that a thousand-dollar airplane is precious.

As they left, Ma Gaoliang on the side also understood what Lin Xiao meant, and then shook his head and sighed: "It seems that you have thought better. Indeed, you are right, these pilots want to It is more precious, and life is more expensive at any time."

Lin Xiao smiled lightly, and then touched his nose without leaving any trace.

Although he did have such an idea just now, in fact, he just wanted to promote this kind of driverless intelligence in the future.

In fact, including this unmanned driving intelligence, it was not something he worked hard to research. In fact, it was all created by Xiaomi.

After all, there is no better "programmer" than Xiaomi in the world.

And writing a program is even easier.

"Okay, I should go see how they are preparing."

Lin Xiao looked at the time at this time, and then said.

"Okay, let me go and have a look with you." Ma Gaodian nodded and said.

Lin Xiao smiled slightly, then left the office and began to inspect the preparations of various units.

Until three and a half hours later.

"Preparations for takeoff have been completed and takeoff is about to begin! Personnel from all units please begin to evacuate in an orderly manner and reach a safe area within ten minutes."

"Personnel from all units please begin to evacuate to a safe area in an orderly manner and arrive at the safe area within ten minutes."

As the broadcast sounded, everyone in the audience quickly evacuated the scene and went to a safe area.

"Open the hangar door and start the Tiannian engine!"

Ten minutes later, the broadcast sounded again, and the hangar door began to move slowly. The light from outside came in and shone on the surface of the Tiannian, shining brightly.

Everyone immediately turned their attention to the behemoth.

Is it finally going to be exposed to the sun?

Everyone couldn't help but feel excited.

The Tiannian completed the process from scratch in this hangar. Similarly, it has never been exposed to the sun.

Because of this, no news about the Tiannian has been released until now.

Of course, they believe that after the Tianran leaves the hangar, various spy satellites in the sky a hundred kilometers away will spot such a giant beast.

After all, the ten-kilometer-long runway can be seen clearly even from a hundred kilometers in the sky.

Of course, everyone present has been waiting for a long time.

Just come down and let it officially appear!

A huge engine sound sounded, and three sets of turbines at the tail of the Tiannian began to rotate, sucking away the huge airflow.

At this time, the aerospace engine is in aviation mode, moving by absorbing huge airflow.

Just like this, as the airflow inside it became larger and larger, the turbine rotated faster and faster, and finally, this behemoth started to move.

Below, twelve sets of landing gear, consisting of a total of forty-eight tires, began to roll slowly and began to move towards the open door.

Of course, as a spacecraft that can also land on other planets, it does not only have tires, because tires use this kind of runway, and there are no runways for it on other planets.

In order to deal with the problem of taking off on other planets, the YB-1 is used to form a bracket on the Tiannian's fuselage. This bracket can support the Tiannian and stand upright before taking off.

There was no way, YB-1 was so powerful, Lin Xiao would not be able to live up to its performance if he didn't make good use of it.

Of course, they are still on Earth, so they don't need this bracket yet.

Just like that, forty-eight tires that were taller than a person finally allowed the Tiannian to sail out of the hangar.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was clear and cloudy.

At the same time, in the deep blue sky, countless eyes from man-made objects in orbit saw the giant object protruding from one end of the ten-kilometer-long runway.

…

United States, NSA, Satellite Exploration Division.

"Oh! Buy it! Karma!"

"Oh my God, what is that?"

According to orders from his superiors, a staff member at the Dingguang Aerospace Research Institute's runway would be monitored from time to time. He looked at the thing that appeared on the monitor in shock.

Although it was seen through satellites, no matter how big things were, they would become very small, but the airplane-like thing that appeared from inside still shocked his eyes.

When the colleague next to him heard his voice, he came over curiously and took a look, and was shocked for a moment.

At this time, the wings of the Tiannian had also sailed out of the hangar. Seeing the extremely long wings and the disc-shaped thing in the middle of the wings, they couldn't believe their eyes.

"What kind of thing did the Chinese create? This wing... is at least over a hundred meters long?"

"The wings are so long, what about the fuselage?"

They swallowed, until finally, the fuselage finally appeared completely in front of them.

"Oh my God……"

The fuselage is more than 120 meters long, and the huge body...

This is what the intelligence said, an aerospace plane?

They feel like this is an aerial battleship?

"Hurry and report it to the superiors!"

The person in charge of surveillance reacted immediately and quickly told their superiors about the incident.

Of course, they were not the only ones who discovered the Tiannian.

There are so many spy satellites in the sky, and the fact that Lin Xiao built an extra-long runway has long been known to all major countries.

Therefore, within ten minutes of the appearance of Tianchaanan, it was known to the leaders of various countries.

In the White House, the president's face was full of disbelief, "Is this... an aerospace plane? Why is it so big?"

The Secretary of State on the side was also shocked, "Maybe it's because...the Chinese want to build such a big building?"

The president was stunned for a moment, then cursed: "Nonsense!"

"Okay, let's not talk about this anymore. What do they plan to do by bringing this thing out?"

"Maybe... they are about to take off?" the Secretary of State guessed.

Although this was considered nonsense, the president did not say anything. Instead, he looked down at the picture and murmured: "Can such a big thing really... fly?"

The president's problem also became a problem for leaders of other countries. Of course, in the end, as the news spread, this problem also became a problem for everyone.

How can such a huge thing fly?

It was at this time that people finally realized what the ten-kilometer-long runway was used for.

…

"Confirm that the surrounding airspace is safe and the Tiannian can take off."

When the broadcast sounded again, everyone in the hangar stared at the behemoth outside, waiting for it to start roaring.

And indeed, at the next moment, the Tiannian's engine finally exploded.

A thrust of up to 589 tons exploded out, carrying unparalleled momentum, and finally allowed this giant to explode with unprecedented kinetic energy.

Then, it started running from slow to fast.

The An-225's six engines have a total thrust of only 140 tons, but theirs is nearly four times that.

Of course, the maximum weight during takeoff is also four times as much.

However, only in this way can it fly.

Of course, the most important thing is the aerodynamic design given to it by Lin Xiao. Through the perfect design of the general solution of the Navier-Stokes equation, the aerodynamic performance of the Tiannian can be said to have reached a peak.

Therefore, Lin Xiao could not find the possibility that the Tiannian could not fly.

The wind howled and the engine roared violently.

When Tianzhan completed the 7,000-kilometer runway, its speed had reached a speed of nearly 350 kilometers per hour.

At this time, it no longer needs the ground to provide support.

And as the 8,000-kilometer run was completed, the Tiannian had already raised its head.

The autonomous driving intelligence controlled the Tiannian, completed its takeoff, and then, dragging its huge body, finally reached the sky!

Seeing this scene, everyone in the hangar clapped their hands excitedly, and the entire hangar was filled with excitement and excitement.

Lin Xiao also looked at it with a smile, then took out his mobile phone and typed.

"Go for a walk around the universe, meet the Tiangong Space Station, and then come back. I'll be here waiting for your landing tomorrow." 』

"Okay, Master, I'm going to collide with the Tiangong Space Station!" 』

"meet! What bump? 』

"hey-hey! 』

Taking back her phone, Lin Xiao shook her head, Xiaomi, now she has learned the function of joking.

However, no matter what, let’s wait for this time tomorrow to welcome the return of the Tiannian.

…

At this time, when everyone on the earth saw the Tiannian taking off, countless people were shocked.

This behemoth really took off.

All of a sudden, various speculations about the Tiannian spread throughout the Internet.

Even the leaders of various countries felt their scalps go numb for a while. This thing looked like it weighed at least a thousand tons. The An-225 was not even that big. How could something with thousands of tons fly?

Are you kidding me? !

However, the fact is that it is powerful enough to fly, let alone an aerospace plane with precise aerodynamic design.

Wait, space plane?

When these leaders suddenly reacted, they all learned that this behemoth was flying towards the middle layer!

middle layer!

The third layer of the atmosphere, and ordinary airplanes fly in the stratosphere. Not many airplanes can fly to the middle layer above the stratosphere, because the higher you go, the thinner the air. The airplanes that can fly up are generally special airplanes. .

So, how can this Tiannian be able to break through the stratosphere?

At this moment, at an altitude of forty kilometers.

"Engine mode switching begins, estimated completion time: 10 seconds!" 』

As the engine exhaust flame went out, a sound of mechanical transmission sounded in the empty void.

The sun, moon and stars in the sky have begun to become clear, and you can see them all.

Ten seconds passed.

Because of the loss of power, the speed of the Tiannian has slowed down.

"The switch is completed, hydrogen pellets are put in, and the laser is calibrated. 』

Afterwards, the Tiannian's engine tail had been switched to a smooth arc, and suddenly a small projectile was shot from the side, almost invisible.

The next moment, four laser beams suddenly shot out from all around, touching the small projectile at the same time.

then--

"boom!"

A huge explosion sounded, and at the same time it brought a huge amount of energy. Then, the speed that the Tianzhan had originally slowed down suddenly accelerated, and then rushed further away.

Until finally, it rushes into the middle layer and then into the warm layer.

At this moment, below is the blue planet, above, is the shining black.

The Tiannian successfully entered orbit and ascended to the sky!

On Earth, people in the aerospace departments of various countries were dumbfounded when they looked at the images from satellites.

The Chinese really created an aerospace plane!

That Lin Xiao!