Chapter 194 Iron Hook Tank

It had been a while since Charles went to the tractor factory. He found that as the business grew bigger, the trivial matters unknowingly increased.

Such as the "date" with Steed, as well as the tank base and tactical guidance from the flying club.

Colonel Browne and Carter would often call Charles to ask questions during his holidays. They even hoped that Charles could come in person to give guidance. Charles could never answer: "I'll wait till I go to work tomorrow!"

After all, this is not only a training issue, but also a matter of Shire's business: if the tank force and aircraft force cannot win, then the tanks and planes produced by Shire may not get orders from the military. Can't make money.

Therefore, this can only be said to be a kind of "after-sales service" in order to obtain more orders.

Charles felt that it was time to tell Gallieni: if business affairs take up Charles's personal vacation, then Charles's personal affairs can naturally occupy his service time.

But Charles doesn't think this will be useful, and Gallieni will probably reply: "You can refuse to deal with official business during your private vacation!"

"Is this what you said? I can refuse to fight during the holidays in the future?"

"It's up to you, as long as you can withstand the pressure from the public!"

Charles let out a long sigh. Gallieni knew where Charles's weakness was, and Charles did not dare to easily destroy his public image.

If Charles leaves his post due to vacation in the middle of the battle, his image among the military and civilians will collapse in an instant.

When the time comes, what will Charles have to fight against the capitalists?

This may be what people often say: "It's too cold to be at a high place." After being promoted to a certain height, it is impossible to live like an ordinary person again, unless one day you fall down hard.

The last vacation was the most tiring. Charles spent a whole day greeting technicians from Martin Automobile Factory.

Talk, socialize, arrange accommodation, etc.

Ciel attaches great importance to this group of talents, at least to make them feel that Ciel attaches great importance to them.

During this period, Charles vaguely revealed some future car developments, such as electric start, closed cabins, sedans, electric wipers... Charles just mentioned a few features of modern cars and that was it.

(Note: The wiper was invented by a woman named Mary Anderson in 1903, but it was manual for a long time, requiring the driver to turn the wiper while driving. It was not until 1923 that it was changed to electric and installed on the car. )

The technicians were all stunned. They had long heard that Charles was a hero who was good at developing military equipment, but they didn't expect that he also researched cars?

And the few points mentioned casually seem to be a good development direction for cars!

"How about we build a car on the way?"

"It's a very good idea!" Charles responded simply: "As long as you can build it, I want planes, tanks, and cars! Anyone who comes is welcome! Just ask for whatever you need, factories, equipment, supplies... Eli Gram, arrange a special buyer!”

After it was over, Ciel promised them that they could bring their families here to live at any time if they wanted.

In fact, Charles doesn't have much interest in civilian cars.

Military equipment is highly profitable and can be realized quickly. There are already a lot of things waiting for you to invent. Joining the automobile industry will offend more capitalists, such as Renault.

But if the technicians have this enthusiasm, let them study it. At worst, they will only engage in racing and sell invention patents as before.

That night, Eric happily called Charles:

"Char, do you know what the technician said about you?"

"They all agree that you are a very visionary and forward-looking boss! They think that there is a future and a way to make money by following you. Some even think that they may leave a mark in the history of invention."

"Some of them are already planning to settle in Paris for a long time!"

"The only thing they have concerns about is the stalemate on the battlefield. It would be perfect if one day you could end the war as soon as possible!"

Ciel smiled helplessly and wanted to end the war as soon as possible? This is not something he can do.

…

It was finally the holidays again, and there were no other chores to worry about. Charles could finally go to the tractor factory with peace of mind.

When he arrived at the R\u0026D Department, Charles was shocked by what he saw: There was a small tank next to the "Mark I" tank. Its frame and outline were basically completed, and it looked a bit like a "Renault" tank.

This is not surprising at all. It uses the same suspension and rotating turret, and the whole layout is similar.

"It's very beautiful, isn't it?" Matthew approached Charles with a confident smile on his face: "We drove it for a lap, and it's much more stable than the Mark I!"

"Is it ready to open?" Charles was surprised by the progress.

"Yes!" Matthew nodded: "But we are not sure how thick the armor should be."

Colonel Estini, who was discussing something with the workers over the drawings on the other side, saw Charles. He immediately stopped what he was doing, rummaged through a pile of documents next to him, pulled out a drawing and walked quickly towards Charles. .

"Nice to meet you, Major!" Estini said as he walked, stepped forward and showed the drawing in front of Charles.

"This is an imaginary picture of it after it is completed." Estini explained while comparing it with the actual object: "We plan to install 22MM thick armor on its front..."

"No, 25MM!" Charles interrupted Estiny.

Estiny was somewhat puzzled: "The German K bullet can only penetrate 13MM steel plate, I think 22MM is enough."

"25MM!" Charles did not explain much.

In fact, Charles did not know how to explain. The German T-shaped anti-tank gun could penetrate 25MM vertical steel plate at a distance of 200 meters. If the front armor was only 22MM thick, it would be very dangerous in actual combat.

There is no need to worry about 25MM. After all, most of the front armor is inclined, and the equivalent thickness will be greater than 25MM.

"Okay!" Estiny was somewhat helpless: "Then... the front of the car may be too heavy!"

Charles pointed to the sketch without thinking and said: "We can add a tail hook to the tail!"

"Tail hook?" Estiny was confused: "But what use can it be?"

Charles answered calmly: "This light tank will have a very obvious disadvantage compared to the 'Mark I', you should have discovered it!"

Estiny looked at Charles in shock.

Matthew also had disbelief in his eyes: "You only took a look at the sketch and you know its shortcomings?"

He deliberately didn't give the answer, he thought Charles might be lying.

But Estiny shook his head and said: "No, Matthew. The major did know that adding a tail hook is to solve the problem of insufficient trench crossing ability!"

Matthew suddenly understood, he was stunned for a while with his mouth open, then shook his head and smiled, convinced.