my scientific age

Chapter 395 Prototype gun assembly!

When these words came out, the two apprentices immediately fell into joy and were ready to celebrate.

At this moment, Yu Hua hurriedly stepped forward and came to the front of the heavy-duty lathe. He picked up an industrial-grade 20x magnifying glass and flashlight in his right hand, half-crouched and looked at the inner wall of the 105mm artillery barrel. With the flashlight on, he looked from the muzzle to the breech, and saw twelve angular rifling grooves entering his pupils, rotating like a kaleidoscope, dazzling.

Then, Yu Hua used a 20x magnifying glass to carefully observe the details of the rifling. There was no trace of blood or peeling, and the inner wall was extremely smooth.

Pretty.

Yu Hua was amazed in his heart that the rifling processed by Professor Zhuang himself was perfect and it was completed in one go. His skills were so advanced that they were comparable to those of the famous eighth-level workers in later generations.

Next, Yu Hua picked up the inside diameter micrometer and measured the positive and negative lines of the barrel. After obtaining the processing accuracy data, his mind worked at high speed to calculate whether the actual pitch and degree of twist met the design specifications.

Rigorous, serious and demanding.

This is Yu Hua's usual style.

Soon, Yu Hua used the measured processing accuracy data and other information to determine the actual twist and twist data of the current barrel original according to the standard twist formula in ballistics.

"How is it?" Zhuang Qianding looked at Yu Hua who had finished the measurement and was lost in thought. He had no worries in his heart and a smile on his face. Although he did not use tools for precise measurement, it did not affect the final result.

The two apprentices stared at Yu Hua intently, holding their breath, waiting for the result. Everyone in the entire Military Industry Bureau understood that any project would only be considered a true success if it received Yu Hua's nod. This young deputy leader of the highest scientific group had almost absolute authority within the Military Industry Bureau's internal system.

"The actual pitch and degree of twist, as well as the processing accuracy error of the Yin-Yang lines, all meet the design requirements. We have indeed succeeded." Yu Hua slowly exhaled, looked at Zhuang Qianding, and announced the test results with a slightly serious expression.

The voice was solemn and dignified. Along with the birth of the rifling processing inspection results, a historical picture was quietly frozen. China's first artillery with 100% intellectual property rights was born. This is China's own heavy artillery!
From now on, the base has truly opened up its Ren and Du meridians and has the ability to independently produce heavy artillery.

After hearing Yu Hua's words, the two apprentices felt relieved and their eyes immediately filled with tears. The big stone in their hearts fell to the ground and happy smiles appeared on their faces.

"That's good. I think this should be recorded. At 1937:10 pm on October 5, 13, without the help and technical support of foreign experts, we produced China's first 06mm 105-caliber artillery barrel." After getting this expected answer, Professor Zhuang nodded slightly, a satisfied smile on his face, and said in a serious voice.

"I agree." Yu Hua nodded in support and then wrote down the words on a paper document.

Professor Zhuang looked at Yu Hua with bright eyes and said, "Yu Hua, the gun barrel has been manufactured. It's your turn now. Start the prototype gun assembly process according to the original plan. Don't make any mistakes. You understand."

"I know." Yu Hua took a deep breath, nodded to Professor Zhuang to show that he understood, then turned and left.

The final assembly of the prototype gun means entering the final stage of the entire 105mm howitzer research and development project. Once the final assembly of the prototype gun is completed, the prototype gun test will be launched.

For the Red Peony Howitzer project, the next two steps basically belong to the process stage.

However, be cautious in everything you do.

After all, this is China's first independently developed heavy howitzer, so we must not be careless.

The finishing workshop fell silent. After Yu Hua left, Professor Zhuang turned around and looked at the two apprentices from the barrel broaching group and said, "Xu Jun, Zhang Min, how are you doing?"

"Report to the teacher, I am a little confident now." Apprentice Xu Jun responded, his words steady and calm.

Zhang Min said truthfully: "Teacher, I'm almost there."

In terms of talent and actual processing capabilities, he is not as good as Xu Jun. When it comes to the rifling processing of artillery barrels, he dare not be rash and act big.

One is one, two is two.

This is the basic qualities and attitude of a Red Army soldier who has experienced the Long March.

"You are geniuses in precision machining, especially Xu Jun. I have taught you all the techniques I can. You have to figure it out on your own. I still say that you can't be impatient in machining. You need to be steady in mind, hands and people." Professor Zhuang, who was exhausted, spoke in a warm and serious voice. He taught carefully and then arranged, "Xu Jun, you will operate the second barrel. I will watch you."

"Teacher, you have been working for twenty hours straight. Do you want to take a break first?" Xu Jun looked at the red veins around Zhuang Qianding's eyes and asked with concern.

"Wait a little longer. I can't sleep well now." Zhuang Qianding shook his head and replied, "Only when our cannons go off, I, who deals with machinery and weapons, can sleep well."

The Japanese army had broken through Pingxingguan, captured the inner Great Wall defense line, and headed straight for Taiyuan, less than 500 kilometers away from the base.

How can I sleep peacefully in such an urgent situation?

Cannon, cannon, cannon. Only heavy artillery can resist the invasion of the Japanese army, only heavy artillery can defend the Yellow River, and only heavy artillery can preserve all the hard-earned achievements of the base.

He would not sleep until the sound of the Red Peony howitzer firing was heard.

Xu Jun showed worry in his eyes and advised again: "But you only slept for less than three hours before..."

The last time Zhuang Qianding worked continuously for 26 hours, he only rested for more than two hours, and then worked continuously for another 20 hours. Even a strong man could not stand such high-intensity work.

"Stop talking, Comrade Xu Jun. Lift the processed gun barrel and follow the order." Zhuang Qianding said seriously. He waved his hand to signal Xu Jun to shut up, pointed to the operating position, and gave the order.

Xu Jun had no choice but to shut up: "Yes!"

As the processing of the first gun barrel was completed and the prototype gun assembly process was started, the news spread and the entire Liushugou fell into a tense and busy atmosphere again. The security force of the arsenal, which is the core area, resumed its highest level. This is the designated assembly site for the "Red Peony" howitzer. The arsenal workers and technicians quickly put the howitzer assembly workshop built before into use.

Troop headquarters.

"Now the main force of the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army has retreated towards Taiyuan, and the troops have shrunk. Yuanping area has no strategic location to defend, and only Xinkou area, the northern barrier of Xinzhou, can be relied upon."

The general stood with his hands behind his back in front of the military sand table, staring at the meticulously crafted Xinkou area, and analyzed: "The Xinkou area is backed by the Yunzhong River on the left and Mount Wutai on the right. It is a natural barrier. In addition, there are fortifications that have been built and are being built, and there are large minefields set up on the periphery. With the cooperation of the artillery troops and us, it will not be difficult to defend the front of Xinkou if Yan Xishan's main force does not suffer too much damage."

After the failure of the battle on the Inner Great Wall defense line, Yan Xishan went almost crazy in order to keep Taiyuan. He gathered the retreating troops on the front line and mobilized the reserve troops to Xinkou, preparing to rely on the natural barrier of Xinkou for defense.

Where is Xinkou?
To the north of Taiyuan is Xinzhou, and to the north of Xinzhou is Yuanping. Both important cities in Shanxi are located in basins with no strategic locations to defend. The only natural barrier is the Xinkou mountain area formed by the uplift extending westward from Mount Wutai.

And this is also the last barrier of Taiyuan.

As the war situation continued to change, Xinkou's strategic position rose rapidly, reaching a level that was related to Shanxi and affected the war situation in North China. If Xinkou was held, Taiyuan could be protected, the situation in Shanxi could be stabilized by retreating, and the situation could be threatened eastward by advancing to the east to threaten the Japanese North China Front Army that was moving southward along the Pinghan Line and the Jinpu Line, forming a pincer attack.

At the critical moment of life and death, in order to protect Xinkou, Yan Xishan did not hesitate to empty his family's coffers and sent out all his artillery units to reinforce Xinkou. In addition, the Eighth Route Army harassed the Japanese army's rear transportation. With such a configuration, it would not be difficult to hold the front, let alone counterattack and encircle the Japanese army.

Everyone around nodded in response to the boss's analysis.

"It is indeed not difficult for the Shanxi-Suiyuan Army to defend the front of Xinkou. What I am worried about is Niangzi Pass east of Taiyuan."

The deputy general manager had a serious face, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle. He pointed to Shimen and gave his own strategic idea: "General manager, you see, Yan Xishan's main forces are all stationed north of Taiyuan, and Xinkou area is heavily armed, while the eastern part of Shanxi is short of soldiers and generals, and the defense force is extremely weak. This is a potential weakness. My preliminary judgment is that as Tojo Hideki and Itagaki Seishirō are blocked in the front battlefield of Xinkou, they will immediately ask for help from the North China Front Army led by Terauchi Hisaichi. The North China Front Army will immediately send a large number of troops to support the Japanese troops on the Pinghan Line. After taking Shimen, they will immediately divide their troops and advance westward, break through from the direction of Niangzi Pass into the Taiyuan battlefield, and cooperate with the Japanese troops on the Tongpu Line to take Shanxi."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the headquarters suddenly froze, and everyone's eyes immediately turned to the Jindong area.

The vice president's idea is not just empty talk, but something that is very likely to happen.

After the July 7 Incident, the Japanese army formed the North China Front Army and marched southward along the Pinghan Line, Jinpu Line, and Tongpu Line, intending to destroy China in three months. Within this strategic goal, the Shanxi battlefield on the Tongpu Line was particularly critical. If Shanxi was captured, North China would be safe.

If the Shanxi battlefield was blocked, the Japanese North China Front Army would certainly take immediate countermeasures and strive to achieve the goal of capturing the Tongpu Line in the shortest time possible.

"Stone Gate..."

Upon hearing this, the boss looked towards the stone gate and fell into thought.

The deputy chief of staff pondered and said, "Is it feasible for us to send a warning to Yan Xishan and try to increase the garrison forces in the eastern Shanxi region?"

"It's feasible, but Yan Xishan will most likely not adopt it. To him, Tojo Hideki and Itagaki Seishirō are the biggest threats at the moment. He has been scared by the defense of the Inner Great Wall." The deputy general shook his head and said, "Unless a knife is on his neck, he will not send troops to strengthen the defense of eastern Shanxi, nor will he allow the Central Army to enter eastern Shanxi to interfere with Shanxi..."

"There are so many factions, it's so complicated..." The deputy chief of staff sighed.

The general slowly took out a cigarette, lit it, and said, "If you rely on mountains, they will fall; if you rely on people, they will run away. In the end, we can only rely on ourselves. Even if Yan Xishan listens to our advice and strengthens the defense force in eastern Shanxi, he will not be able to stop the Japanese army. Where is the 129th Division now?"

"The 129th Division has entered the area south of Linfen and is heading north to Taiyuan." The deputy chief of staff responded immediately.

The general looked at the deputy general and put forward his own idea: "What do you think if we let the 129th Division advance eastward to the direction of Niangzi Pass as a backup force, wait for an opportunity to cooperate with the Jindong defenders to harass the Japanese army and consume as much of the Japanese army's manpower as possible?"

"As the last unit of the entire army to march north to fight against the Japanese, the 129th Division is now strong in men and horses, with sufficient weapons and ammunition. Its actual combat effectiveness is even higher than that of the 115th Division. It can ambush and harass the Japanese troops, or engage in head-on confrontation with them. I support the use of the 129th Division as a backup force in the eastern Shanxi region to consume the Japanese army's manpower." The deputy general manager seemed to be thinking about something, as if he understood what the general manager meant. He nodded slightly and affirmed.

"That's it, draft a report and submit it." The boss nodded.

"Boss, there's an urgent telegram from the big cave." At this time, a communications staff officer walked quickly, hurried to the sand table map, stood at attention and saluted.

Upon hearing this, the boss took the telegram and glanced at the content of the telegram. He was stunned for a moment, then his brows relaxed and a hint of joy appeared in his eyes. Even though he had experienced many big scenes, he still couldn't help but praise: "Good! Good! Good!"

"Boss, what's the good news?" Seeing the boss's attitude, the deputy boss was a little curious and asked.

The deputy chief of staff felt the same way when he saw this. With the war imminent, what kind of good news could make the commander-in-chief of the Eighth Route Army so happy?

The boss smiled and handed over the telegram: "Good news from the Military Industry Bureau. The Red Peony 105mm heavy howitzer has entered the final assembly process at the Liushugou Arsenal."

"Great! That's great! With the heavy artillery, the combat effectiveness of the troops will have a qualitative leap." The deputy general's eyes suddenly brightened when he heard this. He took the telegram and read it. As the deputy commander-in-chief, he certainly understood what it meant for the Red Peony Howitzer to enter the final assembly process. His words were a little excited and he showed his joy.

Cannons are the foundation of a strong army!
This is not a small steel cannon of 1.8mm caliber, nor is it a mountain gun of 105mm caliber, but a mm caliber heavy howitzer with a combat weight of tons and a maximum range of kilometers.

This is a real cannon, a serious strategic weapon!
As long as a Red Peony howitzer is placed on a hilltop, the circular battlefield area within a radius of 14 kilometers can be completely blocked, bringing death and destruction to the enemy!
Most importantly, this was not obtained through unstable means such as seizure, but was an independently manufactured howitzer.

If he could be equipped with two hundred 105mm howitzers...

The deputy general's eyes flashed with sharpness, and the idea of ​​annihilating all 50,000 Japanese troops on the Tongpu Line flashed through his mind.

The deputy chief of staff read the telegram carefully, his eyes slightly red. He recalled the various scenes of the Long March, how many soldiers had to sacrifice in front of the enemy's fortifications because the troops lacked heavy weapons. If there were Red Peony Howitzers at that time...

Keep your cannons low and fire at me!
Good news. For the Eighth Route Army, this is really great news. As long as the situation in Shanxi is stabilized, there will be a steady supply of Red Peony howitzers in the future.

If the Eighth Route Army had 200 Red Peony howitzers now, Hideki Tojo and Seishirō Itagaki who entered the hinterland of Shanxi would be prey that had been delivered to their doorstep.

"I'm going to Liushugou, what about you?" The boss put out his cigarette and looked at the deputy boss and the deputy chief of staff.

"Of course we will go." The deputy general manager and the deputy chief of staff replied at the same time.

……

In the afternoon, the weather was sunny and the blue sky was clear and pure.

The breeze caressed the surface of the Yan River, causing ripples.

Liushugou Arsenal, 105mm howitzer assembly workshop.

The final assembly workshop adopts a brick-concrete structure and covers an area of ​​about 2 square meters. It has complete internal assembly facilities and can meet the simultaneous assembly and production of two howitzers. The designed monthly production redundancy is 40 guns, and there is also a -square-meter open space nearby as a backup to meet future production increases.

As the big guys rushed over one after another, the assembly of the prototype gun was proceeding in an orderly manner in the red brick workshop, and the disputes in the outside world had no impact here.

The final assembly of the prototype gun has been completed by half.

On the operating table, parts that meet the accuracy requirements of the drawings are quietly placed, including standard screws, recoil assembly parts, firing pins, firing pin springs, breech block handles, support tubes, support tube lever parts, 105mm 23-caliber gun barrels...

At assembly point No. 1, the complex and solid gun mount foundation has been assembled, presenting a corresponding posture, with the heavy and thick breech block firmly occupying the C position.

"Buzz!" The sound of a small lift was heard, and the hydraulic recoil mechanism assembly weighing more than 200 kilograms rose slowly. When it reached the predetermined height, Yu Hua gestured to pause and move forward.

Yu Hua personally oversaw the final assembly of the prototype gun, as he was unsure about handing it over to others.

A soldier nodded and carefully manipulated the assembly elevator forward to avoid any mistakes.

Soon, the hydraulic recoil mechanism assembly arrived at the predetermined position, and then under Yu Hua's command, it slowly descended in height, came to the corresponding position of the gun mount base, and aligned with the pin hole and screw hole.

First screw in, then put in the latch, double insurance pure mechanical structure design.

The prototype of the Red Peony Howitzer is the M1950 105mm howitzer developed by France after World War II. Although the design of most parts such as the gun mount structure is the same as the prototype, the details have been further improved to bring it to the best condition.

Using a mechanical torque wrench to tighten the screws and then drive in a thick pin, the hydraulic recoil mechanism was installed. Then, Yu Hua indicated to hoist the next part - the hydraulic recoil brake.

The recoil mechanism and the recoil brake are the second most important parts of the modern artillery structure after the gun barrel. They have different functions and are indispensable. Because they use a unique hydraulic structure, their anti-recoil performance reaches a new level.

In later times, hydraulic recoil mechanisms and hydraulic brakes became standard.

But now, sorry, hydraulic recoil mechanism and recoil brake are synonymous with "world advanced"!
According to the previous operations, the heavy double-chamber hydraulic recoil machine assembly was lifted and transported to the side of the gun body to align with the screw holes and pin holes. The large screws were tightened one by one with the set torque, and then the pins with a diameter of about 40 mm were driven in. At this point, the gun mount structure of the Red Peony Howitzer was completely formed.

The breech block, the return mechanism, and the recoil brake are the three major parts of the gun mount.

For some reason, the assembled heavy artillery mount gave everyone present an unprecedented sense of security.

(End of this chapter)