196: Chapter 196 Carrier-based Aircraft

Across the end of the sea, in the Island Nation's Yonaguni Base, Koizumi Ichiro and the base officials were sitting together. They were also watching the live broadcast of the "kunpeng." At the moment the carrier-based aircraft took off, he stood up with a "whoosh."

"It's this fighter jet. It actually turned out to be a carrier-based aircraft. From the looks of it, there are already quite a lot of them now..."

"Hmm? Ichiro, what are you saying?"

Hirata Ichisuke, the captain of the Yonaguni Base Air Self-Defense Force, asked.

"Captain, this is the type of fighter jet we fought against last year. I just didn't expect it to be a carrier-based aircraft for their spaceship. Wei'er was killed by them..."

Koizumi Ichiro stopped there and didn't continue. He didn't want to recall that incident anymore. After all, a teammate had been sacrificed, and it had left a shadow in the depths of his heart.

Hirata Ichisuke pressed his hand down, signaling Koizumi Ichiro to sit. He turned his head to look at the base's highest defense officer sitting in the center.

"This live broadcast actually reveals a lot of things. Did you notice the momentary shot inside when the hangar door rose?"

Miyamoto Ichiro didn't answer them directly but motioned for them to continue watching the broadcast.

"The space inside is enormous, and it's densely packed with many more carrier-based aircraft. This is a terrifying signal. I think the world's air supremacy will be in their hands from now on. Losing air supremacy means losing strategic initiative."

"It's not just us; the Americans are likely in shock as well. The world's landscape is about to undergo a massive change. Sigh, from now on, when you go out on sea patrols, continue following the routes we've used for the past half year."

"Try to avoid them wherever possible. Our Island Nation's military strength has already been left in the dust by them. Heh, I suspect the Americans are also feeling apprehensive now; otherwise, why would they be so quiet today?"

After Miyamoto finished speaking, he continued to watch the live broadcast. He was waiting for the final highlight, but he didn't expect the broadcast to give him another surprise shortly after.

The carrier-based aircraft circled the aerospace carrier several times, getting faster each time. Then, they hovered neatly above the aerospace carrier and entered the internal hangar one by one in a line. The broadcast camera gave a long, detailed close-up of the hovering aircraft.

"Holy crap, they're drones—carrier-based drones! This precise control technology... Wow, today's broadcast content is intense. China isn't hiding anything this time."

"So what? We also have vertical takeoff and landing carrier-based aircraft, the Harrier, hehe."

"The person above must be from Great Britain. Give it a rest. It's a struggle for your Harriers to land on a flat deck. To land in a hangar with this much precision, I bet nine out of ten would crash, and the last one would only make it in by pure luck."

"Did anyone notice their speed when they flew past just now? I feel like it was impossibly fast."

"Finally, someone who knows their stuff. I did a quick calculation just now. Based on the video's frame rate and the estimated length of the reference objects, the speed of those aircraft during the fly-past was no less than Mach 6."

"There really are experts among the netizens. Looking at it that way, it's incredible. That speed is on par with ordinary cruise missiles."

"Today is truly an eye-opener..."

"Mach 6? Doesn't that mean they can chase after missiles?"

"This is awesome!"

"Where's the main event? This big guy should be taking off soon, right? Otherwise, the H-Country people will start calling it fake news and saying it can't fly again."

"..."

While YouTube users waited expectantly, domestic netizens were busy flooding the screen. The comments were moving so fast they were a blur. Some netizen had started spamming "China is mighty," and it spiraled out of control. Now the entire screen was filled with those three words. It was incredibly lively.

By 10 o'clock, the number of people watching the live web and TV broadcasts reached its peak. There were groups of friends gathered together, and entire families sitting in front of their TVs...

Today, the Chinese people had a collective holiday just to witness the kunpeng soar into the sky. Local TV stations, however, did not have the day off; they were busy beyond belief.

They had no complaints because, barring any accidents, today's viewership ratings were going to break records.

"Look, the guests are leaving, and the guards are coming in. They must be clearing the area to prepare for takeoff, right?"

"Probably. I'm so excited. No, I need to go open a bottle of beer to calm my nerves."

"Wait for me, person above! Let's drink together. Haha."

"Eh? There are also foreigners preparing to board. What's that about?"

At this moment, the master of ceremonies began announcing the news about the aerospace carrier's maiden voyage, as well as the special guests who would be on board.

"Finally, today's main event is coming."

"Holy crap, Dilireba Nazha is actually on the VIP list for the maiden voyage. There are only a few people from the entertainment industry, and except for her, they're all highly respected veterans."

"You above, think about whose girlfriend Dilireba Nazha is. It's Academician Chu, okay? Who do you think developed and oversaw the construction of this aerospace carrier?"

"Wooo—I want to go up too. Where is Academician Chu? Is it too late to propose to him now?"

"I suggest the person above goes home and looks in a mirror."

"..."

In the lounge area, domestic and foreign guests, as well as big-name film and television stars, gathered in groups. Holding champagne, they watched the kunpeng on the large screen while making new friends.

For some, this scene was a great opportunity to expand their social circles, so they especially cherished the chance.

"Sigh, I really envy Dilireba Nazha. She's really getting some spotlight this time, going directly on the maiden voyage."

en own was one of China's newly rising "Four Young Dan Actresses." She had a pure appearance and had recently starred in several well-received TV dramas.

"Humph, what does it have to do with her? It's because her boyfriend is amazing. Academician Chu can be said to be the most top-tier person in our country now, and the kind without any anti-fans," Yu Qingzhen said crossly from the side.

"That's exactly why I'm envious..."

en own's follow-up sentence left Yu Qingzhen speechless.

In the central control center of the kunpeng, Chu Ge and Commander Wang stood together. All four captains were in position, and the various flight officers in the control center began the final pre-takeoff procedure checks.

Chu Ge didn't stay with Dilireba Nazha. At this moment, he still preferred being here. Although he couldn't personally operate things, there was a certain satisfaction in watching the captains skillfully handle this behemoth.

"Reporting to the First Captain: Nuclear Fusion Engine test normal. Power supply for the entire ship is normal."

"Reporting to the First Captain: Communication and radar signals are normal. The Dockyard Base reports that the crowds around our ship have been evacuated. We are ready to take off at any time."

"Reporting to the First Captain: All crew members are ready. We can take off at any time."

"..."

As the reports from the duty navigation officers of each system came in, the test data from every system converged on the display screens in front of the captains. After checking the data, the two captains ran over to Chu Ge and Commander Wang.

"Commander Wang, Academician Chu, the kunpeng has finished its checks. It's ready for takeoff!"

"Good. Academician Chu, for this first takeoff, you should be the one to give the order." Commander Wang turned around and nodded at Chu Ge.

"Very well. Order! Ignite the kunpeng's auxiliary engines and ascend to cruising altitude!"