Chapter 231: Magic Engine
“Next, we will move on to the tests for continuous landing and re-launching. The operation of each unit will be conducted by E-Class Tactical AI, Heath, from the Naglufar. The control of the ship’s body will be managed by U-Class AI, Rochester.”
“Is this the first time for actual deployment?”
“Yes, Ma’am. We have achieved good results in simulations, so I have no concerns.”
Utsugi and Erika stood ready, watching the AI that was based on their own designs in action. Naturally, while this was the first operational test, the actual machine tests had already been completed. This was the initial test for launching and recovering all units.
“It’s exciting to see an aircraft carrier like this up close for the first time. Will the landing be on the deck?”
“Yes, Ma’am. To be precise, we will utilize the Electromagnetic Traction Device (EM Tractors) installed on the deck. When the carrier-based aircraft descend, they will synchronize their speed, and the device will secure them using electromagnets. The powerful magnetic force allows for a forceful landing even if the course is disrupted by rough weather.”
After such an explanation, the actual landing of the carrier-based aircraft began. The EM Tractors could move relatively freely across the entire deck of the Naglufar, thanks to multiple rails set up for movement.
The aircraft approached the deck at a considerable speed. The landing gear was deployed, but this was only for use in case a touch-and-go was necessary. The EM Tractors themselves did not require landing gear.
Once the flight speed was synchronized, the electromagnets secured the aircraft. At the moment the specified holding force was achieved, the aircraft was handed over to the storage arms that ran parallel. The secured aircraft was then pulled into the ship. This entire process took a mere seven seconds. Just three seconds later, the next aircraft entered the deck. There were four entry paths for the EM Tractors, allowing each aircraft to be recovered within approximately ten seconds.
One by one, the carrier-based aircraft were swallowed up by the deck. While there may not be many opportunities for such orderly entry during actual combat, the recovery speed was nonetheless astonishing.
“The recovered aircraft will be cooled with airflow while checks are performed on various components, along with ammunition and fuel replenishment. The shortest time for re-launching is eight minutes, and it can be done in five minutes if only refueling is required.”
Particularly around the jet engines, temperatures could rise significantly, posing a fire risk simply by pulling them into the ship. To prevent heat buildup, powerful exhaust systems circulate air within the hangar.
The reloading devices were connected, and ammunition was exchanged. Jet fuel was pumped in rapidly through the fuel hoses. This series of operations was carried out in a streamlined manner, and once the exchanges were completed, the aircraft were pushed directly into the launch bay.
“All units recovered—complete!”
“No issues! All systems confirmed operational!”
With the successful landing of all units confirmed, Utsugi and Erika expressed their joy. It was gratifying to see the AI they had helped create perform so well.
Although the onboard AI had not yet been named, resulting in limited learning capabilities, it might be worth considering naming them once they stabilized. Ultimately, the AI groups installed on the Flinghorni and Naglufar would become the brains of The Tree’s defense forces.
“The total time taken for the recovery of all units was approximately 500 seconds. That’s nearly the theoretical value.”
“Wow… Considering the possibility of continuous re-launching, it feels like the deployable forces could be several times the number of units. Hmm, I don’t think I ever gathered this much power during my gaming days.”
Eve mused, which was only natural. During her gaming days, she had quickly subdued the surrounding areas and ascended into space. It was likely that any hostile oceanic nations had been crushed by her civilization, which had taken the lead. The initial planets only had nations operated by AI with limited capabilities, so that was to be expected. There was no need to assemble naval forces.
“Well, that’s fine. What about underwater forces? We need to confirm that.”
“Yes, Ma’am. The main underwater combat force, the submarines, have limited literature and no operational records, so we are currently in the trial-and-error phase. At this point, we are adjusting to deploy small submarines during emergencies as needed.”
“Sister. Then, let’s begin the launch training for the Naglufar’s submarine, Bluefin.”
This time, Ichigo reported. Since some consideration for underwater defense was necessary, it seemed they were establishing a research group centered around Ichigo.
Everyone agreed that the underwater realm was fraught with unknown threats. Therefore, a mere conventional submarine would not serve as a shield, which was the conclusion of The Tree.
For instance, when it came to underwater threats, the Rain Kroin was a prime example. Any ordinary submarine would be utterly defenseless against it. A few torpedoes fired in succession would spell doom. If it were to latch on, it could crush a submarine in an instant.
“Naglufar, commencing deployment of the assault submarine, Bluefin.”
The launch port on the rear side of the Naglufar slid open wide. As the suspension rails extended, the Bluefin, suspended with its bow facing downward, moved into position.
“Beginning release.”
The Bluefin, in a chain-like formation, moved along the rails, each unit being released in turn. With a sound reminiscent of a “shuphon,” the released Bluefin submerged into the water one after another.
“That was a rough release…”
“By dropping it in that manner, it can dive down to about 15 meters below the surface in one go. Recovery will be done by slowing down the cruising speed and using a crane arm, so during combat operations, it will essentially remain deployed.”
Indeed, it would not be easy to recover the Bluefin once it was underway underwater. In the worst-case scenario, abandonment was also considered.
However, at this point, the anticipated underwater enemies were the Rain Kroin and unknown monsters. Since there had been no encounters with underwater monsters other than the Rain Kroin, their priority had been significantly lowered. The assumption was that if they needed to escape at full speed, they would manage somehow, which was why improvements to the cruising speed of all ships were underway.
“Bluefin, all units have been released. Low-power acoustic communication link established. Next, attempting laser communication link… completed.”
“Oh. Acoustic communication, huh? How far can it reach?”
“If we increase the output, it can communicate over several thousand meters. However, in that case, the sound waves will spread widely, so typically, it will operate autonomously.”
Underwater, radio waves attenuate significantly. Lasers are somewhat better but can only reach a few hundred meters at best. Acoustic waves can travel quite far, but particularly low frequencies lack directionality, making it impossible to eliminate the risk of triggering unnecessary stimuli. Thus, the Bluefin would primarily operate autonomously beyond short distances.
“We considered various options for the onboard reactor, but at present, the Stirling engine using Redstone has been determined to be the most efficient. The energy density of Redstone is extremely high, capable of generating thermal energy tens to hundreds of times greater than the same volume of petroleum fuel.”
“…Huh? So, does that mean the Bluefin is equipped with Redstone?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Asahi was excited about it being The Tree’s first magic engine, but due to the lack of operational data, we decided against full adoption. There are still too many unknown characteristics regarding Redstone.”
Now that she mentioned it, Eve recalled hearing that vehicles using Stirling engines powered by Redstone were being operated within the Kingdom of Repuitari. It seemed they had gathered some operational data there, which led to the decision to use Redstone as the power source for the Bluefin.
“Theoretically, if we synthesize Redstone in ton quantities, it could power a battleship for years,” they had said, but the effects of synthesizing such large Redstone were still unclear, so permission had not been granted for now.
“Wow…”
Come to think of it, she had received reports that Redstone could be fused together. The Redstone being exported to the Kingdom of Repuitari was precisely manufactured using that property. However, as RINGO had expressed concerns, there was a significant possibility that creating a massive Redstone could lead to spontaneous combustion or explosions due to its own weight.
Indeed, Asahi should not be left unchecked. In an unexpected moment, Eve renewed her resolve.