Chapter 342

Chapter 342: Upgrade of the Shilang’s Combat Capability

After Lin Mo made some adjustments and improvements to the "Longyan" aviation tactical helmet, they were installed in the cockpit of each carrier-based aircraft. When the holidays ended and the pilots opened the cockpit covers, they would surely be in for a delightful surprise.

The helicopter squadron also received this gift. The "Longyan" system was not only suitable for carrier-based fighter jets but also for helicopters. The modular development of military systems not only allowed for future compatibility but also provided high versatility, even if produced by different manufacturers; compatible interfaces were still available.

For example, the PL-12 "Panglong" medium-range air-to-air missile did not yet have helmet-mounted sights widely used among the air force, but the guidance modules for the helmet had been prepared long ago.

The original work schedule planned for twelve days was completed in just ten. After Lin Mo piloted the last carrier-based aircraft and Z-8 back to the flight deck, the entire maintenance crew erupted in cheers, signaling that they could enjoy two extra days of vacation beyond the original plan.

At this moment, the Marine Corps soldiers stationed on the fleet had already rotated through two shifts of rest.

With every joint in his body cracking, Lin Mo followed the J-15 "Dark Sabre" down the flight deck, and he saw all the maintenance crew members busily checking each aircraft’s landing gear lock mechanisms, counting and storing all the tools and parts.

The Marine Corps soldiers assisted in cleaning, mixing the strong scents of hydraulic oil, aviation fuel, and cleaning agents in the hangar. All the exhaust fans in the hangar were turned on, quickly refreshing the air inside.

The hard work of those ten days had finally paid off. The upgrades to the carrier-based aircraft had significantly increased the combat capability of the Shilang, as the power of the aircraft carrier ultimately relied on its carrier-based aircraft.

"Instructor Lin, let’s go out for a meal tonight; it’s on me!"

As he directed his subordinates to clear the area, Qiu Zhengjun was in a great mood and invited the best support from the maintenance team, Captain Lin Mo. The engineers from Shenyang who accompanied the fleet not only brought in dozens of outstanding aircraft mechanics but also enhanced the combat effectiveness of the J-15 "Dark Sabre," Shenyang’s flagship product.

The technical innovations gained from this trip benefited Shenyang immensely. Speaking of which, spending three million yuan was definitely worth it; just one order for a carrier-based aircraft could easily save that amount.

"Sounds great! That’s rare! Old Qiu, the chefs in the cafeteria have been servicing the kitchen equipment and can’t cook right now! Are we going to eat in the base cafeteria?" Lin Mo clapped his hands, washing away the sweat from his palms at the hangar sink, where every control stick had become a bit slick from training.

He hadn’t bothered to wear the "Dragon General" but instead left it with the Gold Coin in the living cabin. With the Gold Coin watching over the tactical armor, Lin Mo felt completely at ease.

Although maintaining machinery in the hangar was dirty and tiring, the cleaning process afterward could never be neglected. If even a small screw or cloth strip were out of place, it could lead to major problems.

After maintenance was completed, the fighter jet needed to be cleaned to perfection before covering it with a dust cover, signifying the end of the process. However, prior to takeoff, another round of tests and inspections was mandatory before it could ascend to the flight deck.

Just like soldiers, fighter jets could only fall on the battlefield, not suffer failures due to internal problems before even reaching it.

"Not at all! I could never do such a reckless thing. If we’re going to eat, we should have a nice meal! We aren’t out at sea; we all worked so hard these past few days. We should treat ourselves! Come on, I’ve arranged for a restaurant to be booked in Songkhla through our liaison officer in Thailand!"

Once off work, Qiu shed his robot-like expression and smiled. Work was work, and entertainment was entertainment. One should always give their all to work and also to leisure; this was Qiu Zhengjun’s motto.

Once everyone had packed up, taken a shower, and changed clothes, they gathered next to the Shilang.

Every person on board the fleet received a tracking ring upon boarding. They could wear it around their neck, attach it to their keychain, or hang it as a charm on their phone.

The tracking ring, about the size of a one-yuan coin, was a shiny little metal circle, almost like a piece of art, with a pattern laser-etched onto it that contained a code. Some doors and scanning systems on the fleet could respond to this small object as well.

Every 15 minutes, satellites would scan to confirm everyone’s location and ensure safety.

After roll call, the last group of personnel enjoying vacation aboard the Shilang boarded two large buses prepared by the Thai government.

The Thai liaison officer responsible for receiving the Chinese personnel acted more like a professional tour guide on the bus, passionately introducing Thailand’s cultural traditions, the local customs of Songkhla, and the attractions along the way, all in fluent Mandarin.

It was clear that the Thai side put considerable effort into hosting the Chinese aircraft carrier fleet’s visit.

Delicious curry, fish, vegetables, and barbecued meat filled the air with unfamiliar and enticing aromas. Thai cuisine always featured abundant herbs and spices, along with hot red chili peppers, creating a bold and vibrant flavor typical of Siamese cuisine.

The dishes arrived swiftly. Once Lin Mo and the maintenance crew reached the restaurant, everything was served at once. There were no formalities at the dining table and no toasts. As the host, Engineer Qiu gave the command, and everyone began to eat heartily together.

This splendid Thai meal didn’t actually cost much. Compared to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, the cost of living in Songkhla wasn’t too high, and given Qiu’s position as a senior engineer at Shenyang, he could easily cover this meal without a second thought.

The food was plentiful, and everyone ate to their hearts’ content. With someone treating, no one held back, shaking off the fatigue and hardships of the past few days.

As the "Kingdom of Fruits," Thailand produced a wide variety of fresh and cheap fruits. Lin Mo strolled along the cobbled streets of Songkhla just as dawn broke.

Wearing a casual t-shirt, flip-flops, and loose, breathable shorts, he showed a rare bit of laziness. Having just watched the sunrise by the beach, he held a cup of fruit smoothie and leisurely wandered around.

After being cooped up on the aircraft carrier fleet for too long, even Dragon Knights needed to unwind. He registered his activity range at the base gate, and with some Thai baht, he enjoyed a stroll through the streets of Songkhla by himself.

Lin Mo seldom had time to enjoy such leisurely moments. With missions in East Turkestan and Afghanistan, and skirmishes with Americans and Indians, or even teaching in Zambia and the South China Sea, it seemed no pilot in the country was as busy as he was.

He had only been a soldier in this world for a few years!

With a continuous stream of tasks, it felt almost like the wartime era.

Lin Mo quickly adapted to the combat style of this world, and his aerial combat skills progressed rapidly.

The bloody battles brought him up to the ACE throne. At this rate, in just a few years, his aircraft would surely be covered in stars.

Despite World War II being long over, at least in Lin Mo’s eyes, the world was not as peaceful as the news claimed. The shadows held dangers that were just as threatening as those during actual war periods.

For the ordinary people at the grassroots level, ignorance was indeed a kind of happiness.

Looking back at the history of humanity in this world, from 3200 B.C. to 1964 A.D., there were a total of 14,513 wars, with only 329 years of peace.

In the 37 years after World War II, over 470 local wars erupted worldwide. There were only 26 days without any wars at all.

During these 37 years, 87 wars were publicly known, including ongoing ones, averaging 2.3 each year.

Of these, 29 occurred in Asia, 26 in the Middle East and North Africa, 17 in Central and South Africa, 10 in Central and South America, and 5 in Europe.

Perhaps like the fairy tale of a prince saving a princess, historical statistics do not stand up to scrutiny. The numbers illustrate that human history is a bloody chronicle of war.

Wars throughout Chinese history accounted for a third of the total global wars. Each dynastic change was marked by a sea of blood, instilling fear in any nation. Don’t assume that because of Confucian culture, the Chinese are anything less than a battle-hardened society.

The covert wars between countries are countless.

In the end, the peace dove will inevitably become dove soup.

"Furnishing peace" is a task that those in power must always undertake; otherwise, who knows how many ordinary people would lose their sanity upon realizing the terrifying truths of life? This is humanity’s unbearable sin. When God spoke of original sin, perhaps it was this very fact he referred to.

The brutality and bloodshed always require someone to bear the burden. Professional soldiers, supported by their nations and peoples, take on this heavy responsibility without hesitation.

Blending in with the early-rising Thai civilians, Lin Mo openly admired the beauty of Songkhla. Located at the mouth of Songkhla Lake, connecting the sea and the inland brackish waters of the Malay Peninsula, the area is rich in fish resources.

Influenced by Buddhism, the locals are home to notable sites such as pagodas and shrines, as well as famous beach resorts and swimming areas. It’s no wonder the Navy officers and soldiers who had been cooped up in the belly of the aircraft carrier were clamoring to go swimming.

As dawn broke, the hardworking Thai people appeared in the streets, bringing goods, herding livestock, and using various modes of transportation to navigate the lanes and alleys.

Filled with Buddhism and traditional attire, it bore a striking resemblance to local morning markets back in China.