afterglow

Chapter 631 Golden Eagle; Let’s see who goes to hell first!
As always, the Ming Naval Aviation chose to attack at sunset, believing that this would gain additional tactical advantages.

More than two dozen twin-engine interceptor bombers flew south for a while, then turned due east, leaving the setting sun behind them.

The raid formation cruises at a high speed and low altitude, which consumes a lot of fuel, so additional auxiliary fuel tanks are hung under the wings.

Approaching the target at low altitude shortened the detection range of the US radar. When the Ming army fleet was only 62 km away from the big island, an SCR-270 radar discovered the rapidly approaching enemy.

The U.S. Army Aviation ground command responded quickly, guiding the fighter jets patrolling in the air with sufficient fuel to intercept, and requested the Kona Army Airport to urgently launch a team of fighter jets for support.

The first to intercept were several P-40Es. The American pilots reported to the base that they had encountered a twin-engine fast bomber that they had never seen before, which could reach a speed of at least 1500 knots at an altitude of 290 feet.

The hasty attack of the six Kitty Hawks failed to work. After the two sides met, the American pilots helplessly discovered that the opponent was faster than themselves.

"We launched an attack, but it was unsuccessful. We couldn't catch up with them!" the American lieutenant reported loudly.

The Ming army's assault formation turned slightly to the right and bypassed the Mauna Loa volcano from the south.

According to aerial reconnaissance in recent days, the US escort aircraft carrier fleet has been cruising back and forth in the waters east of the big island, not far from the land.

Obviously they were well aware of the vulnerability of the escort aircraft carriers, so they used the towering Mauna Loa volcano as a barrier and also received cover from anti-aircraft artillery units.

The Ming army planes dispersed in an orderly manner and adjusted their formation into independent four-plane diamond formations, with each plane 25 meters apart and each formation 100 meters apart, for a total of six diamond formations.

The Type 2 interceptor bomber was produced by the Shanghai Changyang Aircraft Company. The Mosquito bomber equipped by the British Army left a deep impression on its opponents, and both the German Army and the Ming Army tried to imitate it.

However, the Ming Air Force was not worried about the lack of aluminum alloys, so it did not restrict Changyang Company from copying the wooden fuselage manufacturing process.

The final result is the Type 6605 interceptor-bomber that made its first flight last year and was finalized this year. It has an empty weight of 1250 kg and uses two Type 25.6 14.4 horsepower liquid-cooled engines (one-stage, two-speed superchargers). The nose is equipped with two 600 mm cannons and four 2900 mm machine guns. The top speed is 1500 km/h. The maximum range with a light load without auxiliary fuel tanks is km, and it can carry up to kg of bombs.

This high-performance fighter-bomber also earned its own official nickname - Golden Eagle.

Changyang Company confidently guarantees that once the higher-power Type 4 engine goes into production, the performance of the Type 2 interceptor-bomber will be greatly improved.

“BOOM BOOM BOOM—BOOM BOOM—”

A series of 12mm conventional shells fired from the Mk127 dual-purpose anti-aircraft and anti-ground gun created dozens of black-gray smoke clouds in the sky, and countless high-speed fragments burst in all directions.

Today, the US military's air defense system has been greatly improved with the support of the Mk37 fire control system. It has a high degree of automation and a fast response speed. It can pose a major threat to Ming army aircraft and can capture targets at speeds of up to 300 knots (540 km/h). After improvements, even targets at 400 knots (720 km/h) are no problem.

The plane was visibly shaken by the impact of the blast, swaying up and down and left and right.

The team leader, Major Wei Tao, looked back and saw clouds of smoke blooming behind the fleet of aircraft, like a monster that was rapidly approaching!

The left horizontal tail of a golden eagle was blown off, and a large piece of the vertical tail was torn off. The plane suddenly lost balance and fell into the sea.

"Work together to attack the nearest one! Don't scatter!"

"Boss, these bastards are too powerful!"

"Damn it, you're the only one who talks too much shit!"

As the distance shortened, the outer circle of fire ceased. After the last round of 127mm normal bullets exploded, they were followed by 40mm high-explosive tracer bullets as dense as popcorn.

The Ming army's assault formation rushed forward at high speed towards the terrifying anti-aircraft firepower, and their nearest target was the escort aircraft carrier Nassau.

The fifth Borg-class ship, the USS Nassau, tried to evade the attack by making a sharp turn at a speed of 14 knots, but the escort aircraft carrier, which was converted from a C3 freighter, was so clumsy and fragile that it could not withstand a single blow.

Swish swish!
Multiple diamond-shaped formations whizzed past the target, and the aerial bombs dropped in advance flew forward by inertia...

The bomb was getting faster and faster under the influence of gravity, and it hit the sea heavily, splashing a white water column higher than the bridge.

The sound of plops continued incessantly, and the Nassau was soaked through.

Among the numerous water columns, the exciting explosion of fire finally appeared!
A 500kg armor-piercing explosive bomb manufactured by the Changsha Army Explosives Factory "pierced" into the edge of the flight deck on the port side of the Nassau. Like using a cone to poke a crispy biscuit, it effortlessly penetrated the weak multi-layer deck of the escort aircraft carrier. The full 175kg of Type E explosive loaded inside the bomb exploded instantly!
Just like shaking a bottle of Coca-Cola vigorously for a few times and then suddenly opening the cap, flames burst out all at once, all kinds of burning debris flew around and fell into the sea, and a large cloud of black smoke rolled up...

Type E explosive is a mixture of 40% TNT, 45% ammonium nitrate, 10% aluminum powder and 5% diesel. It is usually used to fill mines and depth charges. It has good underwater explosive performance and is cheaper than Qin's explosive used in torpedoes.

The Ming military industry department began to think of ways to enhance the destructive effect of aerial bombs after they penetrate warships this year. In view of the fact that the higher explosion heat of aluminum-containing explosives helps to ignite the internal equipment of the ship, they began to fill the aerial bombs specially used by the navy with Type E explosives.

Until new special explosives are developed, use Type E explosives instead.

A total of five fully or partially staffed diamond formations carried out raids on the Nassau, and a total of two bombs achieved direct hits.

In addition to the bomb that landed on the port deck, another bomb traveled several meters after hitting the water and hit the underwater part of the rear right side of the Nassau hull and exploded.

It is true that the amount of explosives in aerial bombs or artillery shells is not as much as that in torpedoes, but they have stronger penetration capabilities, especially since warships lack armor protection below the waterline. Once they penetrate into the interior and explode, the consequences can be imagined. This is why underwater bombs are so dangerous.

The bomb easily broke through the hull of the Nassau and exploded inside her, instantly tearing a large hole large enough for a truck to pass through, and the rolling sea water poured in.

On the other side of the battlefield, another diamond formation attacked the Bunker Hill.

However, only one bomb hit her port side anti-aircraft gun platform, destroying several anti-aircraft guns and causing dozens of casualties among the US military. It looked like a huge force and seemed to have suffered heavy damage?

After succeeding, the Ming army pilots did not stay, but flew the plane away from the place as quickly as possible.

Those with good eyesight had already seen the most disgusting things appearing from behind, which were the several Mustangs that had taken off urgently to intercept them.

The Type 2 interceptor and bomber has no self-defense machine guns, so speed is its best self-defense weapon!

At this altitude, the Mustang is almost as fast as the Type 2 interceptor and is destined to not catch up. Moreover, the latter has a better climb rate and a first-stage, two-speed mechanical supercharger, and its mid- and high-altitude performance is impressive at ten or even nine points. After all, its initial design emphasized the need to part-time intercept US heavy bombers.

"Those idiots are holding on tightly and refusing to let go. They are really angry."

"Hahahaha, I'm so anxious."

"Boss! Can you hear me? Let's give these donkey-riding thieves a beating. Lead them to an altitude of 6,000 meters and then counterattack them directly."

"I can hear you, don't yell." Wei Tao thought for a few seconds and agreed, "Okay, everyone, cooperate and don't underestimate the enemy."

"Understood!" the pilots, who had put in all their effort, shouted excitedly.

The assault formation then began to climb.

Seeing this, the American pilots who were about to return were overjoyed. Oh? Isn't climbing like a way to death?

Seven Mustangs immediately followed and climbed in pursuit. They undoubtedly underestimated the enemy.

For half a year, the Mustang crisis had made the Ming army anxious and exhausted, and the US Army Aviation did whatever it wanted. Over time, a proud and conceited mentality was subtly cultivated.

Although the Bf-109G2 has recently joined the war, it only makes American pilots flying the P-51A think "I have to sit up and fight it."

Soon, the two sides reached an altitude of more than 6,000 meters in the chase.

The Allison V-1710 immediately started to perform poorly, its output power plummeting, and the P-51A, which was originally nimble and agile at low altitude, became sluggish and clumsy.

The Ming army pilots fought back decisively, and seeing that the target was still so agile, the American pilots were horrified and realized that the opponent was not an ordinary bomber.

Unfortunately, it's too late.

Except for three Mustangs that managed to evade through timely maneuvers and desperate dives, the remaining four were shot down by golden eagles one after another.

The combination of two 25.6mm cannons and four 14.4mm large-caliber machine guns is quite powerful, with a fast initial velocity, straight trajectory, and strong destructive power, almost tearing the P-51A into aluminum alloy fragments in mid-air!
The Mustang, which had been free and easy over the Pacific Ocean for half a year, suffered a major setback today. Instead of chasing down the enemy, it was slaughtered. The air battle ended with a score of 0 to 4.

It was getting late, and a red sun was setting where the sky and the sea met. The Ming army pilots hummed tunes and recited poems as nineteen golden eagles soared towards Oahu Island.

At this time, the Nassau had been severely tilted due to uncontrollable water inflow, the stern sank below the sea surface, the bow tilted up, and one carrier-based aircraft after another slid down and fell into the sea...

The victory report was quickly sent back to Pearl Harbor, then transferred to the Fa Zheng, and then presented to Zhou Changfeng.

"We sank one modified light aircraft carrier and severely damaged one fleet aircraft carrier. Not bad. It seems there is some reason for delaying for several days before taking action."

He put down the telegram and said with satisfaction.

This battle report is actually not true. The bomb that hit the Bunker Hill can only be described as a lot of noise but little damage. It can only be assessed as minor damage. The explosion scene just looked spectacular.

Zhou Changfeng was not too happy either. Escorting an aircraft carrier was not an achievement to be proud of. The United States and China probably built hundreds of these auxiliary warships converted from cargo ships every year, so they could only be considered cheap consumables.

However, victory in a surprise attack can bring a slight tactical advantage, which is the greatest value.

It was dusk, and the ground battle had reached a critical stage after a whole day of hard fighting.

The U.S. military's defense line in the Kahului area was torn to pieces by the fierce attack. The two infantry regiments deployed there were only one step away from collapse. The Ming army captured more than 3,000 prisoners alone.

The 1st Marine Brigade and the 38th Division have approached the city, and most of the remaining US troops have been compressed inside, leaving only a few strongholds in the western, southern and eastern suburbs.

In fact, the Ming army did not deliberately destroy the city of Kahului. It’s just that there were fewer brick-concrete structures or reinforced concrete buildings here, so the unintentional collateral damage almost turned Kahului into ruins.

"…The Second Regiment reported that the Sixth Battalion had entered the designated position. The communications team reported that the telephone line would be laid in half an hour. Sir, do you want to attack the city overnight?"

Zhao Hanfeng summarized the current situation and asked Zhou Changfeng for instructions.

The latter was also hesitant and couldn't make up his mind for a while.

At this juncture, what he was concerned about was not the number of casualties from the overnight attack, but whether he could succeed after paying a greater price.

The previous series of battles can be said to be a test of the times. The cowardly and frightened enemies have now been captured, and the more than 1,000 US troops who are now retreating to the city and resisting stubbornly are considered die-hard guys.

After weighing the pros and cons for a long time, Zhou Changfeng finally made up his mind - to attack overnight!
Try your best. The battle has come to this point, how can you not try your best?
"When will the navy arrive? Have you told them the results of the interrogation? There is a high probability that the enemy will launch a counter-landing in the middle of the night." Zhou Changfeng asked.

"Everything is clear. The fleet will arrive in two hours." A staff officer replied.

At this moment, off the coast of Kahului Harbor...

Two Benson-class destroyers came speeding in loaded with emergency reinforcements from Oshima, carrying more than 2 people from Company A, Company B, and Company C of the nd Ranger Battalion.

The Ranger Corps is organized very leanly, with no service units and a company consisting of only two platoons, totaling only about seventy people.

This elite force was planned to be used as the vanguard of the counter-landing operation, infiltrating deep into the Ming army. However, the battle situation was critical, so they had to transform themselves into a fire brigade to urgently reinforce Kahului.

The two destroyers did not dare to stay here for even a minute longer, and did not even enter the port. They just dropped the speedboat near the coast and then hurried away.

The rangers who came ashore in a speedboat saw that half the sky in the direction of the port city was illuminated by artillery fire, tracer bullets were flying all over the sky, and dazzling white flares were floating in the night sky.

As Zhou gave the order, the various Ming army units began to move one after another, with various light and heavy firepower coming one after another. The fierceness of the battle was no less than any previous one.

The rockets fired by the bazooka hit the tilted armor on the front of the Clouded Leopard's hull and bounced off. The latter kept firing, pouring fire on any place where the muzzle flame flashed.

In the southwest corner of the city, an M16 half-track anti-aircraft vehicle and two squads of engineers came to reinforce. The firepower of the quadruple M2HB heavy machine gun was so terrifying that several Marine infantrymen who had no time to dodge were hit by the rain of 12.7×99㎜ machine gun bullets, and their flesh and blood flew everywhere!
【Picture】

"That damn machine gun truck is so fierce!"

"Bazooka, hurry up!"

After the bazooka shooter fired a rocket-propelled grenade, he was knocked down by a bullet flying from nowhere. Someone else picked up the bazooka and continued to reload and fire.

The officers and soldiers of the Ming army fought back against the enemy reinforcements with anti-tank grenades, rocket launchers, and rifle grenades, and then rushed forward and fought bravely.

The Type 40 automatic rifle faced the carbine, the Type 39 submachine gun faced the Thompson submachine gun, and the triple-barreled shotgun faced the Winchester shotgun. The two sides shot at each other at a distance close to face to face!
The enemy soldiers on the half-track anti-aircraft vehicle were shot to death, their bodies still bleeding and twitching, while the Ming army soldiers had already rushed to the next street entrance without stopping.

The sharp bayonets reflected the pale light of the flares, as if endless Ming soldiers were rushing in, and their loud shouts could be heard between the dense footsteps of leather boots.

"You won't see the sun tomorrow!"

"Oh my god!"

"Gou Tu Hei Yao!"

The roar of Clouded Leopard's engine became the best accompaniment to the shouting!
At the critical moment, Company A of the 2nd Ranger Battalion arrived to block the breakthrough.

They dragged their defeated friendly troops back, and then shouted while firing at them: "Come on! Come on! Let's see who will go to hell first!"

(End of this chapter)