The Immortal Warrior: From Reverse Engineering to Forging Swords for the Country

Chapter 203 Can tanks really become intelligent?
The leader looked at the tree diagram carefully for a while and found that each branch growing upward represented a development trend in the field of science and technology.

The development of this field is in stages, and the situation of each stage is clearly marked.

But, is it a bit too careless to simply mark it like this?
Even a little perfunctory.

Zhang Zhipeng smiled and said at this time: "Leader, you can click on the text marked above for the specific content."

"After clicking, detailed planning and even specific strategies and suggestions and research plans will appear."

After the leader listened and nodded, he clicked with the mouse on the label electric vehicle, the next stage of automobile technology development.

Sure enough, a secondary page opened, which showed the specific development plan in the field of electric vehicles.

The leader already has some presbyopia, and even if he wears spectacles, he can't see clearly.

However, the font can also be enlarged.

At Zhang Zhipeng's prompt, he clicked to enlarge the font.

The font was adjusted to the point where he could see it clearly.

After the leader read the electric vehicle development plan, he nodded.

This plan is really written in too much detail.

It only needs to be distributed to relevant research institutions and enterprises to follow suit.

In addition to electric vehicles, there are other development directions for automobiles.

For example: hydrogen energy, solar cars, flying cars and other branches.

All possible development directions have been planned.

The planning of each branch sparkles with insights.

In addition to automobiles, there is also detailed planning in the energy field, detailed planning in the home appliance field, detailed planning in the aircraft field, and so on.

All scientific and technological fields have been fully planned in detail, indicating the development route and possible technological breakthroughs in the next hundred years.

The leader spent several hours with Zhang Zhipeng's prompting and help, and he went through the entire plan roughly.

After reading it, he was full of confidence in the future development of science and technology in the country.

The leader was very emotional at this time.

He thought, thanks to such a wise man as Comrade Zhang Zhipeng!

Otherwise, we don’t know how many detours we will have to take in the future direction of technological development.

"Comrade Zhipeng, your science and technology development plan is too important."

"With this plan, it will be much easier for us in the future."

The leader sighed.

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "I hope it can help the country take every step of scientific and technological development."

"We must lead the world in technological development!"

"If we cannot take the lead, our country will never be truly prosperous and powerful, and we will never be able to truly rise."

The leader talked a lot with Zhang Zhipeng.

At noon that day, Zhang Zhipeng had a light meal with the leader.

While eating, the leader said to Zhang Zhipeng: "Comrade Zhipeng, we are going to hold a national science and technology workers conference right away."

"I hope you can make a report on the science and technology development plan you have drawn up. Can you take a look?"

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "If the leader gives orders, you should obey them!"

"I also hope that the direction of development can be clarified, and then everyone can break down the tasks and act separately."

Zhang Zhipeng also feels that this national conference of scientific and technological workers should be held.

If the state takes the lead in the development of science and technology, then the development of science and technology will develop in a planned and regular manner, and the development will be healthier and faster.

Some people will say that Western technology is dominated by large private consortiums, and why they have always occupied a leading position in technology.

This argument is quite common.

In fact, the West's lead in technological development is mainly because they started earlier. The industrial revolution first occurred in Western countries.

Later, the competition among the European powers was actually mainly a competition between national strengths.

At that time, technological development was still led by the state.

Until the early 80s, the development of science and technology in Lao Mo was also led by the state.

But then things changed.

Financial capital takes control.

The old mold can make the chaebols make a lot of money just by relying on financial means.

They began to look down on the little money in industry.

The investment cycle of playing industry is long and the profit rate is low.

How can you make money quickly by playing finance?
If you create a dollar tide, you can harvest trillions of money.

The old mold began to de-industrialize, and the wave of de-industrialization was fully launched in the lizard countries.

At this time, the dominance of technological development gradually came into the hands of financial chaebols.

Of course, financial giants are unwilling to invest huge sums of money in research and development. What they are best at is using gimmicks to revolutionize PPT technology, thereby stimulating the stock market to skyrocket and reaping wealth.

Under such circumstances, if they want to continue to make rapid progress in technological development, they are already unable to do so.

Therefore, Zhang Zhipeng firmly believes that as long as the current development trend continues, then it won't be too long before China's science and technology will inevitably lead!
There is simply no doubt about this.

After leaving the leadership, Zhang Zhipeng went to the Armored Vehicle Research Institute.

This is an important research institute under the Army.

Responsible for researching the latest main battle tanks.

Because China is already the most advanced chip design, R&D and manufacturing power, this latest type of main battle tank is also developing in the direction of informatization and intelligence.

However, the research at the Armored Vehicle Research Institute is not progressing too quickly.

Mainly there is a problem with integrating the software system.

I can't come up with a suitable and easy-to-use software system.

This creates an unsolvable bottleneck in research.

Li Yunfeng, the head of the Army Equipment Department, had long hoped that Zhang Zhipeng could lend a helping hand to help.

Li Yunfeng hopes to solve the main battle tank problem as soon as possible.

Therefore, I was accompanied by Li Yunfeng when I went to the Armored Vehicle Research Institute this time.

Along the way, Li Yunfeng told Zhang Zhipeng about the new changes after drones began to be equipped with front-line troops.

"Comrade Zhipeng, the series of drones you developed are really easy to use. Our grassroots troops all expressed their approval after using them."

"When the border guards patrolled in the past, there were often many blind spots."

"But with the use of drones, we can easily inspect all blind spots."

"Also, if emergencies arise, they can be handled more quickly with the help of drones."

"Now, many experts in controlling drones have appeared in various departments of our army..."

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "In the future, we will work hard to develop more useful equipment for the army."

"The border patrol soldiers you just mentioned are the hardest working ones."

"I'm thinking, maybe, we can develop an auxiliary exoskeleton to make their patrols easier."

Li Yunfeng was stunned when he heard this: "Ah?! What is that?"

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "A mechanical device, worn on the body, can assist people to walk, carry heavy objects, reduce burdens, and increase efficiency."

"Yeah! Have you seen Iron Man?"

Li Yunfeng nodded and said, "I've definitely seen the Iron Man movie, but isn't that science fiction?"

"Is it possible that there really are things like mechas?"

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "Things like mechas are a bit unrealistic, too bulky and meaningless."

"But auxiliary exoskeleton robots are practical, real and reliable."

"This thing is not too difficult for us now."

"I will design a set another day for you to see."

Li Yunfeng said with a smile: "What you said really succeeded in arousing my expectations."

"But let's get the latest generation of main battle tanks out first."

"Other powerful countries are already rushing towards fourth-generation tanks."

"We haven't produced a standard third-generation tank yet."

"I'm really a little behind!"

While talking, we arrived at the Armored Vehicle Research Institute.

Director Wang Haoyong has been waiting in front of the office building for a long time.

As soon as Zhang Zhipeng and Li Yunfeng got out of the car, Wang Haoyong came to them.

"Hello Comrade Yunfeng! Hello Comrade Zhipeng!"

"I have long wanted to listen to Comrade Zhipeng's teachings."

"I finally got you here today. Haha!"

Zhang Zhipeng shook hands with Wang Haoyong and said, "Let's make progress together."

"I'm definitely not as professional as you in the research of new tanks, haha!"

"However, I can help you provide some innovative ideas and related designs."

Wang Haoyong listened and said excitedly: "Comrade Zhipeng, you are too humble."

"We also heard from Comrade Yunfeng your vision for future tanks."

"You said that you want to design a tank that can clearly observe the situation within a radius of ten kilometers, completely solving the problem of too many blind spots for tanks to observe."

"You also said that you want to design an intelligent automatic loading system and install an intelligent automatic shooting machine gun on the outside of the tank to prevent the tank from being attacked by light infantry without the coordination of infantry and tanks. It can also attack Threat from the sky!"

"This is a really great idea."

"We also want to do what you want and strive to realize it, but unfortunately, we can't realize it!"

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "This requires the integration of powerful intelligent systems."

"It doesn't matter. Let's take our time. I think we should be able to realize those ideas."

Zhang Zhipeng first held a symposium with Wang Haoyong and the creative team to learn about the main problems they currently face in research.

In fact, it can be said that tanks face more and more existential threats on modern battlefields.

Individual anti-tank missiles can hit a target within ten kilometers.

Gunships can also attack from the air, knocking tanks out of the box.

Now, there should be a greater threat added, that is: the initiation attack of drones.

Of course, China is now the most advanced in small drones.

However, as long as this product spreads, other countries will surely imitate and produce it soon.

Even if their products have certain differences, they are still usable.

It can still pose a huge threat to tanks. How tanks can protect themselves from drone attacks is a big question.

It's not that easy to solve.

If it is really possible to install a machine gun that can fire autonomously on the tank, it will be able to attack incoming drones.

But, seriously, for this machine gun to be effective, it also needs to be equipped with a small and powerful fire control radar.

In short, solving these problems requires tremendous efforts.

After the symposium, Zhang Zhipeng came to the test workshop of the Armored Vehicle Research Institute.

Various studies are already underway here.

Zhang Zhipeng learned about the actual progress of their research and found that they did have problems with system integration.

In fact, they have now obtained advanced lidar products.

Various sensors have also been purchased.

Small fire control radars are also available.

But integrating all of these together is impossible without a powerful software system.

But Zhang Zhipeng is a top expert in software.

In the days that followed, Zhang Zhipeng began to write a set of software that could be used for new smart tanks.

This is quite a difficult process.

Even Zhang Zhipeng must go all out.

It took Zhang Zhipeng more than twenty days to write this program.

While constantly improving the program, Zhang Zhipeng is also adjusting every aspect of the tank, guiding Wang Haoyong's team to develop functional modules suitable for the system.

Moreover, Zhang Zhipeng also needs to customize various sensor, CPU, GPU and other chip products.

Under his leadership, this tank was completely different from the previous design of Wang Haoyong's team.

In order to build this tank, dozens of kilometers of various transmission cables and optical cables were used.

Considering that the more intelligent a product is, the more likely it is to have problems, it is necessary to design protective measures and functional replacement measures.

In short, this is really a complex project.

It was not until early June 1998 that the prototype of this smart tank was finally built.

After the car was built, many big shots such as Guo Zaijie and Li Yunfeng came to watch it.

You know, this is an epoch-making product.

The success of this tank is very important to the Army.

There are places for two crew members inside the tank.

The loader gunner is completely freed.

Because the tank can complete automated and intelligent loading.

One of the two crew members is responsible for observing the surrounding situation and making decisions when appropriate.

The other is responsible for observing the enemy situation from above and making subjective intervention at the appropriate time.

This tank can be said to be a transcendent weapon and equipment.

Zhang Zhipeng explained to Guo Zaijie and other big guys.

Guo Zaijie listened with interest. After listening, he asked a question: "Comrade Zhipeng, according to your explanation just now, my feeling is: can this tank drive and attack automatically? Or can it be controlled remotely?"

"Can it also be an unmanned tank?"

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "It should be able to be developed into an unmanned combat vehicle."

"However, for the time being, people will be needed to do the driving."

"Because, in complex battlefield terrain, people need to lead and drive."

"After all, our artificial intelligence cannot currently judge complex situations on its own."

"It's not smart enough compared to humans."

"Without the assistance of an experienced driver, it cannot achieve 100 percent combat effectiveness."

Artificial intelligence is indeed a technological direction with unlimited prospects.

However, the experience of machines is still given by humans after all.

The tank Zhang Zhipeng built now can only be regarded as semi-intelligent.

After listening to Zhang Zhipeng's explanation, Li Yunfeng said with a smile: "Comrade Zhipeng, even if it cannot operate unmanned and autonomously, it is still an incredible tank that transcends the times!"

"You just mentioned so many advanced functions, we all want to experience them."

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "Of course there is no problem. How about Comrade Yunfeng drive this big guy out with me?"

Li Yunfeng nodded excitedly and said, "Okay!"

"I have driven a tank myself."

"How about you teach me how to drive it?"

Zhang Zhipeng and Li Yunfeng entered the inside of the tank together.

The internal space of this tank is relatively cramped.

After Li Yunfeng entered, he discovered a big change: the front of the tank, next to the driver, where the instrument panel and other bits and pieces were originally located, was replaced by a large vertical rectangular LCD screen.

The upper part of the LCD screen displays various functions of the tank, and the lower part is the high-definition camera probe and lidar sensor display area.

The driver's position has a rectangular steering wheel.

In the space behind the tank, there is also a huge LCD screen.

This surprised Li Yunfeng.

"Eh?! There are so many screens inside?"

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "Since it is an intelligent control, then it is normal to use two more smart screens, right? Haha!"

"The screen in front is mainly used to display the surrounding and front conditions."

"It can also directly use our Beidou satellite navigation system."

Before the third generation tank, the joystick was used to drive the tank.

By the third generation of tanks, steering wheels similar to car driving appeared.

For example, China's 96A main battle tank uses a steering wheel.

Zhang Zhipeng started the tank while introducing the situation inside the vehicle.

After the tank started, it made a huge roar.

The screen lit up at the same time.

Immediately, an image scene with the tank as the center appeared on the front screen. It can display real images within 500 meters of the surrounding area. Further distances are assisted by high-precision lidar detection.

Just by glancing at the screen, you can get a rough idea of ​​what's going on outside.

This is incredible.

Li Yunfeng was immediately shocked: "Can you really see the whole situation around you?"

"How on earth is this done?"

Zhang Zhipeng said with a smile: "The main thing is to integrate the scenes captured by all the probes and radars through the system to spell out the real situation outside the car and display it on the screen."

This thing seems simple to say, but it is actually very difficult to achieve.

Li Yunfeng murmured: "This is amazing."

"It has always been a fatal problem for tanks to have limited vision and too many blind spots."

"But now Comrade Zhipeng has solved this problem."

"However, on a complex battlefield, are the radars, probes, etc. you just mentioned very easy to be destroyed?"

"For example, if a shell falls and shrapnel splashes onto the tank, will it blind the tank again?"

Zhang Zhipeng said: "This will indeed happen."

"However, all radars and probes can actually work together for imaging or individually, and there is no problem with that."

"Even if a few are broken, the others can still work, but the clarity will be affected to a certain extent."

"In other words, if the tank group is covered by a saturation attack from heavy artillery, it is estimated that it will not escape the fate of being destroyed no matter what."

As the two talked, the tank was slowly driven out of the test workshop.

At this time, Guo Zaijie's voice came through the wireless communicator in the car: "Hello, Comrade Yunfeng! Are you driving the tank now?"

Li Yunfeng smiled and replied: "Yes!"

"However, I am still in a state of confusion."

"This tank is completely different from the tanks we had in the past."

"Very advanced and very intelligent."

"Comrade Zaijie, I can even see the exact position where you are standing..."

Li Yunfeng told Guo Zaijie the location and coordinate information.

Guo Zaijie laughed and said, "Isn't this too awesome?"

"I'm standing behind a few people talking to you!"

Li Yunfeng said with a smile: "This is the power of our new smart tank."

"The situation within 1 meters around can be displayed in real-life, and within meters away from meters, it is presented in the form of a radar simulation composition. If a suspicious target is found, it will immediately alert and lock it."

Guo Zaijie said with a smile: "Can you see clearly what's coming from the sky?"

“Can smart automatic machine guns really lock onto tiny targets in the sky?”

Zhang Zhipeng was sitting in the back row of the tank, and he said: "Comrade Zaijie, let me answer this question for you. The situation in the sky can also be displayed on the screen in the back row. We use a miniature spider web phased array radar. This radar It can easily capture small incoming targets within a range of five kilometers. It can even distinguish whether it is a flying bird or a flying mechanical body."

"But it's obviously not easy to test here right now."

Zhang Zhipeng's answer came from the walkie-talkie held in Guo Zaijie's hand.

The surrounding big guys from the army also heard it.

Everyone was shocked and happy.

If this tank could really do this, wouldn't it be incredible?

In an era when anti-tank individual missiles are popularized, the battlefield survivability of tanks is getting worse and worse.

But if the new main battle tank can truly sense the situation within a 10-kilometer radius without blind spots, and can also defend against threats from the sky, the tank's survivability will be greatly increased.

The lethality of tanks will also be greatly improved.

Before Guo Zaijie could say anything, the army bosses started making noises.

"Then let's test it!"

"Yes! Go to the testing field at the back to test it in actual combat and see what it's like!"

"I said, can you let me have fun for a while? Listening to you talk makes my heart itch! Haha!"

PS: Here’s today’s update! Thank you to all the readers who have always supported me.

(End of this chapter)