Reborn Tang Emperor Li Chengqian

Chapter 440 Hot Air Balloon and Cannon
Li Chengqian stood at the highest point of the Daming Palace, holding a stretchable tube in his hand, put one end in front of his eyes, and pointed the other end at the distance.

The scene in the distance is very clear, and the scene outside Chang'an City can be clearly seen.

Li Chengqian looked at the binoculars in his hand with satisfaction. This was the result of two years of research by the research institute.

A telescope is an optical instrument that uses lenses or mirrors and other optical devices to observe distant objects.The refraction of the light through the lens or the reflection of the light by the concave mirror make it enter the small hole and converge into an image, and then pass through a magnifying eyepiece to be seen.Also known as the "telescope".

The first function of the telescope is to enlarge the opening angle of distant objects, so that the human eye can see details with smaller angular distances.The second function of the telescope is to send the light beam collected by the objective lens that is much thicker than the diameter of the pupil (up to 8 mm) into the human eye, so that the observer can see faint objects that were originally invisible.

The monocular telescope in Li Chengqian's hand is the most common telescope with two lenses in one tube.

With this telescope, you can observe the distant scene through the telescope when you are marching and fighting, and you can find the traces of the opponent one step ahead of the enemy.

At that time, whether it is attacking or retreating, it will have a great effect.

The lens of the telescope is made of optical glass by grinding and polishing the glass, and then it is made into a lens suitable for making a telescope.

Then put it into the two ends of a tube, and the telescope is finished like this.

As for making glass in this way, it is impossible to do it at Datang's current level, let alone make telescopes.

The first generation of telescopes was made in 1608 by Hans Lipper, an unknown optician living in Middelburg, the Netherlands.

People in the Tang Dynasty don't even know what glass is.

To expect them to be able to make a telescope is simply wishful thinking.

None of the above is important, the important thing is that Li Chengqian is a time traveler, and he knows everything about the materials used to make glass.

Li Chengqian called all the craftsmen over and asked them to smash and mix the raw materials such as quartz sand, feldspar and limestone first.

After high-temperature melting, firing into a liquid, putting it into a mold, cooling, polishing and other processes, the glass lens is completed.

Li Chengqian only has theoretical knowledge, and has not actually done anything in this area.

Therefore, what should be done specifically requires the hard work of the craftsman, and finally, two years later, according to the theory mentioned by Li Chengqian, the first telescope was manufactured.

It was the monocular telescope in Li Chengqian's hand.

"Let the research institute make some more of these telescopes. In the future, the generals will lead the troops and distribute such telescopes to them."

"Strictly control the telescope and use it as an important strategic material. It is forbidden to use it by the people, and it is not allowed to leak such secrets at will. Anyone who dares to leak the secret will be punished by the nine clans." Li Chengqian ordered.

"Don't worry, everyone! I will handle this matter myself!" Wang Quan said.

Seeing that Li Chengqian attached so much importance to the telescope, he was worried about letting others pass the message, so he went there by himself.

"Are the other things manufactured? I can't wait to see it." Li Chengqian said.

In addition to making telescopes, Li Chengqian also ordered the research institute to make hot air balloons and cannons.

He decided to send troops this time to aid Tuyuhun and fight against Tubo, so he will use these magical weapons.

With these magical weapons, not to mention defeating Tubo, it is not a problem at all to attack Luosuo.

"There is news from the research institute that the large Kongming lantern and new weapons have been manufactured." Wang Quan said.

"Have they been tested and what is the effect?" Li Chengqian asked.

"The large Kongming lantern has been tested many times. First, the experiment was done with dead objects. After there were no problems, the experiments were switched to animals. After there were no problems, the experiments were finally conducted with humans."

"After everything is all right, we will start mass production according to your wishes. This is the experimental report of the research institute." Wang Quan handed a report to Li Chengqian, which recorded the entire process of the experiment in detail.

After countless improvements and designs, the hot air balloon that can carry people can be made, which is the so-called large Kongming lantern.

After reading it, Li Chengqian continued to ask: "How is the experiment of the new weapon? How is the power?"

"The experiment of the new weapon has also been successful, but it's a bit bulky, and two people can't lift it at all. They have installed wheels on it, so it can be pushed by two people, or it can be used to pull and walk."

"After testing, the power of the new weapon is ten times greater than that of the trebuchet. This is the experimental report of the new weapon." Wang Quan handed the other party's report to Li Chengqian.

"Let's go! Go to the research institute. I want to see for myself how effective this new weapon is?" Li Chengqian said after reading the report.

"Your servant will order someone to prepare a guard of honor and go to the research institute," Wang Quan said.

"You don't need to be so troublesome, just go there in casual clothes! You don't have to bring so many followers." Li Chengqian said.

"Promise!" Wang Quan replied, although Li Chengqian said so, he couldn't do it.

On the bright side, he selected a few skilled guards to protect him, but secretly arranged a large number of guards to protect him in secret, so as to avoid any accidents.

Li Chengqian came to the experimental base of the research institute. After meeting with the person in charge, he asked to experiment with new weapons face to face.

The person in charge asked people to withdraw a cannon, which was a finished product manufactured after many experiments according to Li Chengqian's own description.

The barrel of the cannon is long, the wall is thick, the caliber is large, and the overall shape gradually thickens from the muzzle to the tail, which is in line with the principle that the chamber pressure changes from high to low when gunpowder burns.

And there are cylindrical lugs on both sides of the center of gravity of the gun body. The gun can adjust the shooting angle based on this axis, and the shooting range can be changed according to the amount of gunpowder. There are front sights and rear sights, and the trajectory is calculated according to the parabola, with high accuracy.

The overall length of the cannon is about 3 meters, the diameter is 110-130 mm, and the weight is about 1 ton.

"Let's start!" Li Chengqian said.

"Yes!" The researcher replied, and immediately asked the gunner to reload the ammunition, then ignited the fuse, and heard a bang, and a ball was ejected from the muzzle, hitting distant objects, and directly smashing out a huge deep pit.

After test firing, the effect of the cannon on siege is very significant. A few shots can directly penetrate the city wall, but it cannot be used in field battles.

"It's powerful! It would be even better if it could be made lighter and the shooting speed faster!" Li Chengqian said.

"What your majesty said is that our research institute has stepped up research and experiments. In a few years, we may be able to research the weapon your majesty said. This weapon has no name yet, so please give it a name." The person in charge of the experimental base of the research institute said humanely.

"Let's call it the collapse of the country! One shot down, even the country will collapse." Li Chengqian said.

Li Chengqian explained a few more words before heading back to the palace.

(End of this chapter)