Rebirth of Hong Kong Island, leading the technology war

Chapter 616 Electromagnetic catapult built in one year! The Speaker is questioning his existence; this speed is simply unbelievable.
Not only that, but Ding Jiani felt that the invisible aura emanating from Hu Jiangshan at this moment was completely different from the Hu Jiangshan of the past, and could not be connected at all!
Ding Jiani even had an absurd thought that came to mind.

This isn't Hu Jiangshan at all, is it?

Could it be someone who looks remarkably like him?

Or are they twin brothers?

But she immediately dismissed the idea.

Wait a minute, I've never heard of Hu Jiangshan having any twin brothers!
Moreover, how could Mr. Hu Yingxiang not recognize his own grandson?
Why would he need to find someone who looks like a grandson to meet with Speaker Hua?
This makes absolutely no sense, unless there's some earth-shattering conspiracy involved.

But it would be understandable if someone else were to plot against him, but it's absolutely impossible for Hu Yingxiang to do so!

He is a highly respected and upright gentleman in Hong Kong, who acts with integrity and would never do such a despicable thing.

Moreover, what exactly is the purpose of Mr. Hu setting up this meeting today, inviting Hu Jiangshan to see Speaker Hua?
What important matter must be discussed in this kind of setting?

At this moment, Hua Junfeng said, "Old Hu, and Ah Shan, is there something important we need to discuss today? There are no outsiders here, so let's get straight to the point."

Hu Yingxiang smiled and nodded: "Ashan, come and tell Speaker Hua your thoughts and plans in detail, and hear Speaker Hua's opinion."

Hua Junfeng quickly and modestly waved his hand: "Oh, Mr. Hu, you flatter me too much."

Hu Jiangshan took a deep breath and organized his thoughts and words: "Speaker Hua, here's the thing. I've taken the liberty of asking my grandfather to help me arrange a meeting with you this time because I hope to formally submit an application to the Hong Kong government regarding land reclamation."

"What? Land reclamation?!"

Although Hua Junfeng and Ding Jiani were somewhat prepared beforehand, knowing that Hu Jiangshan was going to talk about something important, they still couldn't help but show expressions of astonishment when they heard those four words.

Hu Jiangshan seemed to have anticipated their reaction and said, "Speaker Hua, I know this idea may sound a bit bold, or even absurd. Please let me explain. You should have heard of the space launch site that our Jiangshan Group has been operating recently, right? We just successfully conducted a rocket launch experiment not long ago."

Hua Junfeng quickly concealed his surprise and nodded: "Yes, I've heard that the launch site is built on an island? Could it be that the land reclamation you're planning is near that island?"

Hu Jiangshan nodded affirmatively: "Yes, Speaker Hua, you guessed right. It's on that island, in the waters surrounding Tenglong Island. I plan to acquire new land through land reclamation to further expand and upgrade our space launch site to meet the launch needs of larger-scale and more advanced spacecraft in the future. This is related to the long-term layout of Jiangshan Group's aerospace industry and even Hong Kong Island in the high-tech field."

Hua Junfeng and Ding Jiani were both a little confused.

I never imagined that Hong Kong Island could have such high-end facilities, especially since such a mega-project was designed by Hu Jiangshan.

Hu Jiangshan used to be ignorant and incompetent, but now he has gained some skills and his reputation has improved. However, the idea that he could single-handedly support an entire space launch site seems rather unreliable.

What's more, he's now planning to reclaim land from the sea to further expand the launch site.

Does he really have that much ability?

Hua Junfeng had initially guessed that the Hu family was supporting Hu Jiangshan behind the scenes, but judging from the current situation, it seemed that Hu Jiangshan was doing things personally, rather than relying on the power of his family.

If the Hu family truly intended to intervene, they wouldn't have waited until now to have Hu Yingxiang step in to help; it doesn't make logical sense.

At this moment, Ding Jiani asked, "Is the island itself very small? Why is it necessary to reclaim land from the sea?"

Hu Jiangshan took over and patiently explained: "Tenglong Island is actually not small, it has a large area. However, to expand the space launch site, a large area of ​​concentrated, flat land is needed. There is flat land on the island, but it is scattered. The new launch area that is planned to be expanded is precisely lacking a large enough and complete flat area. Therefore, after comprehensive consideration, land reclamation is the most feasible and convenient solution at present."

Ding Jiani pressed further, "But I still find it a bit strange. Isn't your existing launch site enough? Why the rush to expand? Is it really necessary?"

Hua Junfeng glanced at Ding Jiani, knowing that her question was somewhat presumptuous, but he did not stop her.

Because this question really touched on his heart.

He was also very eager to hear Hu Jiangshan's specific explanation.

In the general impression of laymen, a space launch site is nothing more than a place to launch rockets. A tall launch pad, along with a few supporting factory buildings and facilities, seems to be enough.

Moreover, hasn't Hu Jiangshan's launch site already declared to have entered commercial operation?

It has also been successfully launched.

If that's the case, why go to such great lengths to continue the expansion?

Upon closer examination, it is indeed easy to arouse suspicion.

Hu Jiangshan seemed to have anticipated this question, and he calmly replied, "Because we need to build a very important new facility. This facility has special functions and will occupy a very large area. The existing open space in the launch site is far from meeting the demand."

"What kind of facilities are they?" Hua Junfeng followed up with a question.

He paused, then continued, "Ah Shan, with Old Hu here, we're not strangers, so I'll be frank. If you really intend to apply for land reclamation, according to regulations, you must submit a very detailed explanation of the reasons and a complete construction plan. All the key details must be clearly stated; otherwise, approval will be very difficult to obtain, so..."

Hu Jiangshan nodded, indicating his understanding: "I understand, this is a necessary procedure. Our current plan is to build a new type of launch pad."

"A new launch pad?" Hua Junfeng was taken aback. "Why build another launch pad? Are the existing launch pads insufficient, or are there so many launch missions that they're queuing up? Logically speaking, the frequency of rocket launch orders shouldn't be that high, right?"

Ding Jiani chimed in, "Yeah, isn't one launch pad enough?"

Hua Junfeng coughed lightly and reminded her, "Jia Ni, you should speak politely."

Hu Jiangshan waved his hand, seemingly unconcerned: "It's alright, I know where your doubts lie. Frankly, with our current launch volume, a traditional launch pad is indeed sufficient. The rocket launch business is characterized by a relatively low volume of orders, but the value of each contract is very high. However, the launch pad I plan to build is completely different from the existing one; it uses a different type of technology." "Another type?" Ding Jiani became even more curious. "What different types of launch pads could there be? Aren't they all like tall steel towers?"

Hu Jiangshan shook his head: "The launch pads that are commonly used nowadays are indeed like this, but the one I want to build uses a completely new technological concept."

"Different? How could it be different?"

Hua Junfeng's face was also full of confusion: "Launch pad...can be made differently?"

Hu Jiangshan explained, "We plan to use an electromagnetic catapult technology. Therefore, the structural design and functional modules of the entire launcher will be fundamentally different from those of a conventional launcher."

"Electromagnetic catapult technology?" Hua Junfeng and Ding Jiani repeated almost in unison, their faces showing disbelief.

Even Hu Yingxiang, who had been sitting quietly to the side, couldn't help but look up at his grandson with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Even if they don't have a deep understanding of aerospace technology, they have probably heard of the term "electromagnetic catapult".

After all, at this point in time, the United States already had an aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, although it had not yet officially entered service and had been experiencing problems for several years, remaining in the testing and adjustment phase.

Hua Junfeng pondered for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Ah Shan, are you talking about... rocket launchers that use electromagnetic catapult technology? Are there any physical examples of that in the world yet?"

Hu Jiangshan shook his head and said frankly, "This is a very cutting-edge and very new technology. At present, no country or institution in the entire world has actually built a practical electromagnetic catapult device for space launches."

Hua Junfeng's heart skipped a beat: "You mean... you plan to build this electromagnetic catapult launcher from scratch, a feat that has never been successfully accomplished before in the world?"

Hu Jiangshan nodded affirmatively: "Yes, this is exactly our goal. Once completed, it will surely shock the entire Blue Star aerospace industry and become a unique and practical electromagnetic catapult launch facility in the world."

"But……"

Hua Junfeng still found it hard to believe, always feeling that Hu Jiangshan's plan had a touch of fantasy.

Ding Jianni, without any reservations, spoke her mind directly: "Mr. Hu, please forgive my bluntness, but I don't understand. No one on the entire planet has been able to build this new type of launch pad yet. How can you be so confident that you can definitely build it? Are you sure it's really feasible? What I mean is, if others haven't been able to build it, it's very likely because the technology itself is not yet mature, or there are insurmountable obstacles, or it's due to considerations such as cost and practicality..."

Hu Jiangshan smiled slightly, appearing confident: "I fully understand your concerns. In fact, the technology of electromagnetic catapult launchers is indeed extremely challenging, making it one of the most cutting-edge directions in the field of aerospace technology. Currently, many countries are indeed conducting related research, but most are still in the theoretical demonstration or preliminary experimental stage. However, we can say that we have made decisive breakthroughs in the development of key technologies, completed the necessary technical reserves, and conducted considerable-scale ground simulation experiments. We believe that we now have the conditions and capabilities to build the actual aircraft."

Hua Junfeng carefully observed Hu Jiangshan. The other party was confident, spoke seriously, and was very articulate, not at all like someone who was just talking nonsense or exaggerating.

"You mean that your core technology research and development phase has been completed, and that you have met the conditions for engineering and physical realization, and that there are no insurmountable technical bottlenecks?"

"I can guarantee that."

Hu Jiangshan's answer was very affirmative, adding, "Our company can submit complete technical demonstration documents and some experimental data. The Hong Kong government can certainly hire or appoint relevant technical experts to review and verify them. We even welcome everyone to visit our launch site for on-site inspection and assessment of its feasibility. We will definitely cooperate fully."

Having said all that, Hua Junfeng's expression finally became completely serious.

Hu Jiangshan's clear and firm attitude shows that the other party has given it careful consideration and is extremely sincere.

Therefore, this matter must be treated with utmost care.

If Hu Jiangshan's words are true, and this project does succeed, its impact will be enormous.

Hua Junfeng further inquired, "If, and I mean if, the application for land reclamation is ultimately approved, how long do you expect it to take to complete the reclamation project? And how long will it take to complete the main structure of the electromagnetic catapult launcher and put it into use?"

After a moment's thought, Hu Jiangshan replied, "Giving a precise timeline down to the day might be difficult, as it is greatly affected by uncontrollable factors such as weather and sea conditions. However, if we make a rough estimate, we expect that about a year will be sufficient from the official start of the land reclamation project to the full completion of the launch pad."

"A year?" Hua Junfeng was genuinely surprised, an expression of disbelief on his face. "This... so fast?"

Sitting to the side, Hu Jiangshan smiled and chimed in, "Mr. Hua, you may not know this, but the actual time it took for our existing space launch site, from site selection and planning to completion and commissioning, wasn't very long. These records are all publicly available. Please believe that since we've proposed a one-year plan, we certainly have the confidence and resources to complete it on time."

Hu Yingxiang chuckled, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable weight: "Speaker Hua, you can rest assured on this matter. Ah Shan is becoming more and more reliable in handling things. Since he dares to say this, he must know what he's doing and be able to accomplish it."

With even an elder like Hu Yingxiang expressing such a stance, Hua Junfeng naturally couldn't raise any further questions in person.

However, he certainly wouldn't easily believe someone just because of their one-sided story.

Privately, he would definitely send someone to investigate Hu Jiangshan's background in detail, especially to verify the true scale, construction period, and current operation status of his space launch site.

To be honest, it's a huge undertaking to reclaim land on an island and then build a giant rocket launch pad using the most advanced technology on it.

The engineering difficulty and complexity involved are beyond imagination.

A year?
This sounds like a complete fantasy. Hua Junfeng has worked for the Hong Kong government for many years and has seen all kinds of large-scale projects. He's not a three-year-old and he's not so easily fooled.

Although Hu Yingxiang was highly respected and his face had to be given, the land reclamation project was of great importance.

It involves many aspects such as sea area use, environmental impact, engineering safety, and technical risks, and must not be decided hastily. It must undergo a rigorous and prudent assessment.

After the meal, Hua Junfeng and Ding Jiani got into the car to return.

As the car slowly drove away, Hua Junfeng leaned back in his seat, gazing at the street scenes rushing past the window, his brows furrowed as he fell into deep thought.

Today's meeting was packed with information; he needs to process it all and must initiate necessary investigative procedures as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)