Re: Blood and Iron
Chapter 521 - 521: Focke Wulf PTL

The aide sent by the Hoover campaign to the British Empire damn near choked on his tea when he heard the response from King George V. He expected a more hardline stance, and the need to negotiate further.

While the American had presented a strong argument for the need for cooperation between the two powers. The reality was that the United States was sorely behind in tank and aircraft technology than their European counterparts.

They had not really witnessed the effectiveness of tanks on the modern battlefield during the Great War, nor did they have access to much in terms of principles to go off of when it came to what worked and what did not.

As a result, the American military's technological progression was almost entirely unaffected by the Bruno's interference in the timeline. In 1928, the USA was still fielding m1918 Ford 3-ton tanks and Curtis P-1 Hawks.

Even in Bruno's past life these were less than ideal weapons for a battlefield in the current era. Let alone a potential competitor against what Germany was currently fielding and developing.

There was limited knowledge and expertise regarding the development of these weapons platforms in the United States, and many of its best minds suited to the task had been poached by Germany and Russia already.

What the USA offered was less research and development ,and more manufacturing capability. Even so, either King George didn't know this, or was desperate at this point for some kind of breakthrough.

Thus, when the British Monarch spoke again, he did so with severity in his tone.

"I am willing to sign a contract that allows for the joint research and development of technology in critical fields with the United States for the next four years, and is capable of being extended every four years after the fact.

Tell your employer that when he sits in the Oval Office, he can reach out to me at any time with a draft of the terms, and I will review them. If I find them to be appropriate, I will have no qualms about signing the agreement. I look forward to hearing from you and Mr. Hoover in the near future."

Not another word was said as the aide shook King George's hand and fled back to the United States to personally deliver the good news.

---

In some distant part of Russia, far beyond the eyes and ears of spies and observers, lie a barren airfield. Despite the fact that there were currently no planes but one on the runway, the airfield itself was heavily fortified.

Anti-aircraft guns as far as the eyes could see, and reinforced concrete fortifications with the men to man them lie as far as his eye could see. Why was this the case? Because the restricted air space above existed to maintain privacy and secrecy for the aircraft that were designed to be tested in the worst conditions possible.

It was the summer of 1928… And after over a decade of research, development, prototyping, and testing, the first turboprop engine was already approved for mass manufacture, and had begun doing so within the aviation factories of the German Reich, and the Russian Empire.

But just because turbo-prop engines designed for fighter aircraft were already production as far back as 1924, did not mean that the fighters themselves had been perfected. But today, the dream was finally upon those who had strived so hard for its creation.

The Focke-Wulf PTL from Bruno's past life served as a large inspiration for the fighter aircraft itself. Modified slightly in some ways or another, the aircraft was quite honestly brilliant when it was put to paper in its original timeline.

Let alone, now, as for the turbo-prop engine? It was based upon designs like the Jumo 004, HeS 011, and modern turbine principles.

At the same time, it borrowed heavily from improvements that increased the efficiency piston-prop engines like that of the Packard V-1650. And applied them where they could utilize.

The result was a 3,000 shp turboprop engine driving six contra-rotating propellers. Resulting in a top speed of 460 mph, and a ceiling of 30,000+ feet. Meanwhile, its maximum range on paper was 2,500 miles with a full weapon load out.

Currently, a German test pilot, in full uniform, with his distinctive Luftstreitkräfte leather aviator's jacket, stepped into the semi-pressurized cockpit.Where he then buckled his seat, and began performing basic checks on the plane.

The voice on the radio was quick to check in with the pilot. Who picked up his receiver and spoke his response.

"All systems are a go. I am preparing for takeoff."

The man ignited the engine, which roared to life, and in doing so, caused all who witnessed its glory to hold their breath in silence. And then, after receiving clearance for takeoff, the man steered the plane down the runway, into the proper position to begin the first attempt at fighting for a new generation of aircraft.

And then… The plane began to run, sprint, and eventually climb. Climb into the sky, where it took off, followed by safety chase aircraft which had been on standby in the event of catastrophe.

But it flew smoothly… The first flight was brief, a loop around the airfield and then back again. It was testing for function, vibration, and safety first. And when it landed, the airfield broke out into cheers.

Because they had crossed the hurdle into true functionality without a disaster on their hands. As for the rest of the testing? It would be at least another two years before the German Reich and the Russian Empire had approved the aircraft for total adoption.

But by 1930, the Focke-Wulf PTL would begin seeing service, and by then a surplus of Engines would be in storage to facilitate their manufacture.

As for Bruno, who stood by the Kaiser and Tsar's sides, with a smirk on his face, he turned around and made a bold proclamation to them both.

"From this day forth, we own both the seas and the skies."