章 16: Chapter 16: Testing Part 2
Alfonso stood confidently before the group of soldiers who had just completed the test fire of the previous prototype.
"This one will be slightly different from the M-AR33. One noticeable difference, of course, is the design. It's slightly bigger than the M-AR33 and it uses different types of ammunition. The M-AR33 uses a 5.56x45mm while the M-AR47 uses a 7.62x39mm. You can see it in the bullets yourselves," Alfonso explained, grabbing two bullets from the ammunition box and holding them up for the soldiers to see the difference.
The attentive soldiers gasped and engaged in animated chatter, exchanging their thoughts and impressions about the new prototype.
"Today, we will be testing the M-AR47, just like the M-AR33 before. Each of you will take a weapon, load yourself with a magazine, and aim at the target dummy," Alfonso instructed, as the soldiers lined up to pick up the new prototype for testing.
After a minute, the soldiers were all ready, eagerly anticipating the experience of firing the M-AR47.
As they prepared, one soldier nudged his comrade and raised a question. "Do you think it's a little heavier than the M-AR33?"
Curious, the soldier lifted the rifle to check its weight and responded, "I agree, it's slightly heavier than the M-AR33. Not only that, but the bullet is also larger compared to the M-AR33 rounds."
Excited to try out the new prototype, the soldier let out a chuckle as he trained the barrel of the M-AR47 at the target dummy.
They awaited the signal to fire, which would come from the prince, Alfonso.
"Fire!" Alfonso's command rang out, granting them permission to shoot.
As the soldier pulled the trigger, he felt a strong force pushing against his right arm, causing him to shoot higher than the targeted dummy.
Observing their attempts, Alfonso confirmed, "It's a little hard to control due to its strong recoil, so you'll have to compensate accordingly," offering his advice to the soldiers.
Understanding the challenges of handling the M-AR47, Alfonso knew that mastering this prototype would require more practice and training. He encouraged the soldiers not to be disheartened by the initial difficulties, assuring them that with time and dedication, they would become adept at wielding this powerful weapon.
As the soldiers continued their testing and familiarization with the M-AR47, Alfonso watched with keen interest, taking mental notes of their performance. He knew that refining and perfecting these advanced weapons would be crucial in ensuring the military's preparedness to face future challenges and protect the sovereignty of the Philippines.
With the successful testing of the M-AR47 and its potential as a game-changer in warfare, Alfonso's determination to modernize the Philippine Armed Forces was further reinforced. He envisioned a future where his country's military would stand shoulder to shoulder with the most technologically advanced forces in the world, safeguarding the nation and its people from any threat that may arise. And with each new prototype, Alfonso took another step closer to turning that vision into a reality.
Despite its weight, the soldiers' impression of the M-AR47 was still very positive, especially for the one who fired it first. "The power of this weapon is even greater than the M-AR33. I get more satisfaction from firing this weapon; it's a little sweeter to the eye," the soldier remarked with enthusiasm.
The Chief of the General Staff was in a state of admiration as well. The ear-deafening burst, its penetration power, and the ability to shoot continuously left a profound impact on the soldiers.
Among the soldiers, one's eyes flickered towards the young prince, filled with loyalty and love for the Philippines. He was dedicated to protecting the nation's sovereignty and honor. In the past, the prince's father, the previous monarch, had been focused on suppressing dissent and denying rights to those who spoke out against him.
Seeing the prince's sincere efforts to stabilize the country and the attention he paid to the welfare of the army, the soldier's heart swelled with pride and appreciation. He was confident that in the future, the Philippines would make a strong comeback and shock the world with its prowess.
"You have my respect, young prince," one of the soldiers murmured solemnly under his breath, expressing his deep admiration.
The soldiers continued firing their weapons, eagerly exhausting their ammunition as the ejection port spat out empty shells one after another, littering the ground.
Once again, the soldiers found themselves in a state of amazement. Though not everyone, some of them felt the strain in their shoulders due to the strong recoil of the new weapon they were not yet accustomed to carrying.
After the testing was completed, they cast thoughtful glances at their current service weapon, the Mosin Nagant, contemplating its utility now that a new and more advanced rifle had been introduced.
"Okay, return the weapons to where you took them from," Alfonso issued his orders, and the soldiers promptly followed, carefully placing the prototype rifles back in their designated locations, standing by for further instructions.
As they returned the rifles, Alfonso couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and fulfillment. The successful testing of the M-AR47 and the positive feedback from the soldiers bolstered his belief in the path he had chosen to modernize the Philippine Armed Forces.
Two weapons tested, two to go.
After the soldiers took a quick break to rest and recharge, they prepared to begin the next round of testing. This time, they would be examining two different kinds of assault rifles, the FN FAL and the AR15.
The test proceeded for twenty minutes, during which the soldiers carefully evaluated the performance of the FN FAL and the AR15. Once the testing phase was completed, the soldiers diligently picked up the spent shells scattered on the ground, placing them in an empty box for proper disposal.
With a nod of satisfaction, Alfonso clapped his hands to gather their attention. "Okay, we're all done here," he announced, his voice filled with appreciation. "I want to congratulate each and every one of you for the exceptional work you've done today, and I truly appreciate the time you've taken to test these new weapon prototypes," Alfonso concluded warmly.
Turning his attention to the Chief of the General Staff, Alfonso addressed him directly. "General, we will supply you with these weapons for further testing. You can choose one or two of these weapons to potentially replace the current service rifle of the army. Your expertise and insight will be crucial in making the right decision, and once you've made your selection, we'll move forward with mass production."
However, Alfonso understood that the road to mass production was not without its challenges. While the current arm manufacturers had the capability to produce the new weapons, the production process was slow due to the limitations of the assembly line.
To expedite the manufacturing process and ensure a swift transition, Alfonso knew that he had to take certain measures. First, he would have to share the advanced manufacturing techniques developed for these weapons with the major arms manufacturers. This would enable them to quickly adopt the new methods and scale up production.
The second step in streamlining production was the implementation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. These sophisticated machines would be instrumental in manufacturing complex parts of the weapons and other advanced machinery, such as tanks, vehicles, and aircraft, which demanded precision beyond human capabilities.
Recognizing the importance of this endeavor, Alfonso had already been diligently working on a computer prototype that utilized vacuum tubes or transistors. This revolutionary device would not only revolutionize weapons production but also pave the way for advancements in various other fields.
Alfonso's vision was clear - to equip the Philippine Armed Forces with cutting-edge weaponry and technology, strengthening their position on the global stage. The success of these weapon tests was a significant step towards achieving that goal, and Alfonso's commitment to progress and innovation was unwavering.
Programming and coding would pose no problem for Alfonso, as he already had a clear vision in mind for the future of weaponry and technology. However, with the day's weapon testing completed, he knew it was time to focus on other matters for the moment.
"Yes, Your Majesty, we will carefully evaluate and choose among the best of these weapons that we believe will be most beneficial for the army," the General assured Alfonso.
"I appreciate that," Alfonso replied, glancing briefly at the far distance where a silhouette of a warship, possibly a dreadnought or a cruiser, loomed on the horizon. Alexander, the imperial prince, noticed his gaze and turned to face the General.
With the army testing completed, Alfonso's mind was already contemplating his next steps. After addressing the needs of the army, he planned to proceed to the navy and the air force, ensuring that each branch of the Philippine Armed Forces received the advancements they required.
"Oh, before I forget, General," Alfonso began, catching the General's attention.
"What is it, Your Majesty?" the General inquired respectfully.
"In two weeks' time, I request your presence at my palace along with the Admiral of the Navy and the General of the Air Force. There's a procurement program I plan to introduce across the armed forces of the Philippines, and I will need your counsel and expertise on the matter," Alfonso explained with a serious tone.
"As you wish, Your Majesty. I will notify them immediately," the General promptly replied, bowing in acknowledgment of the imperial prince's request.
"Excellent, we'll be going now. Thank you," Alfonso said with a salute.
The General and the soldiers nearby returned the salute, their rifles held in their hands as they watched Alfonso and his security detail retreat towards their convoy.
Inside the vehicle, Alfonso took a moment to reflect on the day's events. The successful weapon tests had invigorated him, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future. His mind was already racing with ideas and plans for further advancements in the country's defense capabilities.
As the convoy slowly departed from the military base, Alfonso turned to Alejandro, his trusted bodyguard, who sat on the front seat.
"So, how did you like the show?" Alfonso asked Alejandro with a playful smirk.
"It was a remarkable weapon, Sire. Truly revolutionary with its ability to fire like a machine gun. It will undoubtedly enhance the infantry's effectiveness in times of war," Alejandro commented, stealing a glance at the rear-view mirror.
"Well, this is just the beginning. There's so much more to develop in the future. That means a lot of work for me," Alfonso said, gazing thoughtfully through the windows as the scenery passed by.
Alejandro smiled, understanding the weight of his responsibilities. Protecting the prince was a task he took very seriously, and he knew the importance of keeping Alfonso safe from harm.
"So, Alejandro. Since you became my bodyguard, you haven't seen any action, have you?" Alfonso inquired, curious about Alejandro's experiences.
"That's right, Your Majesty," Alejandro confirmed. Since his transfer to become the imperial prince's head of security, Alejandro had not encountered any dangerous situations. Most of his duties involved vigilantly watching over and safeguarding Alfonso from potential threats. "But, I must say, I will pray to keep it that way. Boring is always best when it comes to our safety."
"Indeed... boring is always best," Alfonso chuckled, appreciating Alejandro's dedication and commitment to his protection.
With a moment of respite during the drive, Alfonso pulled out his itinerary book to review his schedule. It was filled to the brim with meetings ahead—sessions with his council of ministers and meetings with the CEOs and engineers of arms manufacturers. The path to progress and innovation lay ahead, and Alfonso was determined to lead the charge.
章 17: Chapter 17: Ambition
Within the exquisitely adorned chambers of the grand Malacañang Palace, Alfonso had meticulously carved out a dedicated haven for his laborious undertakings. This newly instituted drafting room served as his cocoon, an enclave where he surrendered himself to the realm of ingenuity and creativity. In the alternate world of this technological era, Alfonso's inventive pursuits transcended diverse spheres, spanning groundbreaking advancements in economics and healthcare, as well as pioneering innovations in the realm of agriculture.
Amid the harmonious disarray of design tools and materials, Alfonso was wholly absorbed in his latest opus. With painstaking precision, he etched his thoughts onto varying sizes of bond paper, fervently working on what he envisaged as the world's premier reliable and efficient computer system. The visions within his mind began to solidify, and each careful stroke of his pen drew him closer to the manifestation of his revolutionary creation.
However, this endeavor was not devoid of challenges. Alfonso found himself redrawing intricate schematics a staggering twenty times over. Lacking the convenience of Computer-Aided Design software, he remained reliant on conventional, time-honored techniques to bring his designs to life. This laborious process exacted a toll on him, and while his enthusiasm remained evident on the surface, a latent weariness began to encroach upon his spirits.
Particular hurdles emerged due to the absence of zoom in or zoom out capabilities, especially when tackling intricate machinery like second-generation computers. The magnification of smaller components for the scrutiny of fellow engineers demanded a multitude of redraws, an iterative and arduous endeavor. This experience kindled Alfonso's profound respect for engineers, architects, and designers of his prior world, who had navigated similar labor-intensive processes without the aid of modern technological conveniences.
Driven by the resolve to surmount these tribulations, Alfonso envisioned the inception of his personal rendition of an electronic drafting machine and sketchpad, akin to the inaugural computer-aided design software that emerged in the late 1950s. His aspiration was to refine it, rendering it faster, more user-friendly, and cost-efficient than the antiquated model he knew.
To fully grasp the significance of Alfonso's undertaking, let us harken back to a tale of yore. Before, engineers communicated with computers employing punched cards, meticulously coded to execute specific functions such as calculating the trajectory of naval artillery to construct firing tables during the turmoil of World War II. The post-war era ushered in a wave of novel technologies, including jet aircraft, helicopters, and advanced engines, necessitating levels of precision unattainable by human hands alone. The intricacy of helicopter blades, for instance, mandated the installation of balance weights at their fore to facilitate tilt-up for pitch adjustments.
1940s, the United States Air Force requisitioned expertise for the exacting task of wing construction. It was then that Sir John T. Parsons presented his brainchild—a contraption capable of fabricating helicopter rotors and aircraft wings through fully automated processes, liberated from human intervention. His vision garnered endorsement, and he was entrusted with its realization.
With a repository of historical insights and a burgeoning creative spirit, Alfonso persisted within his drafting enclave. The bedrock for his trailblazing inventions was painstakingly being laid, one meticulous stroke at a time. As he confronted the trials and embraced the promise of progress, Alfonso remained unflinching in his determination to sculpt a world where innovation and technology charted the course toward an illuminated future, both for his kingdom and the wider expanse beyond.
This monumental leap marked a pivotal stride in the evolution of CNC technologies. You see, individuals could now script programs utilizing a combination of letters and numbers via punch cards. Each cluster of perforations represented a single letter, effectively communicating instructions to the computer. However, this method encountered limitations when it came to conveying the full spectrum of human communication nuances.
Need an example? Let's embark on one. Imagine we're conversing over a telephone, and I request that you sketch the Philippine flag. The catch is, you are already familiar with its design. But if we endeavor to articulate this via telephone conversation, I'd confront a quandary. I'd be compelled to articulate...
"Firstly, secure a pencil and position yourself at the lower left-hand corner of the canvas. Proceed to draw a horizontal line spanning eight inches, then ascend by a quarter of an inch and sketch another horizontal line in the opposite direction. As I impart these meticulously detailed directives—guiding you through the contours of the flag, the placement of stars, and beyond—you might eventually replicate the Philippine flag based on my guidance…or perhaps not."
The implication is that you'd likely opt to contact me again, suggesting a more expedient route—perhaps requesting that I draft the Philippine flag on paper and dispatch it to you for a more seamless replication process. This situation elucidates the challenge of conveying intricate graphic communication in a manner that accommodates computer processing.
Interestingly, an analogous predicament was indeed addressed when an attempt was made to transcribe the design of the United States flag into code, a pursuit that encompassed numerous pages.
And this is precisely the challenge Alfonso faces. However, a prerequisite looms—enhancing the design of the prevailing cathode ray tube televisions, a pivotal facet of the envisioned creation.
To fund this endeavor and alleviate his reliance solely upon annuities or the royal treasury, Alfonso contemplates the establishment of his manufacturing emporium under his banner. This enterprise would span all aspects of industry, encompassing raw material extraction, manufacturing, construction, and services.
The revenue generated from these enterprises would fuel his subsequent ventures, ensuring his financial resources do not languish idle within a bank account. Alfonso's aspiration hinges on this contrivance, which is imperative for materializing numerous designs. It's the very reason why possessing a Bell UH-1 remains a distant aspiration, owing to the absence of contemporary computing resources.
It took six hours for his initial designs to reach completion, including a television slated for commercialization. However, his enthusiasm carried him further, inspiring the design of a repertoire that encompassed heat pumps, microwave ovens, refrigerators, and toasters, all boasting a superior edge over existing models.
A satisfied grin spread across his lips as he surveyed the drafts scattered across his drafting tables. Informed by his past life as a businessman, he recognized the art of capitalizing on innovation. Introduce a rudimentary novelty that beckons customers, and each year, unveil fresh iterations or refine existing ones to foster client loyalty. A tactic reminiscent of Apple's annual release of new iterations.
Although the handheld phone remains a futuristic concept, hindered by the absence of supportive infrastructure such as cellular towers, Alfonso intends to proceed cautiously, orchestrating the Philippines' ascent as a beacon of superior technology and machinery.
Amidst a well-earned pause, Alfonso's thoughts gravitated toward the potential quandaries that might befall the Philippines in the days ahead. He acknowledged the looming specters of the South China Sea and the contentious domain of Sabah in Malaysia, foreseeing these territories as potential crucibles of challenge. Sabah, linked to the Sultanate of Sulu, was susceptible to disputes that could erupt at any juncture. Proactively and assertively, Alfonso envisions preemptive strategies, including the establishment of military installations in these regions, as his envisaged military reforms and future initiatives materialize.
Recognizing the untapped potential within the South China Sea—replete with vast reservoirs of untapped natural gas and oil—Alfonso perceives a concealed treasure trove. Exploiting these resources holds the promise of elevating the Philippines into the echelons of prosperity. These contemplations embolden Alfonso's resolve to bolster the nation's military capabilities, as he envisions a Philippines that stands as a resilient bastion against potential adversities, exerting its influence as a formidable regional presence.
Envisioning a nation that resonates with prosperity and security, Alfonso's fervor for transformative change propels him forward. His resolute dedication converges with a resplendent vision, one where innovation and technology harmoniously steer the course toward a radiant future, not only for the Philippines but for the wider world beyond its shores.
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