Chapter 108
Chapter 108
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 108
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Proposal
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"What is this?"
The moment I casually flipped to the next page, I felt as if I'd been struck by lightning.
No matter how I looked at it, this was a DSAR-15pc.
The only slight difference was the stock, but aside from that, it was a perfect DSAR-15pc.
"You're saying Dasan's engineers proposed this?"
"Yes, a few of their researchers have apparently been working on it in their spare time for several years. It's at a level where I want to build a prototype right away."
"Then why didn't we know about this until now?"
"Because it wasn't an official company project. If it had been an official development, we would have known about it during the acquisition process, just as you said, Chairman."
"Hmm... Well, that aside. I find it hard to believe that such a detailed design came from just a few researchers."
"I was surprised by that as well, but it was limited to the design, and these guys are veterans in their field. With enough time, it wouldn't have been impossible. And frankly, we can't be sure if this is a proper design yet, can we? Firearms aren't completed just because the blueprint looks plausible."
He wasn't wrong.
No matter how well-designed a firearm is, you can only judge the success of its development after verifying the durability of its parts, the heat treatment methods, and how well the components work together.
In other words, the success of the development is determined only after a prototype is made, so it's too early to judge based on this design alone.
"Let's go."
Pushing my thoughts aside, I headed for the research lab.
The important thing for me right now wasn't debating whether this was a successful design or not.
The DSAR-15pc was fundamentally based on the HK-416, and in this world, not even a prototype of the HK-416 had been released yet.
Beep!
The path to the research lab required passing through numerous security clearance procedures.
It was a small mercy, I suppose.
Thanks to the forced pause, my anxious heart calmed down a bit, and by the time I passed through all three doors, I had regained my composure.
Knock, knock!
"Yes?"
When I knocked on the last door, a voice responded from inside.
Soon, one of the researchers, having identified me through the glass, opened the door in surprise. I smiled as I met the gazes pouring in my direction.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"Chairman, what brings you here...?"
At my sudden appearance, the researchers hurriedly cleared their desks.
Bread wrappers and milk cartons were piled up everywhere.
A typical scene in a design department.
"Excuse me, but who proposed this?"
“...”
The engineers exchanged bewildered glances.
Soon, two men raised their hands.
Contrary to my expectations, they were just men with faces worn down by work, the kind you could find in any research lab.
"That would be us."
"Excuse me, but may I have your names?"
"I'm Lee Tae-hoon."
"And I'm Kim Gyu-yong."
The men, who looked to be in their early forties, answered with a still-intimidated demeanor.
It wasn't as if I were the grim reaper, yet their caution seemed a bit excessive.
Then again, the chairman had shown up out of the blue holding the blueprints they submitted, so it was understandable they'd be flustered.
"Pardon me, but is it true that you created this design yourselves?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Judging by their expressions, they didn't seem to be lying.
Still, just in case, I pressed them again.
"I'm asking just in case, but are you aware that H&K has been developing a special operations rifle?"
"Yes, of course we know that."
"Then that makes it easier for me to speak. I get the feeling this design is based on that one. Is that correct?"
"We've seen pictures of it, but our design isn't based on it."
One of the researchers replied as he turned on a computer.
He opened a file, revealing it was full of image files of various firearms.
"This is all the data we could obtain on H&K's new rifle. As you can see, it's just an image of the exterior they released ahead of the prototype launch."
“...”
"Of course, with firearms, it's often possible to guess the design mechanism from a photo alone. For example, we can surmise from this picture that H&K's new weapon uses a short-stroke gas piston system."
I watched him silently without responding.
"However, it would be a mistake to think we copied their weapon based on that alone. The short-stroke system isn't exclusive to H&K, after all."
"I'll concede that point. Gas piston ARs appeared as early as the 1970s, so it can't be called H&K's exclusive property. What I'm curious about is why you chose that particular system."
"We chose that system because we believed it was the optimal way to compensate for the shortcomings of our military's K1 rifle. As you know, special forces operators constantly deal with water and mud, and the K1's direct impingement system is prone to minor malfunctions and even explosions."
"But the short-stroke system isn't without its own drawbacks, is it?"
"Of course, we're aware. A characteristic of the short-stroke system is that the gas piston can freeze in the cold, causing it to fail. And that is the crucial difference between us and H&K. We've overcome that."
At his words, I looked at the blueprints again.
The piston design was indeed distinctly different from both the HK416 and the DSAR-15pc.
It was proof that they hadn't simply copied the HK416, and it also meant this was a different weapon from the DSAR-15pc.
In other words, they had created a technology a full seventeen years ahead of its time with their own hands.
"Hmm..."
If this was true, it was a very welcome development for me.
As someone about to develop a composite rifle, the appearance of such talented individuals was something to celebrate.
"Vice President."
Ignoring their words for a moment, I looked at Vice President Kim Young-gi.
He, who had been listening intently to my conversation with the researchers, looked at me with a startled expression.
"I'm thinking of appointing these two gentlemen as the heads of firearm development for the K11 composite rifle project. Would that be alright?"
"Of course..."
He nodded readily.
The ones who were truly flustered were the two researchers.
They stared at my face for a long time, their expressions asking what on earth was happening.
"Ah! One more thing, just in case. Have you given this rifle you developed a formal designation?"
After asking the question, I watched them quietly.
No matter how I thought about it, this was all too unrealistic.
Frankly, creating something seventeen years ahead of its time—and in a more advanced form, no less—how could that be so easy?
I naturally assumed they...
"No?"
But they answered with blank expressions.
As I thought, their eyes held not a trace of deceit.
What on earth was I expecting?
All I could do was let out a dry laugh.
*******
"Welcome, everyone."
A few days later, I summoned the researchers from all fields participating in the K11's development to my office.
Perhaps because it was the chairman's office, everyone seemed incredibly tense.
I offered them some simple refreshments and began by explaining why I had called them.
"I've brought you all here today to present the direction for this project."
"Ah, yes..."
The researchers hesitantly sipped their tea.
They responded, but they didn't seem to fully grasp my meaning, so I continued.
"As you know, the previous development plan was completely scrapped by the military. I, for one, think that's a good thing."
“...”
"To be honest, a weapon with such a complex structure, even if it's called a composite rifle, isn't suitable for battlefield conditions. That's why I plan to separate the rifle and the 20mm launcher system. Simply put, we're going with a modular design that allows for attachment and detachment."
As I spoke, I handed out the documents I had prepared.
As I carefully observed their faces, a deep shadow fell over the developers in charge of the fire-control system and the ammunition.
"I have no objection to that. However, reducing the weight of the fire-control system this much won't be easy."
"I understand. But if we follow the weight specifications of the fire-control system that E.O. System was developing, it will clearly be a massive hindrance in combat."
In truth, weight wasn't the only problem with the fire-control system E.O. System had developed.
Poor durability, insufficient battery life, malfunctions due to poor communication with the ammunition... the list was endless.
But I couldn't very well tell them about the problems of a fire-control system that would now never be born. Instead, I presented them as potential issues we could face during our own development process.
"But to resolve all those conditions, the research groups from the three fields would have to be working together almost daily, wouldn't they?"
The listening researchers showed their displeasure.
With the research institutes currently separate, that would indeed be difficult.
I subtly pushed their personnel transfer orders toward them and spoke.
"You don't need to worry about that. I plan to use this opportunity to move the entire project research staff to Thales."
"All of us are being assigned to Thales?"
The ones who responded were mainly the researchers belonging to the Jaewoo Research Institute.
As people who prided themselves on being part of the nation's top basic research group, it was natural for them to be displeased with a sudden transfer.
I immediately continued with my explanation.
"It's a temporary measure for this project."
"Ah... by the way, if the ammunition diameter is 20mm, it seems like it will be difficult to meet the military's additional ROC."
He was probably changing the subject out of embarrassment.
However, it was also a topic of considerable weight.
After a moment of thought, I shared an idea I'd been holding onto.
"By previous standards, the firepower wouldn't be so lacking. But according to the military's revised ROC, 20mm will be difficult. That's why I plan to propose expanding the caliber."
"Do you think that will be accepted?"
"We'll have to see. For now, the ammunition development department should focus on the signal processing issues with the fire-control system. And..."
I trailed off, and the researchers all looked at me.
With a faint smile, I spoke again.
"The Jaewoo Research Institute will also cooperate fully on this project. In particular, there's a possibility of incorporating the lightweight composite material currently in development, so keep your hopes up."
"...What's the significance of that?"
One of the researchers asked, not understanding the implication.
Coincidentally, he was in charge of the fire-control system, the very field that would benefit most from composite materials.
I barely managed to swallow the words, *You should consider yourself lucky*, that rose to my throat.
"If we incorporate it into the fire-control system, we'll be able to reduce the weight by nearly 50%. Furthermore, it will be possible to achieve durability sufficient to withstand a potential battery explosion."
“...”
The researcher's eyes widened.
Weight and durability.
Two of the five biggest challenges were being solved at once, so it was no wonder he was surprised.
However, many problems still remained to be solved.
"The battery is going to be a bit of a headache. Finding one that doesn't lose efficiency even at minus 30 degrees Celsius, is resistant to shock, guarantees a long usage time, and is reasonably priced won't be easy."
"For that part, I think our best option would be to adopt the battery used by the OICW."
I had considered that as well.
The only concern was that since the U.S. had canceled the OICW's development, the unit price would likely be excessively high.
That was something I needed to think about more.
"Excuse me, but... according to rumors, the U.S. also gave up on development for various reasons. I'm not sure if it's the right choice for us to see it through to the end."
As I was lost in thought, one of the researchers cautiously spoke up.
Thinking about that part weighed heavily on my mind as well.
But was there any way for me to tell the government to stop a project that was already underway?
From my position, the best I could do was maximize its efficiency.
"That's why your roles are so important..."
Knock, knock!
Just as I was about to offer some words of encouragement, someone knocked on the door.
It was customary not to be interrupted in the middle of a meeting like this unless it was something urgent.
"Come in."
I called out in curiosity, and the door burst open to reveal Senior Managing Director Im, his face pale.
"I apologize for interrupting the meeting, but I have something urgent to tell you."
“...”
Sensing something was wrong, I excused myself and followed him out.
As we passed the secretary's office and reached a deserted area, he whispered with a grave expression.
"I've just received word that North Korea has sealed off the underground tunnel they were preparing for a nuclear test."
"...What does that mean? Are they starting the nuclear test?"
"No, it means they've stopped preparations for the nuclear test altogether."
"Why all of a sudden? Are they giving up on nuclear development?"
"That's impossible. They aren't fools; there's no reason for them to give it up for nothing."
“...”
That was also true.
It made no sense for them to just abandon what was essentially their lifeline.
Then what could be the reason?
Suddenly, an inexplicable sense of foreboding crept into my heart.