Chapter 89
Chapter 89
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 89
Chapter Title: Ratel and Reward
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‘It definitely has a different vibe from a Humvee.’
The first impression was so overwhelming that the words ‘absolutely intimidating’ came to mind.
Well, it was a vehicle that weighed six tons even with maximum composite armor.
It was no exaggeration to say the Humvee standing next to it looked like a tin can in comparison.
“I don’t know about anything else, but I love the look of it.”
Vice President Kim gave the highest marks to its sturdy exterior.
At first glance, it resembled the L-ATV that Oshkosh Corporation proposed to the US military before my regression. That was likely the result of a design that prioritized both protection and mobility to the fullest.
“We’ve given it the temporary designation ‘Ratel’.”
Before the test, the lead researcher began his explanation.
Ratel... as in the honey badger?
The one that’s so fearless it bravely charges at carnivores much larger than itself.
“The engine is a partially modified version of the ‘Mortal’ engine recently developed by Jaewoo Research Institute. It has a maximum output of 500 horsepower, but we’ve optimized it to 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm.”
A corner of my mouth twisted into a smirk; the name seemed fitting.
Seeing my satisfied expression, the researcher continued his explanation with excitement.
“Furthermore, a digitized control system regulates the output. As a result, we’ve dramatically improved fuel efficiency, giving it a maximum range of 500 kilometers.”
“What about the self-diagnostic function?”
I asked, curious about that particular feature.
In harsh field conditions, being able to quickly identify the cause of a malfunction is critical.
As if addressing my concern, the researcher nodded, immediately opened the engine compartment, and fiddled with something. A moment later, a warning appeared on the in-vehicle display, detailing the specific error.
Right, that’s what you need for a quick response in the field.
“We’re about to begin the driving test, but if you’re interested, would you like to ride in it yourself, Chairman?”
The researcher suddenly offered.
It was a sign of his confidence.
I readily agreed. As I climbed into the vehicle, I was struck by a level of comfort unexpected for a tactical vehicle.
*Vroooom!*
The driving test that followed was full of surprises.
Thanks to the independent suspension, the ride was remarkably smooth even on rugged mountain terrain, and its off-road capabilities were incomparable to the Humvee.
In particular, the power it displayed while effortlessly conquering a 60-degree incline was enough to make me gasp in admiration.
“And now...”
I got out of the vehicle for the final test: its protection capabilities.
The vehicle we had just been in drove into a structure enclosed by reinforced concrete. A moment later, an announcement warned us to prepare for shrapnel.
[All distinguished guests, please move to the observation room to protect yourselves from any potential debris.]
Watching this, I felt a sense of tension.
After all, protection capability is the absolute core of the JLTV.
Vice President Kim’s expression had also grown more stern, as if he were thinking the same thing.
*Rat-tat-tat-tat!*
The first test was to verify its protection against small arms.
It withstood standard rifle rounds, 14.5mm anti-materiel sniper rounds, and finally, even a 20mm round, emerging unscathed.
It was a moment that truly demonstrated the power of the vapor-deposited composite armor.
*BOOM!*
The subsequent IED (Improvised Explosive Device) protection test also passed with flying colors.
The crew compartment was modular, a system that dispersed the explosive force separately from the impact absorbed by the vehicle’s frame.
Because of this, even after a massive explosion that sent the vehicle flying into the air, the crash test dummy in the seat appeared remarkably intact.
“Simulating a fire outbreak.”
The researchers then approached the vehicle and simulated a fire.
However, the automatic fire suppression system reacted instantly, extinguishing the flames in mere seconds.
After confirming the fire was completely out, one of the researchers suddenly climbed into the vehicle, intent on doing something else.
*Whirr.*
A moment later, the vehicle drove out of the crater under its own power.
A scene proving the drivetrain was intact despite the explosion’s impact.
But what was even more impressive were the multi-structured tires, which maintained a certain level of air pressure even after being shredded to bits.
*Clap, clap, clap!*
I clapped my hands with genuine admiration.
As if recalling all their hard work, the researchers all looked on the verge of tears as they shook my outstretched hand.
“You’ve all worked very hard. The Vice President will soon ensure you are fully compensated for your efforts.”
“Of course. After all this hard work, you certainly deserve a reward.”
Vice President Kim Young-gi, who was standing beside me, immediately agreed.
His expression was still brimming with excitement.
It seemed he too hadn’t expected such a perfect machine to be created.
“Excuse me, but what do you think about entering the Ratel in a rally?”
Just then, one of the researchers made a meaningful suggestion.
“A rally?”
Puzzled, I looked toward the source of the voice. A man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties was staring at me as he continued.
“For example, a rally across a desert or one that involves a long-term trek through rough terrain. We could participate to test its real-world driving performance again. If we achieve good results there, wouldn’t that be enough to attract attention without us having to put much effort into promotion?”
I stared at the man’s face for a long moment.
They say the world is wide and full of talented people.
It felt like I had met another one today.
“Excuse me, but what is your name?”
“Lee Jong-jin. I’m the deputy team leader of the JLTV development department.”
“Deputy team leader... Alright. From now on, I’m putting you in charge of everything related to participating in the rally. If you achieve good results, the entire team will be promoted.”
“...”
******
Fifteen days later, the prototype vehicle developed by Jaewoo entered the preparatory stage for participating in the Dakar Rally.
There was about a month and a half left until the event.
During that short period, modification work for the rally was scheduled to take place.
*Knock, knock!*
“Vice President Kim Young-gi is here.”
While I was busy reviewing a report on the rally preparations, Vice President Kim Young-gi entered the room.
He was carrying a large stack of files, as if he had a lot to report.
He neatly placed them on the desk and let out a long sigh, as if to express how buried he was in work.
“Russia says they’ll be dispatching their research team soon.”
He was probably referring to the researchers for the joint hypersonic cruise missile development project.
It seems the project, which had been stagnating, is finally about to get underway.
Then again, not even Russia could completely ignore the changing global situation.
They’ve been lying low, and now that the fires of war are starting to die down, they’re finally making a move.
“They’re quite late. Once they arrive, please arrange for their accommodations to be as close to the separate research complex as possible.”
“I was already planning on it.”
For the joint development project with Russia, we had established a research complex far away from Jaewoo Thales.
There were initial suggestions to integrate it with the Thales missile development center, but I had opposed that.
If the research centers were integrated, Russian researchers would be coming and going frequently, which would increase the risk of technology leaks.
“This is going to cost more than I thought.”
Even so, it’s a price we have to pay.
After all, you can never be too careful with security.
It’s better to spend some money now to avoid any future conflicts with Russia.
“We’ll have to bear that cost. By the way, will Jaewoo Security be handling the safety of the Russian researchers?”
“On our side, yes. Russia also plans to dispatch a few personnel to serve as surveillance and security.”
Vice President Kim said, opening one of the reports on the desk.
It was filled with photos and detailed profiles.
As I was flipping through it, I noticed a particularly familiar face and looked up.
“Natasha is coming?”
“Do you know her?”
I realized she wouldn’t be a familiar name to the Vice President.
Feeling no need to explain, I looked back at the file and saw her affiliation had been changed back to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service.
“Looks like something else happened in the meantime.”
Deciding it was none of my business, I closed the file.
The time was already 10 o’clock.
I needed to leave now to get to Geoje, so I immediately stood up.
“I heard the research institute sent the completed composite submarine propeller to Geoje. I see you’re going to observe it.”
“It’s a matter I’m concerned about, so I feel I should observe it myself. If you have time, you could come along.”
“I’ll pass.”
Vice President Kim turned away as soon as the words were out of my mouth.
*Tsk*, so much for loyalty.
What can I do?
I guess I have no choice but to go alone, nursing my back for another six hours.
“Then you should go visit Ssangwoong Motors. I heard they’ve started setting up the new car production line. Oh dear! To observe all that, you’ll have to stay there for a few days.”
“...”
***
*Whirrrr!*
The sounds of machinery echoed loudly in the construction dock for the Type 209 submarine.
This was the site where the composite material layered propeller, which had arrived and been stored yesterday, was being installed.
The propeller was taller than a person, so the attachment process took quite some time. By the time it was successfully mounted in place, night had already fallen.
“Good work, everyone. After a few days of stabilization work, contact the Force Evaluation Group.”
“Will it really be okay?”
The Senior Managing Director in charge still looked worried.
Well, for him, this must have felt like a gamble.
But this was a component that had already been verified through our next-generation submarine project, so there was no reason to worry.
*Ring!*
“Hm?”
Just as I was getting into my car to head home, the phone in my pocket suddenly vibrated.
The name on the screen was ‘NIS Director’.
I happily pressed the call button, only to hear panting from the other end.
“It’s been a while, Director.”
-Chairman Jin, are you at Daeyu Shipbuilding by any chance?
“Yes, I am. Is something wrong?”
-Damn it, why is this place so huge? Actually, I just arrived at Daeyu Shipbuilding myself.
“Why are you here, Director...?”
-Let’s talk in person. Ah! I see you over there.
After the call abruptly ended, I looked around.
I saw the NIS Director waving from a distance.
He soon reached me, drenched in sweat.
“Hah... hah! Save the inspection for later. Come with me for a moment.”
“Where are we going all of a sudden?”
“The President is waiting for you in downtown Okpo.”
“...”
******
We left the shipyard complex without delay and headed for downtown Okpo.
The car soon stopped in front of a rundown restaurant located in a back alley.
It was only after seeing the security personnel guarding the door that I realized the President was actually inside.
“Welcome.”
The President, who already had a table set, held out a glass as soon as I arrived.
What is going on?
No matter how I thought about it, I couldn’t understand the situation, and my brow furrowed.
“Mr. President, what brings you here?”
“I was just attending a small and medium-sized enterprise cooperative fair nearby. Now, now, don’t just stand there. Take a glass and let’s talk.”
At his words, I reflexively took a seat and raised my glass.
The President filled my glass to the brim and waited until I had downed it all before he spoke.
“I hear you solved the propeller problem for the Type 209 submarine in such a short time.”
“We’ll have to run operational tests to know if the problem is completely solved. But I’m not particularly worried. It was made with materials and technology that have already been proven for durability. The only remaining question is how much noise reduction we’ve achieved, and fortunately, the preliminary tests at the research institute were more than satisfactory.”
The President nodded with a pleased expression.
Just as I was about to pick up a side dish, he suddenly started speaking out of the blue.
“Do you know? Meeting you, Chairman Jin, has been a blessing for me.”
“...”
“It’s true, isn’t it? If it weren’t for you, would this country’s military power have developed so robustly? And in less than three years, no less.”
I had no idea what he was getting at, praising me like this.
As I watched him with a tense heart, he refilled my empty glass.
“Have another drink.”
*Gulp.*
It was a high-proof traditional soju, and I could feel it burning its way down.
Thinking I would get drunk quickly at this rate, I was about to grab another side dish when the President suddenly tried to pour his own drink.
“I’ll...”
I quickly snatched the bottle and offered to pour for him.
He smiled, held out his glass, and looked me straight in the eye as he spoke.
“So, what I’m saying is, since I’ve received so much from you, Chairman Jin, I feel it’s about time I gave you a reward.”
“...”