Chapter 329: Chapter 294 Gryphon Armor_2
After further enchantment and alchemical modification, the assembly finally connected the internal magic circuit.
In comparison, the technological sophistication of Gryphon Armor was relatively low.
The technology of the real world and the Alchemy of the Magic World could both achieve the technical standards of Gryphon Armor. The combination of the two technologies leveraged their respective strengths to greatly reduce the armor’s weight while enhancing operational comfort.
Yan Xing arrived at the truck R&D institute, where alchemical robots and Goblin Engineers were outfitting a Battle Griffin with armor.
It was similar to the design Chui Chui had initially created.
A Metal Dragonbone extended from the Griffon’s neck to its tail, providing support for the entire armor set. The dragonbone was hollow, housing equipment conduits and magic array circuits.
The helmet completely encased the Griffon’s head, featuring an internal smart terminal and peripherals such as various information collection systems, communication equipment, a respiratory system, and a holographic projection visor.
Griffons are very intelligent. Chui Chui, considering their cognitive abilities, developed a specialized flight assistance system for them. In an aerial combat environment, Griffons can better understand their surroundings through the equipment on their helmets.
Extending from the dragonbone were metallic auxiliary wings, High-Speed Defense Armor, a Knight’s fixed saddle, turbocharged jet engine hardpoints, a stabilizing horizontal tailplane, and an assisted exoskeleton.
For bombing missions, two fifty-kilogram bombs could be attached under the belly.
As the Battle Griffin was being armored, Chui Chui, controlling an alchemical robot, introduced Yan Xing to the now-perfected Gryphon Armor and shared her vision for the next phase of Gryphon Armor design.
"Master, for Griffons, carrying Knights in flight is actually an additional burden. Not only does it increase their payload, but it also greatly reduces their maneuverability in the air.
"Griffons can withstand G-forces far exceeding human limits.
"It’s just that currently, Griffons cannot operate independently without a Knight’s command.
"In the future, once we collect enough aerial data, we can develop an AI to replace Knights and coordinate Griffon combat. If the Griffon’s natural flying instincts and a sophisticated AI can achieve synergy, it will inevitably greatly enhance the Griffon’s aerial combat capabilities."
At this point, the Gryphon Armor fitting was complete, and the logistics alchemical robots and Goblin Engineers were testing the armor’s various functions.
Two turbocharged engines were ready to be installed on the armor’s ventral hardpoints.
Assisted by Chui Chui, who was controlling an alchemical robot, Yan Xing donned Knight Armor compatible with the Gryphon Armor and said to Chui Chui, "The current Gryphon Armor already meets our needs. Unmanned Gryphon Armor can be a subsequent development project, but I want you to focus more on increasing the Gryphon Armor’s flight speed.
"Only by increasing their speed can our limited air force control a larger expanse of airspace.
"Now that we have aerospace engines, we should design bombers with greater size and payload capacity.
"We should also try to produce various types of drones ourselves.
"With the engines, making missiles shouldn’t be a problem either, right?"
Chui Chui replied, "Yes, Master... Unmanned Gryphon Armor is indeed too advanced. Even the real world lacks truly mature technology for autonomous unmanned combat.
"I will keep that research at the data collection and validation stage.
"High-speed Gryphon Armor will require the development of a fully-enclosed armor system, and the engines will also need more thrust. Some components cannot be manufactured by ordinary factories and must be ordered from defense contractors in the real world.
"If the bombers only need to meet World War II-era performance levels, we currently possess the manufacturing capability.
"Manufacturing simple missiles is also not a problem.
"However, the procurement cost of some core components is very high. Based on our currently available funds, mass-producing Gryphon Armor, bombers, and missiles is not feasible."
The Eternal Domain currently lacked a modern industrial foundation, possessing only rudimentary material processing capabilities.
Yan Xing had no intention of instigating an industrial revolution in the Magic World. Therefore, he insisted on procuring all core materials from the real world to prevent crucial technology from leaking.
Thus, although Goblins could use the Eternal Domain’s machinery to accelerate production and reduce costs, once they left its territory, they would have to revert to manual workshop production methods.
Materials and components all relied on purchases from the real world, and the expenses were boundless.
Many seemingly insignificant components cost thousands, or even tens of thousands. The production cost alone for a single set of Gryphon Armor ran into the millions, not including research and development, labor hours, or subsequent maintenance and upkeep.
Yan Xing planned to initially equip two hundred sets of Gryphon Armor, requiring over a billion in reserved funds.
Building aircraft and missiles were both hugely expensive endeavors.
In the real world, these were ventures only major powers could afford.
The money Yan Xing had earned for the Eternal Domain through agarwood, red wine, and Gold was but a small sum in the face of modernizing its weaponry.
Furthermore, the Eternal Domain’s own development required substantial ongoing investment.
"Prioritize the manufacture of Gryphon Armor; we can’t lose air superiority. Other items can be produced according to our capabilities; manufacturing even a few can serve as a deterrent."
Lacking funds, Yan Xing could only settle for the next best option.
The Gryphon Armor installation and calibration were completed, with the Goblin Gaga personally inspecting this suit of armor’s alchemical systems.
As Yan Xing approached, he looked at the resplendent Battle Griffin and couldn’t help but exclaim, "Participating in the design and creation of this new type of Gryphon Armor will undoubtedly be something I can boast about for the rest of my life.
"Here, I’ve witnessed the zenith of Alchemy in material processing. If anyone had previously told me that a metal could endure rotation at extremely high speeds for an entire day without deforming or wearing out, I would have scoffed at them with the utmost sarcasm."