Ch.131Anastasia Medal

# Not Just a Stick Airplane

I’m not talking about those stick airplanes made of reeds. I mean the one that looks like a stingray.

Of course, not that incredibly cool stingray-shaped B-2 from the 21st century.

Even I couldn’t possibly build a B-2 in this era, no matter who I am.

But flying wing aircraft actually existed—the Ho-229 developed by the Horten brothers in Nazi Germany, and though it failed, there was also Northrop’s YB-35 in America.

Of course, if we consider the YB-35 was reborn as the B-2, the Ho-229 from Nazi Germany would make more sense for this era.

The main difference between them is the jet engines—the YB-35 didn’t have them, but the Ho-229 did.

Yes, the issue is the jet engines, which I can’t build immediately. That would only be possible in the 1930s when jet engines are developed.

But at least I could try building the shape in advance, couldn’t I?

So that’s what I’ve drawn here.

It’s somewhat different from modern designs, and looks more like the YB-35 than the Ho-229, but…

Oh, whatever. I’m just planning to hand this over to Sikorsky and Ilyushin or whoever and tell them to give it a try.

Both Sikorsky and Ilyushin need to do proper work in Russia now that history has changed.

“Hmm, I’ve drawn a next-generation fighter aircraft.”

“It looks rather like a stingray.”

Yes, it does look like a stingray.

The aircraft’s exterior design looks quite plausible, doesn’t it?

I studied CAD in college back in the day, so I can draw decent blueprints.

“Isn’t it rather impressive?”

“It’s certainly quite different from conventional aircraft.”

Yes, very different.

Different from the flimsy aircraft of this era.

“Of course, I don’t know if it will actually fly properly, but I’m thinking of visiting the Sikorsky Design Bureau with this.”

To be honest, I initially drew this just because I was bored.

But what if it could be built? It would be nice to capture the essence of a flying wing.

If you dig through history, you’ll find things that were built simply because a leader had a small desire and ordered their subordinates to make it.

I feel like I’ve seen something like that somewhere.

I simply want to have this. That’s all I’m saying.

If I were an ordinary person, this would end as a mere fantasy. But I’m in a position where I can make such demands.

After all, I am the Tsar.

“Hmm, but the Treasury will be in an uproar if they see this.”

“Because there will be many expenses?”

“Yes.”

I examined the drawing again after the Black Baron’s comment.

He’s right.

It’s an aircraft that needs jet engines installed, and hmm…

If we actually try to build this, it would cost an enormous amount of money.

Then we’d need to secure funding from somewhere.

That’s why I’ve been drilling for oil everywhere.

Between Baku, Siberia, and even the Daqing oil field, we should have plenty.

Later on, there will be many who’ll come begging for oil.

No, wait. This makes me seem rather greedy.

I’m not saying it needs to be built right away.

I just want to prepare in advance so that later they can say, “The Tsarina wanted us to build this, right?” That’s what I’m hoping for.

No, let me think.

This isn’t something I just thought of now.

Igor Sikorsky, Ilyushin, and whoever else is at the Sikorsky airfield—I’m curious what they might come up with if I throw this at them.

This is absolutely not because I want one for myself.

It’s what you might call a new initiative.

Though I did think it would be nice to have a flying wing as my personal aircraft…

“Well, we’ll have to see what happens. I don’t intend to build up military power while putting too much pressure on the citizens.”

“But personally, I would like to see such an aircraft.”

“Oh, the Black Baron and I are on the same wavelength.”

It’s just that I want to build something like this.

The Tsarina would like to see something like this. That’s the only intention I want to show.

Honestly, the flying wing concept is quite appealing.

Now that I think of it, shall we go meet Mr. Sikorsky?

# # #

Taking the opportunity, I visited the Sikorsky airfield and handed over the flying wing blueprints to Sikorsky.

He slowly examined the blueprints I gave him, exclaiming “Ohhh~” in admiration before simply nodding.

Judging by his expression, he doesn’t seem to dislike it.

“Hmm. This isn’t what I’m currently inventing, but…”

“Is it impossible?”

I know he’s working on helicopters.

Sikorsky didn’t start with helicopters originally, so I thought if I handed this over now, perhaps the history of aircraft might be renewed—though I wouldn’t want helicopters to disappear.

I’m not saying this needs to be built right now.

“That’s not it. It’s just that I have something under development, so it’s difficult to attempt this immediately. The blueprint Your Majesty has provided is quite interesting. It deviates significantly from conventional aircraft design.”

“That’s true.”

“But that’s not a bad thing. It completely changes the existing framework.”

“I see.”

“However, it seems impossible with conventional propellers. If Your Majesty insists on building this now, I could stop what I’m doing and work on it. But developing something like this seems to require something fundamentally different that can’t be put into ordinary aircraft. May I ask what the intended use would be?”

It’s only natural to answer when asked like that.

“It’s a bomber. I’d like something that can fly quickly, drop bombs, and return.”

“Then, if we build it like existing bombers—”

“Wouldn’t the enemy be bewildered if a strange creature-like aircraft suddenly appeared, rather than a conventional bomber?”

“Oh, to catch them by surprise?”

It’s not quite that.

I’m just wondering what it would be like to have something like this.

I hope he doesn’t abandon the helicopter to build this.

I don’t know all the details, but…

“Ah, it’s just my personal desire. Helicopter development is more important. This can be done afterward.”

Of course, I don’t want to interfere with helicopter development.

It’s right to do what can be done now.

“If Your Majesty doesn’t mind, we have some talented people at our aircraft company. I’d like them to research this blueprint.”

“People within the company?”

“Yes. I’ll ensure there’s no external leakage.”

Of course there should be no external leakage, but…

If the brothers who built the Ho-229 are still in Communist Germany, couldn’t they build the Ho-229 again?

No, it’s not certain whether Communist Germany would develop a flying wing.

As history has changed, those brothers might have fled Communist Germany, or they might have died during the revolution.

Or they might not develop it under Communist German rule.

Hmm, then couldn’t we claim it first?

“Hmm, no, there’s no need to push yourselves, but does my blueprint seem to have that much potential?”

To be honest, this is a bit awkward to say.

I don’t know any technical aviation terminology.

How would I even know the terms from this era?

Without exaggeration, what I’ve drawn is a flying wing design similar to the YB-35, and also resembling the Ho-229 and B-2.

It’s just closer to a futuristic design.

So to an expert, it might just look cute.

I’m not an emperor who wields power like the tyrants of history, holding knives to people’s throats.

I don’t even have that kind of power to begin with.

So I can be honest. Just be honest.

Igor Sikorsky slightly furrowed his brow.

This created wrinkles at the corners of his eyes as he set the mood.

“To be honest, this might be a bit disrespectful to Your Majesty, but…”

Why set it up like that?

“You may speak frankly.”

There’s nothing disrespectful about it.

I just drew what came to mind.

What could I do without any specialized knowledge?

As a non-expert, I wouldn’t get angry about receiving criticism.

“It’s quite typical, close to an imaginary drawing by someone lacking knowledge in aircraft, but this design is quite plausible. Especially since it seems professionally drawn rather than a child’s imagination. Though the explanation is a bit lacking, I can roughly understand it.”

“I see.”

So there is potential, isn’t there?

“Yes. So once I finish my current work, I’d like to set up a separate department to develop it.”

As far as I know, Igor Sikorsky is currently developing a helicopter, right?

Wasn’t the helicopter developed in 1939?

That’s still 15 years away. It could be further or sooner, but it would be at least the mid-1930s, wouldn’t it?

Well, jet engines are also used around that time, so…

There’s no rush.

In a world where it’s uncertain whether flying wings will be developed, I’m handing this blueprint to a place where Sikorsky and Ilyushin are.

This alone could change the course of history.

Small things often lead to big changes.

“Very well. I’ll leave it in your hands.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

This might cost more money than expected.

Then we’ll need to further strengthen Russia’s capabilities.

The fortunate thing is that the citizens are all following along happily now.

I should make the most of this while public sentiment is favorable.

# # #

Fyodorov Arsenal

Sergei, who worked diligently at the Fyodorov Arsenal, entered Fyodorov’s office with a nervous heart, having been summoned directly by the factory director, Fyodorov himself.

“Good day, sir!”

Despite his nervousness, he answered properly and bowed his head.

The factory director of the Fyodorov Arsenal was Fyodorov himself.

That means he’s responsible for the weapons of the Grand Duchess’s—no, the Tsar’s great army.

Yes, that’s good. But why was he summoned?

“Hmm. Are you Sergei, the employee of the month?”

“What? Ah, yes. The older workers call me that, but I don’t really do anything special.”

Employee of the month.

It was a system within the factory where, at the end of each month, they selected someone who had worked well that month and gave them the title of “employee of the month” to set an example of a diligent worker.

Well, it was more of a term used among the older workers.

“Yes. Your tasks may be menial, but even such work contributes to the factory’s production.”

Sergei bowed his head at Fyodorov’s praise.

“I’m embarrassed by such praise. But may I ask why someone like me was summoned?”

It didn’t seem like there was any reason to receive such praise.

Perhaps he was being fired, and they were just giving him some praise to send him off well?

He thought that, but…

The factory director Fyodorov opened his mouth with a kind smile.

“Congratulations. Under the newly revised worker medal system, Sergei will be awarded the Anastasia Medal.”

“A-Ana… The noble name of the Tsar? I don’t know what that medal is, but I really haven’t done anything properly! I just worked hard during working hours as the older workers told me to.”

He had simply worked diligently without slacking off. Was that enough?

“That’s precisely the attitude. That work ethic is the model for workers who will shape this country’s future. Therefore, the Special Welfare Management Department for Workers has obtained the Tsar’s approval to award you this medal.”

“Then, will I receive it right now?”

Would he receive the medal right here?

What should he do with a medal once he received it? Could he sell it?

He wasn’t short on money, but…

“No. The Tsar will personally award you the medal at the Kremlin Palace.”

The Tsar personally at the Kremlin Palace!

How could such an honor be possible?

The Tsar is already an indescribably supreme being throughout Russia.

Not just because of being an emperor, but because of achievements that any Russian would admire, being closer to the citizens than anyone else, and having a perfect appearance comparable to a goddess.

To receive a medal directly from such a person!

He would have no regrets even if he died.

Several days later, Sergei finally arrived at the Kremlin Palace with Fyodorov.

Until now, he couldn’t believe it.

How could the Tsar personally award a medal?

He thought that even if she appeared, it would be someone from the Kremlin awarding the medal on her behalf.

Good heavens.

The Tsarina really appeared.