Watching the aircraft taxi onto the runway, Elder Li could not help asking, "Little Shen, are you sure this plane can reach Mach 3.2? It won't fall apart in midair?"
Shen Bing wanted to give a simple no, but he felt that would not be very convincing.
"Elder Li, our aircraft has a rather special airframe structure. Flying at Mach 3.2 won't affect its structural integrity at all," Shen Bing said. "Actually, there's no need for me to explain much. The plane will be taking off shortly, and facts speak louder than words."
"That's true," Elder Li said. "Then carry on with your introduction."
Shen Bing cracked a grin. If you hadn't kept interrupting, I would have finished ages ago.
"There's another point we've mentioned before: this aircraft uses nuclear propulsion. As a result, its endurance is extraordinary. According to our calculations, the Wind God Type 1 could remain airborne continuously for two or three years without any trouble."
"If we're only considering its power supply, then the aircraft you've developed certainly could stay airborne for two or three years, Chairman Shen," said another military officer, a slightly chubby colonel. "But the people aboard still have to eat, drink, and relieve themselves, don't they? Although the Wind God Type 1 Aircraft is certainly large enough, many foods have a limited shelf life. Keeping it up for two or three years doesn't seem very realistic, does it?"
Shen Bing said, "First, I need to correct one point. As far as food preservation goes, two or three years is absolutely no problem. Even the freshest vegetables can be stored for two or three years. Elder Li, wouldn't you agree?"
Of the dozen or so military personnel present, some looked enlightened, while others were full of doubt.
*Vegetables can last two or three