I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

"We can use the 'Echo Detector' to survey our navigation routes, General," Fusenden said. "It can make our routes more precise and safer. It can detect reefs, shoals, and other obstacles like sunken ships. We can use it to explore new routes."

Shire looked at Fusenden incredulously, "Is that all?"

Hearing this, Fusenden's enthusiasm was instantly extinguished.

Yes, these things can be done manually, and the existing routes are already sufficient. The maritime charts used by the military have been surveyed repeatedly, so why go to the trouble?

Thinking of this, Fusenden hesitated, feeling dejected, and said weakly, "I'm sorry, General. This is just my personal idea. I'm sorry to have wasted your valuable time..."

"No, no," Shire explained. "What I mean is, do you think the 'Echo Detector' is only for surveying routes? Of course, it indeed has this function, and we very much need it to further ensure the safety of our navigational routes."

Fusenden's eyes brightened. Did this mean Shire was interested?

However, Fusenden asked puzzledly, "But besides that, what else can it do?"

Fusenden was a scientist unfamiliar with military equipment, and that was all he could think of.

Shire was momentarily speechless. It was because you didn't think of it that despite having already created sonar, the ultimate inventor was someone else.

"Detect submarines, sir," Shire reminded. "If your 'Echo Detector' can detect icebergs and reefs, can't it also detect submarines?"

Fusenden suddenly widened his eyes. After being stunned for a while, he nodded excitedly, "Yes, General, it... it can, I'm sure."

"What we need to do is just change the wavelength. I mean, some wavelengths are more easily reflected by metal. Then increase the sensitivity of the receiver, and we can detect submarines, even though they are moving."

"My God, we can also determine the distance of the submarine based on the duration of the received signal, then calculate its position in conjunction with the direction of the sound waves."

Shire nodded lightly.

Sonar was invented in 1906, but it was not really "sonar." It was more appropriately called a "hydrophone."

Because it purely relied on hearing the sound of the enemy submarine's engine and propeller in the water, controlled by sailors with sensitive hearing after certain training.

Active sonar appeared in 1915, and the inventor was Professor Lang Zhiwan, the physicist rumored to have had an affair with Madam Curie.

However, before this, Fusenden had already invented active sonar. Its use was not on submarines, and it was named the "Echo Detector."

Fusenden was both surprised and delighted. He looked at Shire with high expectations, "So, General, you will hire me, right?"

"Of course," Shire nodded affirmatively.

Although France did not have much anti-submarine demand, such talent and technology should never fall into British hands.

Moreover, Fusenden was a radio expert. His inventions spanned various fields, being proficient in physics, chemistry, mathematics, architecture, and astronomy...

It was unimaginable that for just a little money, such a genius inventor could be placed in a key position.

At this time, Fusenden hesitated instead, "I... I have a request, General. While working for you, can I retain the industrial property rights to my inventions?"

"Of course," Shire nodded affirmatively. "I do the same for my workers, and you will not be an exception."

This was a major lure to attract talent.

Then Shire added, "But because of the war, I hope to have the priority right to purchase your industrial property. If you are unwilling to sell, we can adopt a cooperative approach, but there should be at least a three to five-year confidentiality period."

Fusenden understood this. No one would want to leak advanced military equipment to the enemy. This was not a matter of industrial property but of treason, espionage, and national security threats.

Moreover, selling it to Shire, if the price was right, why not?

"I agree," Fusenden nodded decisively.

He dared not discuss the salary. High pay was a luxury for him at this moment. He only hoped his basic living needs could be met.

Shire seemed to read Fusenden's thoughts and calmly said, "A monthly salary of 5000 francs, with room and board provided."

At first, Fusenden did not react much. As an American, he habitually converted this number to US Dollars at the current exchange rate.

5000 francs was about 330 US Dollars, and in that year... My God, an annual salary of 4000 US Dollars, this far exceeded his highest salary in the past.

"Do you have anything else to add?" Shire asked.

Shire could have offered a higher salary. A few thousand francs a month was just a drop in the bucket for Shire at that time, and this expenditure would multiply in returns later.

But Shire knew well that to retain talent, one should neither give too low nor too high a salary.

If given too much, they would earn enough in a few years and often choose to resign and focus on their own research.

"No, no, nothing to add," Fusenden hurriedly stepped forward to shake Shire's hand. "I agree, General."

"A three-year contract?" Shire asked, "Or five years?"

Fusenden quickly responded, "I hope for five years, General."

Such a good job with such favorable conditions, of course, the longer the term, the better.

Shire got up, went to the door, instructed the staff officer to draft the contract, and then sat back down with Fusenden to discuss the details, "I will set up a laboratory for you, sir. You can list the equipment you need, and requirements for the lab, and any other materials."

Fusenden looked at Shire in disbelief, "You mean, my own laboratory? I can make any requests?"

Having his own lab was a distant dream for Fusenden, but now it was within reach.

"Yes," Shire nodded, "and you can also choose the assistants you need. If they are willing, I will hire them as well."

Fusenden's mouth half-opened. This was clearly funding his research while allowing him to retain industrial property rights. Did he hear it wrong?

"I don't understand, General," Fusenden said. "You are doing all this just for the 'Echo Detector'?"

Shire could completely buy its rights, which would be much cheaper than setting up a laboratory.

"No," Shire shook his head, "and radio, sir, and much more."

For example, the formula for torpedo explosives. This laboratory provided the perfect excuse for Shire.

Moreover, radio needed to be miniaturized. They could be installed on cars and aircraft, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the troops, especially the aircraft.

Additionally, the aerodynamic layout of aircraft required fluid dynamics to be resolved.

If necessary, vacuum tubes could also be developed towards transistors...

This was, in fact, Shire's talent development plan.