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In the Russian Republic Air Force, a secret project was underway.

This was a request secretly made by Air Force Chief Commander Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov, who visited Sikorsky Aerodrome.

It was the airborne aircraft carrier project.

Like an aircraft carrier sailing on the sea that launches planes.

The goal was to create a large aircraft capable of launching multiple planes, turning it into an aircraft carrier.

At first glance, it seemed an unrealistic plan, but there was no reason the Russian Republic couldn’t achieve what the Soviets had done in actual history with their aircraft carriers.

“To utilize the aircraft carrier in the air, it would have to be a large aircraft, right?”

Alexander Sevrski was consulted along with Sikorsky’s Ilya Muromets Company for the development.

However, Sevrski’s company was busy developing new fighter jets, which was somewhat different from creating a large aircraft.

“Indeed. I would like to ask Sevrski’s company to create a plane that can carry mosquitoes.”

Currently, even though Sikorsky was making a fighter model, they were too occupied to deal with it immediately.

One had to prepare for the impending war. Until then, they planned to share the workload among the aircraft companies.

“For it to be used for mosquitoes, it has to be quite large; have you made the blueprints?”

Blueprints. Right. There were already calculations being made.

Sikorsky hesitated initially since they were creating it for the aircraft carrier, but the conversation shifted as it turned to bombers.

They envisioned creating a massive bomber. That bomber could then be modified to equip it with fighters.

It was thinking of aircraft carriers while simultaneously imagining bombers.

“Hmm, so after calculating, the answer is clear: it has to be a bomber.”

Sikorsky presented the blueprint for the large bomber to Commander Alexander.

“Certainly, modifying a bomber should be feasible.”

“That’s what I mean by modifying it for mosquitoes.”

The development of large bombers.

It wouldn’t be appropriate to merely use an aircraft carrier just for storing fighters; it needed some bombing capabilities. Thus, the calculations swayed towards developing a large bomber that could carry fighters instead.

“But, is that really possible?”

“Let’s try it first. This is the bomber I’ve currently thought about; I plan to collaborate with Tupolev to modify it into a mosquito.”

Since the bomber blueprint was already completed, what was problematic?

After all, it had been a long time since establishing a company in Russia; surely, they hadn’t been solely fixated on flying wings.

Following in the footsteps of Ilya Muromets, they had heated discussions on developing bombers.

An airborne aircraft carrier is fundamentally built upon large bombers anyway.

Modifications could be a problem for later, so for now, they were determined to cooperate with Tupolev, which was responsible for bomber manufacturing alongside Ilya Muromets Company to make a proper aircraft carrier.

“Thus, we at Sevrski’s company must develop a fighter suitable for this mosquito.”

“There’s no need to rush. We can just modify the mosquito based on the fighter’s size to make it adequate.”

Alexander Sevrski, gazing at the blueprints with Commander Alexander, rubbed his chin and thought for a moment.

They were also developing new fighters.

As long as it wasn’t strictly exclusive to mosquitoes, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

“Of course, we can make it. I’ll give it a go.”

The Veloe Project (белое Проект)

This airborne aircraft carrier project, originally known as the Zveno Project in history, was being developed under Igor Sikorsky’s lead as the Veloe (White) Project.

Having already developed the Ilya Muromets, it was worth a shot.

Tupolev, according to the historical timeline, sadly developed the TB-1 (Тяжелый Бомбардировщик-1 – heavy bomber) in 1925, precisely as part of the Zveno’s first series during historical events.

With the Veloe Project, Ilya Muromets Company and Tupolev were collaborating to develop a new large bomber.

Of course, it differed somewhat from its Soviet counterpart, but at least the current strength of the Russian Republic was bolstered by various reforms, obtaining more resources than the Soviet Union during World War II, making it entirely feasible.

Thus, they created what would become the TB-3 bomber used in the original history, which added an “S” from Sikorsky to form the STB-1.

Now it only remained to modify it to carry small aircraft on its wings.

“Wow, the bomber has been developed. This enormous thing really seems viable as an aircraft carrier.”

Vladimir Sergeyevich Barkmistrop, an aircraft technician participating in the bomber development, exclaimed in admiration.

He was originally a key figure in the Zveno Project and, in this world, worked as an aircraft technician at Ilya Muromets Company, assisting Sikorsky with the Veloe Project’s development.

A massive bomber.

Yes. This was the heir to the legacy of Ilya Muromets.

Moreover, the bomber had the potential to be modified into an aircraft carrier.

“If used correctly, we can gain air superiority. Honestly, I don’t think we would lose even without the aircraft carrier.”

There seemed to be a potential for that.

“Though judging by the current state of Germany, I don’t think they possess as much power as during the German Empire.”

It was certainly the case when observing modern Germany.

A Germany infused with communism. The backbone of Germany, the Junkers, had fled to Austria and East Prussia, leaving it somewhat weakened.

Yet, the Tsar continued to ramp up aircraft development, keeping a wary eye on Germany.

If the Tsar’s prophecies continued to be accurate, it meant Germany had indeed become a formidable entity.

Thus, they needed to act.

If Germany were to instigate war, they’d attempt once more to paint Russia red.

Having witnessed the White Army’s victory during the revolution in the original history, I didn’t want to see Russia getting stained red again.

So, he diligently took charge of this project, gathering aircraft technicians.

“Do you think this bomber will protect the skies of Russia?”

“I can’t say for sure since we’re not yet engaged in operations. But at least, compared to regular fighter squadrons, our little aircraft will have a broader operational range, presenting an advantage, right?”

In original history, Zveno had bombed the Karl I Bridge in Romania—equipped with pipelines supplying oil—twice, causing destruction. They had performed well against Romania’s ground forces without incurring aircraft losses. Hence, it wasn’t impossible.

Though not fully complete yet, it was satisfactory enough.

“When do you plan to inform His Majesty?”

“I should notify him soon.”

“Indeed, it can’t be postponed any longer.”

Though they had been preparing the project behind the scenes to please the Tsar, it was something that couldn’t be hidden indefinitely.

“Since we’ve also postponed the development of the flying wing, this must take precedence.”

Flying wings weren’t feasible to rush into at this moment, but the aircraft carrier had made significant progress.

“Indeed, this should suffice.”

“I should also inform the Air Force Commander.”

With the successful development of the aircraft carrier, the Kremlin was informed about the Veloe Project (белое Проект).

* * *

When they arrived at Sikorsky Aerodrome, the aircraft carrier finally came into view.

Although it was still in the fighter development phase, it merely had airplane models attached for now. They were preparing to align it with the new fighters being created.

Visually, it resembled the bombers from the Zveno Project photos—they could legitimately be seen as aircraft carriers.

They claimed this was created by modifying the original TB series bombers. The TB series was initially designed by Tupolev’s design bureau, yet it appeared somewhat unique, having been created with the airborne aircraft carrier as the initial goal.

As the propellers began to whirl, it took off into the sky.

Indeed, it looked striking.

Seeing it soar high in the sky made it feel like a historic moment.

Vrooooom

Amazing. Just when had this been made?

Though it was just a model for now, it seemed they would eventually see a perfected version.

The scoring emperor was truly feeling good. Honestly, I had not anticipated this to excite me more than the flying wing.

I never expected to see this before the flying wing.

“Wow, they actually made this! Were we not continuously focused on developing flying wings?”

I thought we were working on flying wings or helicopters.

Did they really manage to pull this off?

This was like a surprise, right? Rather than just a modified bomber, they essentially built it outright.

“Yes. Vladimir Sergeyevich, our aircraft technician, played a significant role in this. Not to mention, I have experience from creating Ilya Muromets. There are still many points to improve, but I believe it’ll be completed in a few years. Most importantly, the Air Force Commander was very proactive in this matter.”

I glanced at Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov, who was following behind me.

Look at that proud expression.

Hmm, the Air Force Commander was indeed Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov.

Could it be that, because he was a Romanov, he felt compelled to do something?

Well, he hadn’t commanded the White Army during the Civil War. At that time, there had been a separate Air Force Commander.

Later, when the split forces merged, they needed to appoint a commander in haste, so they brought him along.

Yes. It seems he’s diligently trying to be proactive.

“We ought to bestow medals on Sergeyevich and the Air Force Commander.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

That should be more than enough satisfaction. I’m genuinely pleased.

There’ll be more developments ahead. When war breaks out, the Russian Republic will possess an overwhelming army.

“If I award medals to both, I believe they will work even harder on this Veloe Project.”

“Ahem, I didn’t really do this for the medals.”

This Romanov Air Force Commander was clearly trying hard to appear modest.

Did this guy want a medal too?

Well, he hadn’t done anything during the Civil War either, and in reality, they’d chosen him for a reasonable figure from the Great War period.

So, if my guilt spurred him to work hard, that’d be fortunate.

“The Veloe Project (белое Проект)?”

“That’s the name of the mosquito creation project.”

Has it really switched from the Zveno Project in original history to the Veloe Project?

Zveno does have a cooler ring to it.

“Well then, what about the planes we’ll attach to those wings?”

“I believe the dedicated fighter is under research by Sevrski and the Tupolev Institute. I think they’re working to create true mosquitoes in cooperation.”

Surely, there must be connections to the original history.

Although different meanings intertwine, it appeared that, if done right, they could produce true aircraft carriers, not simply modified bombers.

Wait. That would be too much to hope for.

After all, it’s already an aircraft carrier and bomber.

The intriguing aspect was that ultimately, it was still a descendant of Ilya Muromets.

Yes. That’s true. At this point, I was filled with numerous questions.

So, they were making significant investments in the Air Force right now? Will they have enough planes to handle it?

“By the way, can we handle rubber?”

The Russian Empire’s Air Force. The current White Air Force had been valued greatly during the Civil War, performing quite impressively. Hence, the military treated aircraft development and support as a matter of course. During the Civil War, ace pilots like Alexander Kazakov and Vyacheslav Tkachev emerged.

They’ve been awarded medals as well and held positions in the White Air Force as ace pilots.

Still.

While I had decided to invest significantly in the Air Force, how well could we manage the rubber situation?

Despite Russia’s wealth in resources, the rubber crisis was different. Even the Soviets had to bolster rubber supplies at the start of World War II.

“We’ve acquired synthetic rubber technology from the I.G. Farben company that moved to East Prussia, so we should be fine.”

The Air Force Commander spoke up to assert his presence.

Was I.G. Farben that company?

While reading books about World War II, I had heard of companies collaborating with the Nazis, but it seemed they had relocated to East Prussia in this world.

They were formed by the merger of six chemical companies. Surviving the revolution must have been quite fortunate.

“Synthetic rubber. Thank goodness.”

Suddenly, I stopped speaking without realizing it.

No. Wait a moment. Synthetic rubber?

I know that synthetic rubber comes from petroleum. But wasn’t rubber a strategic commodity? Is Germany just sharing that with us?

Even in the Soviet era, extracting rubber from dandelions was the best they could do.

“Why do you ask?”

“Did Germany actually share that strategic commodity with you?”

“Yes, not just that, but I’ve heard from the military that they also provided something like sulfanilamide.”

Of course, if I mentioned it to the Kaiser, he might have agreed, but that’s a separate issue from strategic materials.

No matter how frugal the Kaiser was, I never imagined they’d give away rubber. Or perhaps with the birth of Communist Germany, their companies suffered, so they just let it go in East Prussia.

Well, given the circumstances in East Prussia, it wouldn’t be in their best interests. They might be realizing they had no allies left.

The once-reliable British fell apart dramatically, Poland is clearly aligned with Russia, so they had no choice but to depend on us.

No wait! It’s the Great Depression right now.

Furthermore, I.G. Farben would have taken a hit due to the German revolution.

If the combination of the German revolution and the Great Depression occurred, that couldn’t be helped; we’d have to capitalize on it.

“We acquired it due to the Great Depression.”

Huh? Is this an unexpected jackpot?

With the Great Depression, we could just seize everything they had. If America goes into a Civil War, oh wow, wouldn’t that be amazing? Russia could explode in power!

Duke Yusupov would handle it anyway.

 

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