Chapter 394: Talent Development Program
“We can use the ‘echo detector’ to survey sea routes, General,” Fessenden said. “It can make our navigation more precise and safer by detecting reefs, shoals, shipwrecks, and other obstacles. It could even help us explore new routes.”
Charles stared at Fessenden incredulously. “Is that all?”
Hearing this, Fessenden’s enthusiasm was instantly extinguished.
Yes, all of this could be done manually, and the current routes were already sufficient. The naval maps used by the military had been surveyed repeatedly, so why bother with additional measures? Thinking of this, Fessenden started to waver, his eyes filled with dejection. He said weakly, “I’m sorry, General. This is just my personal idea. I regret wasting your valuable time…”
“No, no,” Charles explained, “what I meant was, do you think the ‘echo detector’ is only useful for route surveying? Of course, it does serve that purpose, and we do need it to further enhance the safety of our navigation routes.”
Fessenden’s eyes lit up. Did this mean Charles was interested?
Still, Fessenden asked doubtfully, “But beyond that, what else could it do?”
Fessenden, being a scientist unfamiliar with military equipment, couldn’t think of anything else.
Charles was momentarily speechless. This was precisely the reason why, despite having created sonar, the final inventor was someone else.
“To detect submarines, sir,” Charles reminded. “If your ‘echo detector’ can identify icebergs and reefs, could it also locate submarines?”
Fessenden’s eyes widened in sudden realization. After a long pause, he nodded excitedly, “Yes, General, it… it can. I’m sure of it.”
“All we need to do,” he continued, “is adjust the wavelength. Some wavelengths are more easily reflected by metal. Then, by increasing the sensitivity of the receiver, it could detect submarines, even if they’re moving.”
“My God, we could also calculate the distance to the submarine based on the time the echo takes to return and determine its position by analyzing the direction of the sound waves.”
Charles nodded lightly.
Sonar was invented in 1906, but it wasn’t truly “sonar.” It was more accurately called a “hydrophone,” as it relied purely on detecting the sounds of enemy submarine engines and propellers in the water. Trained sailors with acute hearing operated it.
Active sonar appeared in 1915, and its inventor was Professor Langevin, a physicist rumored to have had a romance with Madame Curie.
However, before that, Fessenden had already invented an active sonar device, though its purpose wasn’t submarine detection. It was called the “echo detector.”
Fessenden was both surprised and delighted. He looked at Charles with great anticipation. “So, General, does this mean you will hire me?”
“Of course,” Charles replied firmly.
Although France didn’t have a significant demand for anti-submarine measures, a talent like Fessenden, with his technologies, couldn’t fall into British hands.
Moreover, Fessenden was also an expert in radio technology, with inventions spanning multiple fields, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, architecture, and astronomy.
It was unimaginable that such a genius could be recruited with just a modest amount of money.
At this moment, Fessenden hesitated. “I… I have a small request, General. During my work with you, could I retain the industrial rights to my inventions?”
“Of course,” Charles nodded. “I offer the same to my workers, and you are no exception.”
This was a significant incentive for attracting talent.
Charles added, “However, due to the war, I would like to have the right of first refusal on your industrial rights. If you are unwilling to sell, we could adopt a cooperative model, but there must be a confidentiality period of at least three to five years.”
Fessenden understood. No one would want advanced military equipment leaked to the enemy. This wasn’t merely an issue of industrial rights but one of treason, espionage, and national security.
Besides, who cared who bought it? If the price was right, why not sell it to Charles?
“I agree,” Fessenden responded readily.
He didn’t dare to negotiate for a higher salary. For him, a high income was a luxury; he only hoped to meet his basic needs.
Charles, seeing through Fessenden’s thoughts, calmly said, “A monthly salary of 5,000 francs, including food and lodging.”
Initially, Fessenden didn’t react. As an American, he instinctively converted the amount using the current exchange rate into dollars. Five thousand francs was approximately 330 dollars. That year… My God, an annual salary of 4,000 dollars far exceeded his highest earnings to date.
“Do you have anything else to add?” Charles asked.
Charles could have offered a higher salary. For him, spending a few thousand francs a month was a trivial expense, especially since these investments would yield exponential returns in the future.
However, Charles understood that retaining talent required neither too low nor excessively high compensation.
If the salary was too high, they might work for a few years, amass enough savings, and leave to focus solely on their own research.
“No, no, nothing to add,” Fessenden said quickly, shaking Charles’ hand. “I agree, General.”
“A three-year contract?” Charles asked. “Or five?”
Fessenden eagerly responded, “I’d prefer five, General.”
Such a good job, with such excellent terms—it was only logical to choose the longest contract.
Charles stepped outside to instruct his staff to draft a contract, then returned to discuss the details with Fessenden. “I’ll set up a laboratory for you, sir. Please list the equipment and other requirements for the lab, including tools and instruments.”
Fessenden looked at Charles in disbelief. “You mean a personal laboratory? I can request anything?”
A personal laboratory was an unattainable dream for Fessenden, now within reach.
“Yes!” Charles nodded. “You may also select assistants. If they’re willing, I’ll hire them as well.”
Fessenden was dumbfounded. This was not merely a job offer but research sponsorship, while allowing him to retain industrial rights. Was he mishearing?
“I don’t understand, General,” Fessenden said. “Are you doing all this just for the ‘echo detector’?”
Charles could have simply purchased its rights, which would have been far cheaper than setting up a laboratory.
“No,” Charles shook his head. “There’s also radio technology, sir, and much more.”
For instance, torpedo explosives. With this laboratory, Charles would have the perfect excuse for experimentation.
Additionally, radio technology needed to be miniaturized to fit on cars and aircraft, significantly enhancing military operations, particularly air combat.
Furthermore, solving aircraft aerodynamic layouts required fluid dynamics expertise.
If necessary, they could even work on transitioning vacuum tubes to transistors…
This was, in essence, Charles’ talent development program.