Chapter 256 The fate of the Minsk
This time, there will definitely be no decision. After all, this kind of purchase will ultimately have to be discussed by the higher leaders of both parties. However, the price determined in advance is very important. No matter how we negotiate in the future, it will not deviate too much. many.
Now Lao Maozi is undergoing shock therapy. Domestic prices are soaring. Lao Maozi still has a strong demand for foreign exchange. After the oil price plummeted in the 1980s, the oil price in the 1990s still remained at a low level. Lao Maozi also There is no way to obtain sufficient foreign exchange by exporting energy and ore, so selling two modern-class ships and earning more than 300 million is still a good deal for them.
It is estimated that there will be many more negotiations in the future. Anyway, in the second half of the year, the economy in Damao will worsen even more. Qin Tao has plenty of patience to wait.
After seeing off the two guests, Qin Tao was still thinking about the next arrangements when the phone rang.
“Hello, Nicholas, my friend, what can I do for you?”
"What? The Minsk has officially been retired?" Qin Tao glanced at the calendar. It was only April, and the Minsk was already retired?
"Yes, it has been retired. The next operation of this warship is the focus of the navy. You have provided us with a lot of suggestions, so we invite you to be the special consultant of this warship." Nico on the phone La, very excited: "We must make this warship maximize its value!"
"Of course, I'm very honored." Qin Tao replied: "I can go to the Far East immediately."
“That’s right, you need to come to the Far East immediately. The Navy will send a plane to take you over.”
“Plane? There are just a few of us. Isn’t it a bit luxurious to fly?”
“No, there are also some technical staff from the Neva Design Bureau.”
Neva Design Bureau?
In the Soviet era, there were a series of famous design bureaus. On surface ships, the Neva Design Bureau located in St. Petersburg (seemingly called the Nevsky Design Bureau in the old Maozi era) was definitely the well-deserved boss, because those in the Soviet Union Type 1143 heavy aircraft carrier cruiser, all are their masterpieces!
Now, Nikolai actually said that he would be invited to go there with people from the Neva Design Bureau. In other words, the old man is planning to modify the Minsk and then sell it to the third brother?
Qin Tao rushed to the airport with curiosity in his heart. When he got on the plane, he saw a group of old men sitting there and discussing.
The cabin was relatively dark, and Qin Tao did not recognize them immediately, but just listened to their conversation there.
“During the initial design, we had multiple plans. Our ninth plan is very similar to the Pacific Fleet’s idea.” One person said: “It’s just that this plan remains on paper.”
They suffered a lot when designing the Kiev-class aircraft carrier. At that time, Gorshkov had one idea a day, and the designers of the Neva Design Bureau had to modify a plan every few days. In just 75 days, During this time, they came up with a total of nine plans, which showed the strength of their technical level.
Among these plans, there are 4 aircraft-carrying cruiser plans, 2 anti-submarine cruiser plans, which are all conventional, and there are also 3 aircraft carrier plans, which were created by Gorshkov with private goods.
At first, I was tortured to the point of death, but now? Now it finally comes in handy!
"However, those design plans are all different. Now, if we want to convert a heavy-duty aircraft carrier that has been built into a medium-sized aircraft carrier, it is a bit difficult." Another person said.
“Yes, this is simply impossible! I really don’t know what Nikolai thinks, but he actually wants to carry out such a modification plan. The construction difficulty of this kind of modification is even higher than building a new ship!”
“That’s right, we don’t have a suitable shipyard to renovate it!”
“Haha.” At this moment, a voice laughed.
These people looked over curiously and saw a young man with an oriental face sitting in the cabin: "Why are you laughing? Did we say something wrong?"
"Everyone, you need to change your thinking. Don't just think about the problem from a technical point of view. You also have to think about the economic aspect. How many job opportunities can the transformation of this warship bring to the shipyard here? Can it? How much foreign exchange revenue will it create for the country? Your Neva Design Bureau will also get a share of it. Since the collapse of the Red Empire, you have no projects, right? What do you still question? "
A penny can stump a heroic man. Is it possible that these people nowadays can’t see the benefits?
"Yes, that's right." An old man said: "I am Sergei Orlov, the head of the Neva Design Bureau. Who are you?"
"I am the special consultant invited by Nikolai. The Minsk modification plan was the first thing I proposed to Nikolai." Qin Tao said: "Now, I will also go with you to help. You can call me Qin. "
“Did you bring it up first?”
"Yes, this warship is tailor-made for Asan." Qin Tao said: "Through this project, the Neva Design Bureau, the Pacific Fleet, and the shipyards in the Far East will all get a lot of benefits, so I hope you all Get rid of any doubts and devote yourself wholeheartedly to this work, which is related to whether your pockets can be bulging."
Orlov nodded: "Yes, that's it. We must get Asan's approval. Qin, since it was your plan, what do you think we should do first?"
“You can draw a rendering of the modification first. If you bring tools, you can also make a model, which will be more intuitive and convincing.”
“We don’t have a design yet, how can we draw renderings and make models?” a person next to Orlov asked.
He had gray hair, wore thick glasses, and looked like an old expert. Qin Tao quickly connected him with the person in his memory.
Pavel Alexeevich Sokolov, chief engineer of the heavy aircraft carrier cruiser.
"Of course, you can paint it as beautifully as you like, as long as it makes Ah San happy." Qin Tao said, "As for the detailed design in the later stage, that is a matter for the future. If you can't get Ah San's deposit, what can you do?" Do you want to start design work?”
"That's right, Sokolov, we have to listen to Qin. If we can get this design project, our design bureau can continue to survive." Orlov said.
Sokolov is still a little unwilling, but he also knows that without an order, their design bureau will be finished. Now, it is very important to be able to fool Ah San into placing an order!
Pacific Fleet Station.
The early morning sun shines down, and the sea surface is sparkling. The warships are also bathed in the early morning light. They are inlaid with a golden rim, which is very beautiful. The Minsk, which has lowered its flag, is even more spectacular. .
"Our heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser is still in its prime, but it has to be decommissioned due to military spending cuts. In fact, we prefer to store it and wait until the economy improves in the future, then drag it out and re-service it. However, in order Our mutual friendship, we decided to give it to you free of charge and only charge a symbolic fee of one dollar." Nicholas said to the people around him.
This man is short, with fair skin, a black beard, and a bright look in his eyes.
He was none other than Asan naval officer Sukhjidar. After getting the news that Lao Maozi wanted to buy an aircraft carrier, he rushed over immediately.
Behind him, followed a group of subordinates, all of whom were just like Grandma Liu when they entered the Grand View Garden. They felt that their eyes were not enough to see.
Now, Sukjidar was even more excited when he heard Nicholas's words: "Have you really decided to give us this warship for one dollar?"
“Really.” Nicholas said with a smile.
The advice Qin Tao provided him was really great, so when Nicholas reported it, Moscow really agreed!
The country’s economy is in a mess now. As long as you can exchange for foreign currency, you can do anything!
Anyway, they still have a heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser in their fleet. Compared with the decommissioning and storage of this ship, and using it to make a fuss and make a lot of money, of course the latter is more important!
Furthermore, those advanced weapon systems have to be modified and dismantled, so they don't have to worry about the navy's secrets being leaked. They have nothing to hesitate.
Let’s sell it and make money!
This is a giant warship with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons. If this warship enters Ah San's navy, how far will their navy's strength be expanded!
Thinking of this, Sukhjidar was tempted.
"However, it is only a heavy-duty aircraft carrier. If you want to transform it into a ski-jump take-off aircraft carrier, you need to pay a certain price." Nikola continued: "Our relevant design bureau is on the way. , we still need to wait for the opinions of these experts on how to modify it and how much it will cost."
At this moment, he saw several cars driving towards this side from a distance, and immediately extended his hand happily: "Did you see that? They are already here!"
The car stopped at the pier, and everyone got out of the car and boarded the Minsk.
Qin Tao was walking among the crowd, inconspicuous at all, and he was also feeling emotional in his heart.
What will be the final fate of the Minsk? Will it become an aircraft carrier park, or will it continue to gallop on the ocean?
Of course, the former is more likely, because Qin Tao will have a series of methods in the future. What he wants to do is to trick Ah San, not to give Ah San stronger maritime combat capabilities. Even if it does happen, it will take 20 to 30 years until we have a dual aircraft carrier formation.
Delaying time is also very simple. A fire breaks out during refitting, or a boiler blows up during a sea trial. It is normal.
"Come on, let me introduce you. This is the head of our Neva Design Bureau, Sergei Orlov. This is the chief designer of our heavy-duty aircraft carrier cruiser, Pavel Alexeevich. - Sokolov."
Sukhgidal’s eyes looked at Orlov, because in his hand, he held a beautiful model!
The model was made of wood and had not been painted yet, so it looked a bit crude. However, when he saw the model, he felt his heart beating violently.
The front is the deck for ski jumps, and there is an angled deck on the left. Even if the island on the right is slightly larger, it does not hinder its overall shape.
"This is a model we rushed to make on the plane." Orlov was very happy. Sure enough, Qin was right. Making a model to fool people is the most attractive thing. No matter what the design is, As for the technical details, let’s deceive people first.
"We know that your navy has been operating a ski-jump aircraft carrier. However, the displacement is very small and the ship is very old. There is a big gap between the modified version of our warship. This aircraft carrier has been modified. After equipping your navy, you will definitely be able to dominate the entire ocean!"
“How many planes can it carry?” Sukhjidar asked.
“Fifty,” Orlov said. Of course, this is said casually. There is no model of the aircraft. The compact Sea Harrier and Yak-38 are almost enough. If it is the large Su-33, even if it is halved, it is probably not enough.
Fifty!
Ah San’s current aircraft carrier is capable of operating more than a dozen fighter planes. The aircraft carrier in front of her, after modification, can actually operate fifty fighter planes. This is definitely powerful enough!
However, after getting excited, Sukjidar still asked carefully: "So, how much does it cost to modify it?"
This is the most important thing. If the cost is too high, they can't afford it, or they will just buy a new aircraft carrier. Why do they need this second-hand modified aircraft carrier?
"Here, how much is it..." Orlov was still hesitating, and a voice rang out from the crowd behind him: "One billion."
"That's right, one billion, one billion dollars." Orlov said: "This price is already very cheap. You will never find a better deal than this in the international market. The new model the French plan to manufacture An aircraft carrier costs at least more than two billion."
One billion dollars! When Orlov heard Qin Tao say this estimate, even he was shocked. This modification project must be carried out, as it can bring huge profits to the entire Damao!
Nicholas was also startled. He also heard Qin Tao's voice. Didn't we say kill slowly? One billion is required at one time, okay?
"This... I need to contact the country. Can you give me that model?" Sukjidar said hesitantly.
Looking at Sukjidar's leaving figure, Nicholas looked at Qin Tao who was walking out of the crowd with some concern: "Qin, is one billion too much?"
"Of course it's not much. This is just the modification cost of the aircraft carrier. There will be carrier-based aircraft later, which will be packaged for 1.5 billion." Qin Tao said: "In this way, the fleet, design bureau, shipyard, and the country can all breathe a sigh of relief. .”
1.5 billion, it would be great if you could get it, but what if the price is too high and scares people away?
Nicholas is very worried. Looking around the world, apart from Ah San, there is no other Yang Hu.
"Don't worry, they will agree. For them, the price is very reasonable and completely within their affordability. They are looking for a replacement for the Vikrant, and now this ship is very suitable. Yes. Now, where is your swallow? Can you have a close contact with Sukhjidar? Also, we have to make two preparations." Qin Tao continued: "Let the news of the decommissioning of this warship go out. If Ah San doesn't take over, Let’s put this warship up for public auction!”
"Public auction?" Nicholas thought of the plan that Qin Tao had proposed before, which seemed to have such a trick, but how much could it be sold for in a public auction?
“That’s right, when the time comes, if we attract a few more bidders and keep raising the price, it will be no problem to bid for 100 million,” Qin Tao said.
The price of 100 million?
Who would believe this? If you buy it back for scrap metal, you can sell it for 10 million, right?
As the designer of this warship, Sokolov couldn't help but shake his head, but he could no longer understand these operations.
"However, these are follow-up measures in case Ah San doesn't take the bait." Qin Tao continued: "For now, we need to complete the detailed modification of this warship as soon as possible. Nicholas, I suggest that the warship's The design drawings are obtained from the Neva Design Bureau and the modification design is carried out here."
After hearing Qin Tao's words, Sokolov finally spoke up: "If we want to carry out modification design, of course it must be done in our Neva Design Bureau. Why should we get all our design drawings from the Neva Design Bureau?" Transport it over from the side? Do you know how many train skins that will take?"
“Design drawings, train skins?” Qin Tao was extremely surprised: “Have you not started using computer-aided design yet? Isn’t this too backward?”
“Of course computer-aided design has begun to be used now, but this warship was designed in the 1960s. At that time, where was there any computer-aided design?”
In the late 1950s, Lao Maozi first built the first-generation Moscow-class helicopter carrier for anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic. In the 1960s, Lao Maozi began to consider subsequent models. At that time, the Yak 36 The development of vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets has begun, so Lao Maozi is also planning to equip the Yak 36 on the Moscow class. Later, after gradual evolution, it became the Kiev class.
The design era was in the 1960s, and the construction era was in the 1970s. At that time, there was no computer-aided design at all, okay?
Qin Tao suddenly realized: "I see! However, I still think it is better to come here to design. After all, this warship belongs to the Pacific Fleet, and the modification factory will be here in the Far East. The drawings should be designed here. The most suitable one, the other ships won’t be able to use it anyway, Nikolai, what do you think?”
There was something in Qin Tao's words, and of course Nicholas understood what he meant.
At present, the money for modification and design belongs to their Pacific Fleet, and the Northern Fleet still has two ships. If they are designed by the Neva Design Bureau in St. Petersburg, the Northern Fleet may take advantage!
This is not possible! Life is difficult for everyone, and we must not let others take advantage of us.
Nicholas made up his mind: "Yes, I think the design here is better. Since everyone is here, stay here for a while and make the design drawings of the modification. The construction is here anyway, It saves you having to transport the drawings later.”
“Anyway, it’s just a simple change of style, no need to produce detailed design drawings.” Qin Tao continued: “In the future, when constructing, it will not be too late to design while constructing.”
Sokolov had a dark face and said nothing.
Orlov didn’t say anything either, but he also knew that since Nicholas had said so, it would be difficult to have any room for change.
Stay here to design? If you can make money, then stay!
Minsk is decommissioned!
This news quickly spread throughout the world.
Initially, the Minsk crossed thousands of miles and arrived at Lao Maozi's Pacific Fleet. Because of the extreme shock of the surrounding countries, this 40,000-ton warship became the most powerful ship in the region! (U.S. military presence does not count.)
Some people talk about it with joy, while others look at it with fear.
And now, it has been retired after just fifteen years of service. It is even more sad to end in this way.
That powerful empire is gone, and the Da Mao Navy that inherited its mantle is now in the sunset.
Some people are also excited. This warship died young. So, is there any chance to get it back? What would happen if it were allowed to join the navy of its own country?
The Kimchi Nation was tempted. They looked towards the north, quietly waiting for the opportunity.
In the capital of the great Eastern country, a group of people also discussed this.
Huang Building, conference room.
"Lao Wu, your son-in-law has been with Lao Maozi recently, right? Has he been involved in the Minsk matter?"
After hearing this question, Wu Shengli shook his head: "I don't know his recent movements. The last contact was ten days ago. At this level, he should not be qualified to participate. He is not Lao Maozi. people."
“It’s a pity that such a huge warship has been retired. You think, if we buy it back and renovate it, can it become our first aircraft carrier?”
“Buy it and renovate it? How much will it cost?”
"If someone else buys it, it might cost a lot. But, Lao Wu, your son-in-law is different. He might be able to buy it back for a few million, and then spend another few million to renovate it."
"It's simple." Wu Shengli glanced at the old man: "Even if it doesn't cost much, what about the carrier-based aircraft? What should we use?"
“Yes, this is really a problem.”
“Whatever, let’s fix it first, even if we use helicopters then.”
"You all, use your brains and don't be carried away by desire. That warship is not suitable for us at all. If we drag it back and dismantle it, we can take a look at the internal structure." Wu Shengli said: "Now There is one more thing that everyone needs to make up their mind about."
"What's up?"
“Lao Maozi has two modern-class destroyers that have been built to 80%. Qin Tao has already negotiated with Lao Maozi. The initial price is 200 million per ship.”
“Modern level, 200 million? No, too expensive, too expensive.”
“That’s right, Qin Tao and Lao Maozi asked for a 20% kickback. So, based on this calculation, one ship costs 160 million.”
"One hundred and sixty million? This price is reasonable enough. However, Lao Wu, this is not in line with your son-in-law's style. How did he bargain? Why didn't he erase the whole price?"
“This is a normal arms sale, not junk buying!”
(End of this chapter)