Chapter 268 Auction of the Kiev
There is no free lunch anywhere in the world!
Don’t Easterners understand this kind of thing? The prices for the cooperation we had reached with them in the past were not cheap, but Dongfang could accept it, because while France was selling products, it was also willing to sell technology and would sell it for money.
Now, this warship is given away for free, and some additional modification costs are added. It should be a normal business, but why does the other party react so much?
It’s just a warship for free, and it costs a lot of money to modify it, so why don’t you do it? Do you understand the rules?
Duquesne was simmering with anger in his heart, but there was no way to explain it. After all, the other party was right. At the beginning, he did not mention the modification fee. Now, it is not too late to mention it. ah.
“Mr. Qin, thank you for providing us with this opportunity to have a pleasant look at the French aircraft carrier.” Everyone walked and talked to Qin Tao.
"Yes, since the French gave us this opportunity, of course we have to go up and have a good look, otherwise it will be in vain, and the French will not reimburse us for air tickets and travel expenses." Qin Tao said with a smile.
“Today we can finally see clearly that this kind of aircraft carrier is a useless thing. The displacement of more than 30,000 tons is too little. If we want to have an aircraft carrier in the future, it must have a displacement of at least 60,000 tons.”
“Yes, this way the space on the deck is large enough to facilitate the dispatch of carrier-based aircraft. I think the 40,000-ton Charles de Gaulle is not that good either.”
Everyone has already set a high standard. If the French give the 30,000-ton Clemenceau for free, it would be disrespectful. If it costs money, who will take advantage of it?
“I really look forward to the day when we can have an aircraft carrier.”
Listening to the words of these people, Qin Tao's heart was surging. Others were expecting it, and Qin Tao was also expecting it. However, it would still take time to drag the Varyag back.
The preparation needs to be done well, such as acquiring an aircraft carrier, transforming it into an aircraft carrier park, and making it visible to the world.
etc! The Kiev is right in front of you!
Would you like to go to Lao Maozi's place and take pictures of the Kiev? Ah San shouldn’t want it, right?
Dazhou Company suffered a big loss when bidding for the Minsk. I don’t know if the news has spread. Other companies probably have no idea about bidding for the Kiev. That warship was definitely prepared for them.
Thinking of this, Qin Tao's heart became a little hot.
Murmansk, Navy Repair Plant No. 35.
Although it is called a repair shop, the equipment here is very complete, with various cranes and two adjacent 10,000-ton docks. On one side of the pier, there is also a professional PD-50 floating dock. , this huge floating dock can lift tens of thousands of tons of ships directly out of the water for repair work.
At the pier on one side of the repair shop, there is a huge warship docked, the heavy aircraft carrier Kiev of the Northern Fleet. At this time, the thick smoke on the warship has completely disappeared, and firefighting officers and soldiers are still coming in and out.
"What is going on?" Suchkov, a senior officer of the Northern Fleet who came after hearing the sound, asked hurriedly: "What is the situation inside? Your Excellency Uskimenko is very concerned about the situation here."
"We don't know what happened, but suddenly there was a fire." Rachmanov, the person in charge of the repair shop, looked ugly: "At the time of the accident, we were dismantling weapons... Sokolov, How's the situation inside?"
After the fire was extinguished, Sokolov went in. As an aircraft carrier designer, he was familiar with the internal structure, and he also had to determine the hazards caused by the fire as soon as possible.
"When workers were dismantling the bow missile weapons depot, a fire broke out. The fire point was located in the No. 3 cabin." Sokolov said: "Although the fire has been extinguished, the strength of the steel plate structure there has deteriorated under high temperatures. There are serious problems. If it is transformed into a jump deck in the future, there may be a problem of insufficient strength."
The Kiev aircraft carrier has a large number of weapons, including air defense, anti-submarine, and anti-ship. The missile launchers on the bow of the ship are even more densely populated, and there is also a large amount of backup ammunition under the bow.
If it is transformed into an aircraft carrier, all these weapons will be dismantled. Since it involves the secrets of their navy, they have been working intensively during this period.
Minsk has been auctioned, and Kiev has become Ah San’s only choice!
What now?
There was a fire and the bow of the ship was not strong enough to be transformed into a jump deck?
In other words, this warship has also been scrapped?
Suchkov's face darkened: "This warship must be transformed into an aircraft carrier. It is of great importance! Sokolov, this is your mission!"
Seeing that the Pacific Fleet received 80 million, plus the initial 30 million, that is more than 100 million US dollars. With this money, the Pacific Fleet is living a comfortable life, and it is said that it will organize an exercise recently.
Their Northern Fleet is still very poor, and they are just waiting for this warship to be exchanged for money.
Sokolov shook his head: "If you want to modify it, you can ask others. I will not modify a defective warship. Unless..."
“Unless what?”
“Unless the entire bow is cut off and a new one is built, the strength can be guaranteed.”
What?
Isn't this a joke? How much does it cost to rebuild a ship's bow? Moreover, they don't have such conditions here. If they weld a jump deck on the bow of the ship, they can slowly work it out. What if they cut off the bow and re-weld it?
That is something that the Black Sea Shipyard can only do. They are just a repair shop here!
Sokolov glanced at Suchkov and Rachmanov, and then walked away slowly, but his back was extremely lonely. As a warship designer, he naturally felt uncomfortable when he saw the scenes inside. ah.
But, Sokolov is gone, what will they do?
“Did someone do this intentionally?” Suchkov suddenly raised his voice and shouted to Sokolov.
Sokolov stopped. Someone set the fire deliberately? Why do this?
He shook his head: "I don't know."
“Damn it, what should we do now?” Suchkov was very annoyed.
Before Rachmanov could answer, several Asans had already walked over.
“It’s great that both of you are here. In view of the serious fire on this warship, our country has decided to suspend this project after careful consideration.” said the leader, Asan.
pause?
"No, no, it's just a small fire." Suchkov said: "We guarantee that this warship will not have any problems. American aircraft carriers have also had fires during their service period, and they still survive. In service.”
“Really? Then we request to send experts up for identification.”
Ah San is not stupid. He fell down on the Minsk. Of course, he had to see it clearly on the Kiev.
They are now threatening to abandon the project. Suchkov has no choice but to smile: "Of course, I will take you up."
After entering, Suchkov was also dumbfounded. The cabin at the bow of the ship was completely burned. Although the ventilator was working all the time, there was still a special smell in the air, which was nauseating. It was near the fire point. , and even several major steel plate support structures were burned and deformed.
Needless to say experts, even Suchkov himself can see that there is a problem with the structure of the bow of the ship. It is okay to make do with it. If a jump deck weighing several hundred tons is added to it, the carrier-based aircraft can If it takes off frequently, it might collapse one day.
Asan’s experts all shook their heads after checking it.
The modification of the Kiev aircraft carrier was completely ruined.
"It seems that we can only auction it as scrap metal, hoping to get a good price at the auction. His Excellency Uskimenko will definitely curse when he hears this news." Suchkov reluctantly asked La Khmanov said: "You have a good relationship with the Pacific Fleet, right? Ask them for advice on how to get a suitable price at auction."
Suchkov didn't dare to inquire. Because of the issue of interests, the top brass of their two fleets had already fallen out, so he could only ask his subordinates to rely on personal contacts to inquire.
"For the auction, arrange a company in advance to help raise the price." Rachmanov had already inquired about the Pacific Fleet bidding. That company called Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group is clearly a trustee. Dazhou Company is really pitiful.
“Okay, let’s do the same.”
In June 1992, the weather in France was pleasant. On the beach, women in **** clothes formed a beautiful scenery. On the sea in the distance, luxury private yachts came and went.
“Mr. Qin, you really know how to enjoy life. Among the CEOs of Dongfang Group, you are probably the only one who owns a luxury yacht, right?” Old Henry said to Qin Tao with some emotion on one of the yachts.
Those welders wearing thick work clothes appeared on the luxury yacht, forming a unique scenery. However, facing the sea breeze and looking at the scene around them, they really relaxed.
In addition to people from Mingzhou, some French people were also invited up, and old Henry was one of them. At this time, he was sitting on the upper terrace, enjoying all this, and was extremely emotional.
"Our group is a shipbuilder and also builds luxury yachts. Of course we have to buy one to study related technologies." Qin Tao said: "The yacht belongs to the company, and it is right to bring the company's people to enjoy it. At the same time, we also In this way, I would like to thank the French masters."
"Mr. Qin, the welders you brought are very skilled, especially Cong Gong. I think she will pass the test next week." Old Henry continued.
They have only learned welding of Yinwa steel for a week, but with a solid foundation and high understanding, they can quickly master the essentials of welding and pass the most rigorous exam, especially Cong Ju.
Qin Tao nodded: "Gong Cong is our technical backbone. When she gets the certificate, she can take on leading roles when she returns."
The two chatted for a while, and Old Henry suddenly said: "Mr. Qin, you are not a rigid person, why are you unwilling to promote the donation and improvement project of the Clemenceau aircraft carrier? If you can convince your navy to spend For money, we can provide you with a five percent service fee for the entire project.”
Qin Tao knew that after rejecting the French last time, they would not be willing to accept it, but he did not expect that they would let old Henry come as a lobbyist and give him a 5% kickback.
"I have very little influence on the Navy. I just invited them over with the promise of free aircraft carriers. Now I have to spend money, and of course the Navy refuses." Qin Tao said: "The cost of modification is a huge sum of money. After driving back, , equipping carrier-based aircraft is a huge sum of money. It is estimated that it cannot be purchased without a billion dollars. A single aircraft carrier is useless. There must be **** warships to equip the entire formation. How much will it cost? You can calculate it, we What is the country’s annual military expenditure?”
“However, after this aircraft carrier returns, it can enhance the combat capabilities of your navy!”
"Now, our country's line is to develop the economy, and the military must be patient. Therefore, our navy is definitely not sure of your proposal. It is okay to give the aircraft carrier for free, but it is definitely not okay to spend money." Qin Tao said.
I have made it clear that you want to do business and make money, but you must also consider the customer's affordability!
Having already emptied six wallets, why are you still asking them to buy a house?
Old Henry was silent. He knew that Qin Tao was right. It seemed that the tasks assigned to him by the military and the design bureau could not be completed.
“If you really plan to retire your aircraft carrier, you can only sell it for scrap metal. If the price is right, our group can buy it back. After all, we are also in the ship-breaking business.”
Old Henry nodded: "Mr. Qin, thank you for your suggestion. By the way, I heard that Lao Maozi's Kiev is also going to be auctioned recently. Your company buys scrap iron. Are you interested in going there to join in the fun?"
"So fast?" Qin Tao was a little surprised. He thought for a moment and then said: "Since there is such an event, of course we can't miss it."
Qin Tao did not expect that after the fire, the Kiev would also be auctioned. Of course, he, an international businessman, could not miss it and had to join in the fun.
Last time I went to the Northern Fleet, I was able to build a relationship. Uskimenko, Yarekin, and Qin Tao have all become familiar with each other. In this era, it is easier to get things done if you have connections.
Came to Murmansk again, Qin Tao first found Yarekin. In a bar near the naval base, Yarekin and Qin Tao had a drink and had a good time.
“It’s really touching to think of our experiences of living and fighting together. Qin, I didn’t expect that we would have the chance to meet. Come on, have a drink!” Yarekin raised his glass to Qin Tao.
"Yes, Yarekin, my friend, that experience at that time is the most unforgettable in my life." Qin Tao raised his glass: "How is that warship now?"
"It's very bad." Yarekin said: "After coming back, I have been tied to the port. Until now, I haven't gone out once, and the deck is starting to rust."
"Why?"
"Because although we returned the warship, the carrier-based aircraft on it did not come back. Therefore, our warship now does not have any carrier-based aircraft available, so even if it is launched, it will have no effect."
Yarykin was full of bitterness when he said this.
At that time, we only focused on operating warships, and there was no way to get carrier-based aircraft back. For a heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser, without carrier-based aircraft is like a gun without bullets. It simply doesn't work.
“The aircraft factory is still here, you can restart production.” Qin Tao asked knowingly.
"Yes, all Sukhoi's production plants are in China, but what's the use? Our factories have begun to be privatized. They are no longer the past era. If we want to obtain carrier-based aircraft, we need Go to the Sukhoi Design Bureau and spend money to buy it." Yarekin said: "We have reported to Moscow countless times, but to no avail. Moscow promised us that if we can find a way to get the money, we can do it ourselves. Use that money to purchase fighter jets."
The chaotic situation will not end until the emperor comes to power. Now, who cares how hard the army is? The procurement of military equipment is supposed to be coordinated by the state, but what about now? It's up to their military leaders to figure it out.
Qin Tao finally understood something.
Why does the Northern Fleet compete with the Pacific Fleet? Because they need money!
If one billion or even more funds are obtained from Asan, then the Northern Fleet can use the money to go to the Sukhoi Design Bureau to order Su-33 fighters! They are full of a sense of urgency. After all, the training of carrier-based aircraft pilots is not easy. If they cannot resume flying as soon as possible, their pilots who have mastered the take-off and landing skills of carrier-based aircraft will become novices again.
The Pacific Fleet has nothing to worry about. As the former boss, the Northern Fleet feels that there is a good reason for doing this. It even does some tricks for the sake of the Mao Navy.
The results of it?
When will the injustice be repaid?
"By the way, we plan to auction the Kiev this time." Yarekin said: "If we can sell it for 80 million, then we can purchase at least two Su-33s and start rotating training."
Fighters are expensive, especially the Navy's Su-33, which costs at least 40 million. They still have the illusion that they can get two Su-33s.
Qin Tao sighed in his heart, the country is like this, and there are still a group of people working hard to build the army. Unfortunately, they still have to wait. In the future, they will be equipped with carrier-based aircraft, but definitely not now.
“By the way, Qin, I heard that you bid for the Pacific Fleet, bidding 40 million. Are you here to bid this time too?”
“That’s right.”
“Then can you provide 80 million?”
"Of course not. We only brought one or two million this time." Qin Tao said: "Our company has just signed a technology transfer for the construction of natural gas ships with the French GT company, and we have spent tens of millions, but we have not Money.”
Yarykin’s eyes were full of disappointment.
"Perhaps, other companies will take a fancy to this warship, and maybe they can get a high price." Qin Tao patted Yarekin on the shoulder. At the same time, he looked around, and then he saw a familiar figure. people.
After separating from Yarekin, Qin Tao looked at the figure behind him: "You plan to take pictures of the Kiev and improve it to form a dual aircraft carrier battle group? By then, you will be invincible in East Asia. When the island nation's fleet encounters you, they will all Gotta go around.”
"Of course not." Pu Douxuan said with some embarrassment: "We feel that buying five boilers for ten million is still too expensive. If we use half the price or even less to take pictures of the Kiev and dismantle the boilers inside, , installed on the Minsk, then we can continue the project transformation."
Just now in the bar, Pu Douxuan was very surprised to see Qin Tao. He also recognized the man drinking with Qin Tao and couldn't help but sigh. He has been here for a week and only found some small fish and shrimps. For the role, look at people and look for senior officers when they come up.
The captain of the Kuznetsov, a person of this level, can actually have a drink and talk with Qin Tao!
Since they have met, they have to meet. Qin Tao said that their ambitions were too big. Of course he had to refute it, but he just wanted to dismantle and use a few boilers inside.
Hearing what Pu Douxuan said, Qin Tao smiled: "Remove the boilers inside? Yes, your idea is very good. So, guess how many of the boilers on the Kiev are good?"
This confused Pu Douxuan: "The boiler on the Kiev is also broken?"
"Since you are here to bid, you should know the condition of the Kiev. It has been in the repair shop a few years ago, and it has been in the repair shop until now. So guess where the Kiev is broken and it has not been repaired for several years?"
How did Pu Douxuan know? He asked tentatively: "Is the boiler broken?"
"Brother, you also saw the relationship between me and Lao Maozi just now. I helped you buy the boiler, which is the most reliable, but you actually find it too expensive. Well, I wish you a successful bid, and then drag it back to dismantle the boiler. This is my second time opening a blind box, I hope you have good luck."
Open a blind box? What is blind box opening? Pu Douxuan didn't know what Qin Tao meant, or whether the translator around him made a mistake, but Qin Tao had already turned around and left.
Is the Kiev's boiler broken?
How did Qin Tao know? However, he had to deceive the people of Kimchi and get them to surrender. If the boiler inside is broken, they will suffer a loss if they buy it back.
Having suffered a loss once, do you want to suffer a second time? You'd better order from me honestly. After all, my network of connections here at Lao Maozi is very large, and it's not something that people like you can compare to.
However, the arrival of Kimchi Chinese people still makes this bidding full of variables.
Anyway, if you buy it back, it will just be converted into an aircraft carrier park. If it is suitable, buy it. If it is not suitable, just treat it as a return visit to the old place.
Qin Tao was very relaxed, but Pu Douxuan was extremely nervous. After returning to the hotel, Pu Douxuan told Li Jinshan about the conversation with Qin Tao, and his expression suddenly changed.
"If the Kiev's boiler is also broken, then our bidding will be meaningless! Do we have to go to Qin to purchase it?"
(End of this chapter)