Chapter 271 An important chapter in the history of aircraft carrier development: the 2003 project
In the past, Qin Tao had talked with Wu Shengli about the issue of carrier-based aircraft, but after all, it was not a professional occasion. Even if Qin Tao had talked, it was just a random talk. It was different today. In such a formal meeting, , if this argument is thrown out in front of these aircraft carrier engineering demonstrators, it will be considered as a formal proposal.
"We can look at the United States. Whether it is F-14 or F-18, they are all twin-engine. Let's look at Lao Maozi. When we were testing, we chose MiG-29 and Su-27. Twin-engine. Although the French are still using single-engine Super Etendard, the Charles de Gaulle currently under construction plans to be equipped with twin-engine Rafale fighter jets. Countries that operate medium and large aircraft carriers have all chosen twin-engine aircraft carriers without exception. This is accumulated through many years of experience in developing fighter jets. If one of the engines fails, at least it can still fly."
Twin-engine fighter jets are all high-performance. After all, they have large power reserves and strong thrust-to-weight ratio, which can better take the lead in air combat. At the same time, twin-engine aircraft also have power backup. If one stalls, the other will One can still fly, but if it is a single-engine, it will be completely useless.
On land, a single-engine aircraft can still make an emergency landing if it stalls, but this is not possible at sea. Once it falls into the sea, it is likely to be a disaster.
“However, among our existing aircraft, there are too few twin-engine aircraft, and they cannot meet the demand.”
"Why not? Isn't our Air Force planning to purchase the second batch of Su-27?" Qin Tao said: "The Su-27 can be improved to become the Su-33 used by Lao Maozi's navy."
The people present immediately started whispering.
with the experts, scholars and researchers working on the 8*91 project, none of them thought about the Su-27!
The first batch of Su-27s flew back to China a month ago, and immediately attracted countless attention. The smooth shape, the huge body, and the dozen or so external pylons all displayed this aircraft. of strength.
They are all sighing that the motherland’s air force finally has a third-generation aircraft that can rival the West! When facing the threat of the enemy, I can finally get out of my way and do it!
They just never thought that this kind of aircraft could also be used by the navy as a carrier-based aircraft!
"This kind of aircraft is too big. Even if we can get it, it will lead to a serious decrease in the number of aircraft carried on the aircraft carrier." An expert said below: "If the number of carrier-based aircraft is too small, then It will be impossible to form effective combat capabilities."
If divided according to the size of the aircraft body, the Su-33 and F-14 are the only two heavy-duty fighter jets in the world. Their maximum take-off weight exceeds 30 tons.
As for the F-18 and Rafale, the maximum takeoff weight of this type of fighter is about 20 tons, which is considered a medium-sized fighter.
Yak-38 and Sea Harrier, which weigh more than ten tons, are considered light.
The larger the aircraft body, the smaller the number that can be carried on the aircraft carrier. Without sufficient numbers, it will not be able to form effective combat capabilities. The combat effectiveness of twenty or thirty aircraft and forty or fifty aircraft is obviously different.
Qin Tao smiled: "The quantity of aircraft dispatched is important, and the quality is also important. Let's give a simple example and compare the Su-33 and Rafale."
Qin Tao didn't want to get into a quarrel, especially since Zhang Yang was left alone now. However, these basic things must be determined. Only by unifying his thinking can we avoid detours. After all, scientific research funding is so limited. Point, it can’t be shared.
"The Su-33, with a dead weight of 18.5 tons, can achieve a maximum takeoff weight of 33 tons when taking off from a far point of 195 meters. Subtracting these two data, that is to say, the Su-33 can carry 14.5 tons of fuel and ammunition. We For comparison, the Rafale M carrier-based fighter has an empty weight of about 10.2 tons. According to the French plan, a larger thrust engine is used to achieve a maximum take-off weight of about 22 tons, which means less than 12 tons of fuel and ammunition. There is a difference of about three tons between the two."
Qin Tao looked at the people present: "In the eyes of aircraft designers, knowing what these three tons mean, under the same circumstances, the Su-33 can carry three more one-ton anti-ship missiles and precision-guided bombs. Or you can install more fuel to increase the endurance by 1,000 kilometers or the air combat time by 5 minutes."
It doesn’t mean you don’t know, but you will be shocked when you compare it.
"Moreover, if we produce our own carrier-based aircraft in the future, we can make various improvements to increase the thrust of the engine and reduce the weight of the aircraft. Carrier-based aircraft similar to the Su-33 can eventually achieve a load carrying capacity of more than 16 tons. Once it takes off, its flight time in the sky will be twice that of a medium-sized aircraft!" Qin Tao continued to promote his point of view: "Moreover, the huge body of a medium-sized aircraft can carry more weapons, and the potential for future modifications is greater. For example, after our flat-panel gap radar technology matures, it can be easily replaced on the nose of the Su-27, which can reduce the weight of the Su-27 by at least half a ton."
“Mr. Qin, you are very familiar with this kind of aircraft! It even surpasses the Air Force that just received the Su-27 fighter jet.” Someone finally sighed.
"Of course. When Lao Maozi split up, I accompanied Lao Maozi to sail back the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. Their captain and I often drank and chatted together. These data, of course Know everything clearly.”
"Now, the Air Force is discussing the introduction of the second batch of Su-27 fighters and the production line. If everything goes well, we will produce the Su-27 series of fighters domestically." Wu Shengli said: "For now, the carrier-based The aircraft project is pinned on the illusory J-13 and so on. It is better to wait for the Su-27 produced by ourselves. What do you think?"
The Su-33 is ready-made, what about the J-13? The moon in the water, the flowers in the mirror!
Other than the huge body, there are no other shortcomings, so why is there any hesitation?
“However, this will reduce the number of aircraft carriers our aircraft carriers can carry.”
"The quantity is small, so we can expand the displacement. If 50,000 tons doesn't work, then 60,000 tons. If 60,000 tons doesn't work, then 65,000 or 67,000. Taking the hangar and deck together, it can carry 36 aircraft Fighters similar to the Su-33, plus 12 helicopters, that’s about it, right?”
When Qin Tao said the number sixty-seven thousand, everyone present became thoughtful.
Isn't this the displacement of the Varyag?
Wu Shengli nodded: "I think the figures of 65,000 to 67,000 are about the same. For our 8*91 project, we can modify the initial design parameters and study it based on this displacement. What do you think?"
Hey, is my father-in-law serious?
Qin Tao has already sensed that the things he had deceived before are slowly becoming reality. If this is the case, then Qin Tao can also save a lot of money!
"Ski-jump takeoff, blocked landing, and a modified version of the Su-27 as a carrier-based aircraft." Zhang Yang stood there, talking about this, and then said: "If we want to consider feasibility, this will obviously be higher. We From now on, the entire team will be permanently stationed at the Second Institute."
The Second Design Institute of Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group, referred to as the Second Institute. Everyone went there every day and said that the full name was too tiring, so we just called it the Second Institute.
When Zhang Yang said this, he was still teasing, but Wu Shengli took over the words: "Yes, this is also what the navy means. Our 8*91 project can be moved there in the future. Let’s study it on the side. This project can also be led by Mao Gengxin. According to the rules there, let’s call it Project 2003.”
What?
The people present were once again in a state of excitement.
Our navy has its own aircraft carrier demonstration project, which is set up in a non-state-owned research institution. This is outrageous enough. Now, a foreigner is actually asked to preside over it?
“How is this okay? What if the secret is leaked?”
“That’s right, although that old man Mao is very powerful, he is a foreigner after all!”
“No, absolutely not.”
“He is the chief designer of the Lao Maozi aircraft carrier.” Wu Shengli said: “Now, his wife and children have come to our country and will never leave again.”
What?
Chief designer of Laomaozi aircraft carrier?
No one objected.
No matter how many demonstrations of aircraft carriers have been conducted in China, they have never really built an aircraft carrier. They are all talking about it on paper. It is different for Lao Maozi. They have launched four Kiev-class ships and the Ustinov. In the future, The completed Varyag…
When they were working on the 2001 project, they could already feel Mao Gengxin's professionalism. There were speculations at that time, and now, the speculations have finally been confirmed.
Wu Shengli hasn’t said Babbage’s real name yet, he just told everyone that he is Lao Maozi’s aircraft carrier chief designer, and his wife and children are here. What else can he say next?
Who dares to dissent?
“Can our project get state support?” Zhang Yang continued to ask.
"Not yet. That's why we have to move the project to the Second Institute. The equipment there is the most advanced. The navy's scientific research funds are simply not enough to purchase an advanced computer." Wu Shengli smiled. Then he looked at Qin Tao: "Does Mr. Qin have any objections to this arrangement?"
“That is to say, the Second Soil will become a secret-related unit in the future. There will be soldiers standing guard at the door, and all entrances and exits will be checked. Even if people from our group want to visit, they must first report to the Navy for approval?”
Listening to Qin Tao's plaintive words, Wu Shengli nodded: "Of course, but you have privileges and can come and go at any time."
“Did Babbage know that he was being entrusted with such an important mission?”
"This is your task. You need to convey this arrangement of the Navy. I believe that he will be willing to dedicate his youth and life to this glorious and sacred mission."
As my father-in-law, he is also shrewd enough. He has not planned on himself, but has also planned on Lao Maozi. However, he is not wrong. Babbage will definitely be very willing to participate in this project!
“So, will the Navy allocate funds to us?” Qin Tao asked the most critical question.
"I remember that a total of 40 million was allocated for the entire 8*91 project. How much is left?" Wu Shengli looked at Zhang Yang.
“There are… about three million left.”
"Okay, all this money will be transferred to the account of the Second Institute. It is estimated that it can support it for one or two years." Wu Shengli said: "The navy will not supervise it anymore, so you can spend it how you want."
Qin Tao was speechless. Is this a lot of money? Even the salary is not enough!
"Then we don't care about the wages of these people on site. If we save this little money, it is just enough to cover the wages and water and electricity bills of the current staff in the institute. We have to pay for the wear and update of the machinery and equipment ourselves." Qin Tao squinted. He glanced at his father-in-law and said, "Okay, just treat us as selfless."
Got rid of the old man in his own family, and fell into the trap of his father-in-law again!
However, this was actually what Qin Tao was thinking on the way here.
He poached Babbage and set up a special design institute, which was actually for the purpose of developing aircraft carriers. Even if his father-in-law didn't tell him, Qin Tao had to find a way to propose it.
The 8*91 project is a research project that the Navy saved by tightening its belt. If it continues to demonstrate the original project of a 50,000-ton aircraft carrier that can be catapulted, it will be a waste! It is better to get a practical and design a brand new aircraft carrier based on Varyag as a standard.
Originally, after the end of the 2002 project, Qin Tao was supposed to start this aircraft carrier project similar to Varyag. Babbage can't always be a teacher. What should I do if he becomes irritable and emotional after a long time?
Now that my father-in-law is doing this, he is helping Qin Tao.
In this way, whether it is to modify the Varyag or build a new aircraft carrier in the future, the theoretical foundation has been laid. When the state allocates funds, then roll up your sleeves and get started!
This meeting unified our thinking, determined future goals, and wrote an important chapter in the history of the development of Chinese aircraft carriers!
Qin Tao couldn't help but feel complacent when he thought of this.
As for the cost issue, it is not a big issue. It only costs little to do the blueprint design. It will only burn money during the hands-on stage. Next year, with some stimulation, the country may start to pay attention to the role of aircraft carriers.
At the end of the meeting, Qin Tao looked at his father-in-law: "Dad, come with me to meet Babbage. With you here, he will definitely believe me more."
Wu Shengli nodded: "If we had notified Babbage in advance, we could have asked him to come over for this meeting. It still has to go back and forth, but it will be fine in the future. All meetings about aircraft carriers will be held in the Second Institute." .”
咚咚!
The door to Babbage's office rang. He lowered his head to work and said, "Come in, the door is unlocked."
All work has been arranged, and Babbage is still very busy. He is writing block diagrams on the drawings one stroke at a time.
As the chief engineer of the aircraft carrier who stays at the shipyard, he has a deep understanding of how to construct the aircraft carrier. It is difficult to modify the aircraft carrier and it is easy to cause risks. He must take all these risks into consideration and control them.
“Mr. Babbage, you are such a workaholic.”
“Those of us who are designers don’t understand engineering matters. Problems may arise, so I have to think more carefully.”
The only person who could call him Babbage and still communicate in Russian was Qin Tao. Babbage and Qin Tao were already familiar with each other. When they spoke, they still didn't raise their heads and were still busy.
"People like you should do more work. Now, I have invited the relevant leaders of the navy to come to you. Our navy's aircraft carrier project will also be handed over to you."
Babic’s hand stopped and his breathing quickened.
When he first came here, Babbage had met Wu Shengli, but they didn't talk much at that time. Babbage also knew that it would be impossible to gain the navy's absolute trust just after he came here. He had been waiting.
Now, the opportunity has finally come!
"The new project is named Project 2003. This is a design plan for a medium-sized aircraft carrier with a displacement of between 65,000 and 67,000, with ski-jump takeoff and arrested landing, and is intended to carry a modified version of the Su-27. Qin Tao said from the side: "You will be appointed as the chief engineer of this project. After the 2002 project ends, a new project will begin. Mr. Babbage, are you willing to accept this task?"
“Varyag?” Babic muttered the name.
"Similar to Varyag, but not exactly the same. What we want is an aircraft carrier, not a heavy-duty aircraft-carrying cruiser. It will not carry a large number of offensive weapons and will mainly carry aircraft." Qin Tao continued: "As long as we want It carries 36 Su-27 modified carrier-based aircraft and 12 helicopters."
"This project is my favorite. For this project, I am willing to devote the rest of my life!" Babbage's tone was very exciting.
They also don’t like the heavy aircraft-carrying cruisers of the past, but they have no choice. After all, there is a large group of missile factions in Moscow. They have to meet the needs of this group of people, and the final product is neither fish nor fowl. Now, we are finally going to build an aircraft carrier similar to the one in the West!
“Mr. Babic, I assure you that our design will definitely become a reality.” Wu Shengli said.
"Yes, it will definitely become a reality, and I firmly believe this." Babbage was full of confidence. During this period, he occasionally went out and saw the development of Huating, and he was also full of confidence in this country.
“Why did you choose the modified version of the Su-27 as the carrier-based aircraft?” After getting excited, Babbage began to think about practical issues.
“We are talking to Damao about the introduction of the Su-27 production line, so in the future we can produce and improve the Su-27 ourselves.”
"If this is the case, the T-10K prototypes in the Nitka base will be very important." Babbage said: "I am very familiar with the people there. If necessary..."
"We will deal with this kind of thing." Qin Tao said: "You are very important to us. You can't go anywhere. If something happens, it will be a heavy loss for our navy's aircraft carrier project."
Qin Tao is also an aircraft carrier designer, but he also knows that the power of one person is small. It takes many people and many experts, especially Babbage, who is very important.
Now Qin Tao is running around a lot and cannot stay here all day doing research. Babbage is very important and cannot have any accidents.
Babic nodded.
"You are right to choose the ski jump takeoff plan. This is the safest choice. However, if you want the aircraft carrier to have sufficient combat effectiveness, especially if it can carry an early warning aircraft, the catapult is also necessary." Babbage continued. : "If the Red Empire had not collapsed, there would have been a catapult on our nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. You..."
“We will definitely have catapults in the future, but steam catapults have lagged behind. We may consider pre-research on a new generation of catapults.”
Babich pointed out a key issue: the catapult.
Speaking of dispatch efficiency, the Kuznetsov is not slow. The deck is large enough and there are two take-off positions. Therefore, if you queue up in turns, it can be launched quickly, and one can be achieved every minute.
Steam catapults look awesome, but they actually have flaws. Each ejection consumes a lot of steam. Therefore, after more than a dozen catapults, there is not much steam in the aircraft carrier's boiler, and the speed slows down. The carrier-based aircraft is released. It has to be paused.
However, if you want to allow a carrier-based early warning aircraft to board the ship, a catapult is necessary.
The power of the carrier-based early warning aircraft is very weak, and it is also carrying a large plate, so it is difficult to have enough power to take off by ski jump. Even if there are experiments on ski jump, even a model of Yak-44 has been flown by Kuznetsov. No. 1 was destined to be unable to safely ski jump and take off, so it was safer to use ejection.
“A new generation of catapults?” Babbage was very curious.
"Yes, it is electromagnetic ejection." Qin Tao said: "We no longer need to follow the path that others have taken. In this aspect, we must innovate. By the way, our 2003 project can be reserved on the angled deck. The location of this ejector makes it easy to modify later.”
Speaking of electromagnetic catapults, Qin Tao thought of a technical master. He had wanted to meet this person for a long time, but he had never had time. Now, it was almost time to go and find him.
After all, in addition to electromagnetic catapults, this person has to take the lead in all-electric drives of warships, etc. Qin Tao is an aircraft carrier expert, not an electric power expert. Such professional matters must be left to professionals. deal with.
As for Qin Tao himself, the most important task is to make money!
“Electromagnetic ejection? It sounds like something from the Star Wars era.” Babbage seriously considered: “Is it possible to realize this technology?”
At the Nitka base in Ermao territory, they have already built related steam catapults and plan to use them on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Even though Lao Maozi's technical experts have taken the American Star Wars plan very seriously, I never thought about using electromagnetic ejection.
"Yes." Qin Tao was very sure: "Steam catapults will soon be outdated. From now on, the world will be electromagnetic catapults. We don't have the energy to develop steam catapults that Americans have been polishing for decades. In terms of electromagnetic catapults, , we stand directly on the same starting line as the Americans!"
As for catapults, this was the first time Qin Tao brought it up, and Wu Shengli didn’t think it was unreliable. Anyway, it’s all about the future. It’s still early to talk about it now.
It’s just that he didn’t expect that after the exchange with Babbage was over, Qin Tao would immediately find relevant professionals, and he specifically found a young man.
(End of this chapter)