Chapter 273 The launch of the aircraft carrier Chakri-Narubet
Mingzhou Shipyard.
On the 100,000-ton slipway, flags were fluttering, colorful flags were fluttering, and the sound of gongs and drums spread far away, making it look very lively.
Under the crane standing on the slipway, there is a huge banner with a line of large characters written on it: I wish the launching ceremony of the aircraft carrier Chakri-Narubet a complete success!
The United States, the world’s smallest aircraft carrier, is about to be launched!
Qin Tao was rarely seen wearing a suit and leather shoes, and he was very formally dressed. He was busy on the slipway early in the morning, watching the autumn wind knocking down a row of flowers, and hurriedly instructing others to arrange them.
“For a moment, please be honest, don’t look blind, don’t lose our face!”
“Mr. Qin, don’t worry, we are not inexperienced people!”
“By the way, who is coming?”
“I heard that she is a queen.”
"What?"
Qin Tao looked at his subordinates with disdain, hum, you guys who have never seen the world!
Finally, several high-end cars, escorted by the concierge team, drove into the Mingzhou Shipyard. This was the first time in the history of this shipyard!
Local officials in Mingzhou are not qualified to stand in the front at all. They can only be with the workers. Senior leaders from Huating and senior leaders from the capital can stand in the same row as Qin Tao.
“When it comes to concierge reception, our Hongqi sedan is pretty good.” Qin Tao said with emotion: “I will also get one in the future. This Mercedes-Benz G will always make you feel like a nouveau riche when you drive it.”
Before driving it, he had some expectations. After driving it, Qin Tao felt that this kind of car did not match his temperament. It was just that he had not had a good choice before. When he saw this car today, he suddenly discovered the gap.
You are a nouveau riche yourself! I'll get one in the future, one that can open the roof and have a microphone...
The convoy stopped directly in front of the slipway. First, the long black skirt stretched out from the car door, and then the whole person stood out from inside.
Noble, elegant, with the temperament of a member of the royal family in every gesture, this is the guest of honor at today’s launching ceremony, the person in charge of smashing the bottles, Mrs. Sirikit!
At the other end of the car, an equally beautiful lady also got off. She was also a great woman who often appeared on the news network. She accompanied Sirikit, which was considered polite and thoughtful.
In the car behind, other people also got off one after another, including Naris, Lakul, Wu Shengli and others.
The arrival of these people made the Mingzhou Shipyard flourish. Qin Baoshan was so excited that his body was trembling. However, Qin Tao's expression was very natural.
“Everyone, on behalf of Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group, I welcome you.” Qin Tao and the government accompanying personnel walked up and were polite.
"I'm very happy that our most powerful warship is finally going to be launched." Mrs. Sirikit said with a smile, her eyes passed over everyone's face, and then fell on the large warship on the slipway.
The beautiful hull is like a graceful woman, and the slightly raised bow is like dancing. Although Sirikit does not understand military affairs, she can also feel that this warship is so beautiful. Mighty and majestic.
“Yes, please come over here.”
Beside the slipway, a temporary rostrum was set up. Under the lens of countless cameras and cameras, Sirikit began to speak generously.
“Today, I am very happy that on behalf of the Siamese royal family, country, and army, I am here to attend the launching ceremony of a warship named after our founding monarch Chakri Narubet. This is a great historical moment..."
With everyone watching, Mrs. Sirikit pressed the button, and the rope hanging the bottle was released. The bottle drew a graceful arc in the air, and then hit the bow of the ship.
Bang!
Water splashed, glass flew, foam stained a large area of the ship's bow, and countless people applauded.
Bang, bang bang!
The fireworks that had been prepared all around began to rise into the sky, and the colors were colorful. Although it was not very clear during the day, the festive atmosphere was also perfectly set off. The military band followed up and played the music. Surrounded by countless colorful ribbons, The huge warship hull began to move slowly backward.
When the stern of the ship entered the sea water, some water splashed up, followed by the hull and the bow. The huge warship entered the water and floated like a big whale.
“Why is there an opening at the tail?” Nares could not help but ask after seeing the outline of the entire warship deck clearly.
The progress of the Mingzhou Shipyard was so fast that he couldn't believe it. However, it was impossible to joke about this kind of thing, so he came over. However, when he saw the big hole on the stern deck, he Still very dissatisfied.
"Because the LM2500 gas turbine imported from the United States has not yet arrived, in order to avoid cutting the deck again in the future, we have reserved an installation port in advance." Qin Tao said: "You need to coordinate with the United States as soon as possible to transfer the power system to We’ll send it over.”
What? Not arrived yet?
Naris looked at LaCour. At this time, LaCour's face also looked a little embarrassed: "Yes, that's the case."
“Since the power system has not arrived, why go into the water?”
Of course it’s to save money! Qin Tao thought secretly in his heart that this excuse cannot be given.
After visiting Ma Ming, the shipyard called and discussed launching the ship with Qin Tao.
The Yankees don’t know what the purpose is, but they are towing the LM2500 gas turbine and not giving it to the aircraft carrier. This aircraft carrier, whose shell has been welded, has been delayed in launching and occupies a precious slipway.
After hearing about it, Qin Tao didn't hesitate and immediately coordinated the launching of the water. There was no gas turbine, but the MTU company's diesel engine had been installed in place. We couldn't delay the construction. Let's go to the water when it was time to launch!
LaCour had nothing to say. He just went through the process and reported, and then these people came over happily.
After arriving, I discovered that the power system had not been installed in place yet, and it actually went into the water!
"The MTU diesel engine imported from Germany has been installed in place. Even sea trials are possible, let alone outfitting. If it remains on the slipway, it will not be outfitted. This will waste construction time and delay the progress." Qin Tao Explained: "I think you don't want this aircraft carrier to be commissioned five years after construction started, right?"
“That’s right, these are Americans who are doing this!”
Naris nodded, it seems, that's it. After you go back, go find the Americans to protest!
"The aircraft carrier has been launched. We can go up and have a look. After viewing it, we will make a system report to you." Qin Tao said.
The two distinguished ladies left after attending the launching ceremony. Senior officials of the Siamese Navy, it is not easy to come. They have to go up and have a look, and then listen to the detailed introduction.
The big hole on the stern deck is quite embarrassing, but there is nothing we can do about it. The responsibility does not lie here, and the officers of the Siam Navy can only give up.
If you don't look at the big hole, the aircraft carrier is still very spectacular. After all, this is the largest displacement warship they have ever come into contact with.
Standing on the deck, they could still see the 051C destroyer being built on the slipway. Looking at its gradually taking shape, they felt very emotional in their hearts.
“That warship has a displacement of more than 5,000 tons, right?”
“Yes, that is the anti-aircraft destroyer we are building. Various technical details are still confidential for the time being.”
“Anti-aircraft destroyer?”
“Yes, it is equipped with area air defense missiles, specially designed to perform air defense missions.”
"I didn't expect that you actually have this kind of technology." Narris sighed: "In the past few years, your development on warships has been very rapid."
“Yes, I heard that you bought the Kiev from Lao Maozi. Where is that ship?”
"Still on the way. If you can wait a few months, you can still go up and have a look." Qin Tao said.
“How many months? No, it’s too long.” Naris shook his head.
“Did you buy the Kiev and transform it into a ski-jump aircraft carrier?”
“Well, this is a military secret, so I can’t comment on it. However, if you are lucky enough, you can catch up with an oil tanker we bought from Lao Maozi.”
“Oil tanker? Can’t you build it yourself?”
“After we buy it back, we can change it into an oil and water supply ship.” Qin Tao said: “If you are interested, I can introduce it to you in the conference room.”
Oil and water supply ship? Isn't that a supply ship?
A group of Siamese officers were very interested.
"The ship's full load displacement is close to 40,000 tons, and it can carry up to 24,000 tons of supplies, including 20,000 tons of fuel, 2,000 tons of ammunition, 1,400 tons of food and 600 tons of fresh water. It has two gantry and related The equipment can carry out horizontal and vertical replenishment under high sea conditions."
The design drawing was displayed on the screen. Everyone looked at the design drawing with envy.
"For a supply ship, the most important thing is the supply equipment on it. Can you produce these equipment yourself?" Narris asked.
"Of course. We already have production equipment in our warehouse. Once the supply ship is received, it can be quickly modified."
Although the ship has not sailed back yet, the supply equipment has been transported back and is being thrown away in the warehouse of their shipyard. In order to avoid accidents, the nameplates of this batch of equipment have been polished off, just in time for Qin Tao Opportunities are provided.
So, everyone went from the conference room to the warehouse, looking at the brand-new production equipment that had been spray-painted, and they were extremely emotional.
“When your aircraft carrier is put into service, you will find that you need a comprehensive supply ship to accompany it and provide supplies at sea at any time.” Qin Tao said: “You are welcome to come and visit the transformation of our supply ship at any time.”
Even if Siam has money, it is not a nouveau riche. It cannot invest a large amount at once. They will not consider the order for supply ships until the aircraft carrier is completed. Now Qin Tao is just a pavement, slowly and unnoticed. , in the future, they will naturally choose Mingzhou Shipyard to build them relevant supply ships.
“Mr. Qin, when our aircraft carrier enters service, the comprehensive supply ship is not necessary, but the problem of carrier-based aircraft is urgent.” Narris said: “I don’t know, your previous proposal...”
Qin Tao was also shocked. When he was bidding, he boasted all the time in order to get the order. But now, the aircraft carrier has been launched, and people come to ask about the carrier-based aircraft. How should he answer?
Was it a lie in the first place? Of course not!
Show them the information you have obtained and the relevant preliminary research you have conducted? Not convenient either.
Qin Tao rolled his eyes, and then said: "At present, Lao Maozi has eliminated two heavy aircraft-carrying cruisers, and the Yak-38 carrier-based aircraft originally carried on their warships has also been retired. If you need it, I I can help you get it, and the unit price will not exceed one million."
Fighters are quite expensive in this era. The first batch of Su-27 purchased from Lao Maozi cost 20 to 30 million U.S. dollars, and the second batch increased to more than 40 million U.S. dollars. Even if Single-engine light fighter jets, such as the F-16, also cost between ten and twenty million US dollars.
The unit price of the Yak-28 is one million US dollars. Even if you purchase twenty of them, it will only cost you only twenty million. At this price, you can only buy one Western fighter jet, which is definitely a bargain.
"If you spend 10 million and buy ten of them, I guess you can get two of them as gifts from me, which will be enough for this aircraft carrier. However, you have to rely on me for the maintenance of the aircraft and the like. Maozi, I can help you hire a group of old Maozi’s ground staff, including pilots, to help you train a group of Yak-38 pilots."
Qin Tao's suggestion is very good, but it is still difficult for Siam, which has always been close to the West, to hire a large number of Lao Maozi's technical personnel and operate Lao Maozi's aircraft.
"We need to consider this plan carefully." Narris said very cautiously: "After discussion, we can continue to contact you."
Qin Tao nodded: "By the way, the Kiev we purchased was given two Yak-38s as gifts. I don't know if it can fly. If you are interested, wait until the aircraft carrier comes and you can go up and have a look. .”
Naris nodded.
The deception mission was completed in this way. The officers of the Siam Navy did not stay too long and left in the evening. After they left, Qin Tao was in a good mood when he looked at the empty slipway.
“Leader Wu, as long as the Navy’s funding is in place, our slipway can start welding the second 051C. If the Navy delays time and we weld the next natural gas ship, the Navy may have to wait.”
"Don't worry, the funding is guaranteed. These two 051Cs are for protecting the capital, and the superior leaders attach great importance to them." Wu Shengli said: "How is the progress of that ship?"
“The hull is still being welded, and according to the progress, the power system will be installed next month.” Zhou Yongfei said excitedly. He became the person in charge of 051C and worked hard every day.
Compared to Siam's warships, which rely on imported LM2500 gas turbines, their own ship relies on the gas turbines that Qin Tao originally obtained, coupled with domestic diesel engines.
During this period, Zhou Yongfei had already repeated in his mind countless times how to install the power system. There must not be any problems. After all, there were no redundant gas turbines.
“By the way, the planned generator has not yet arrived.” Thinking of this, Zhou Yongfei became anxious again.
"Well, the relevant procurement will be arranged immediately, and the construction of our warships must not be delayed." Wu Shengli said.
“Purchase?”
"Yes, we need to import it from abroad. In the future, we will definitely be able to produce this kind of generator ourselves." Qin Tao said.
There are more and more projects, and Qin Tao is getting busier and busier. After the launching ceremony of the aircraft carrier, Qin Tao has to go out for shopping again.
That evening, Wu Shengli and others had already left, and many tasks in the shipyard still needed to be reported to Qin Tao.
“Mr. Qin, all the ten welders we selected have obtained G certificates, completed their training tasks, and have returned.” Cong Ju said to Qin Tao.
Qin Tao nodded: "Not bad, it took less than two months, much faster than our peers."
Generally speaking, it takes a skilled welder three months to complete the training task. However, the master welders at Mingzhou Shipyard completely broke the record. The fastest, Cong Ju, only took one week, and the slowest The master welder didn’t even spend two months!
"That's of course. When each of our welders heard about the training cost, they were all excited. It's 150,000 yuan. The factory has given so much money for everyone to train. How can we waste it?" Cong Ju said. : "We are all qualified in terms of welding, but..."
“However, the French still have some skills. They just trained us in welding technology. However, they still didn’t tell us how to weld various parts, such as Invar steel trihedrons and Invar pipes.”
Hearing Qin Tao's words, Cong Ju opened her eyes wide. She originally thought she had been tricked by the French, but she didn't expect that Mr. Qin had already seen all this!
"After we came back, we tried to make it, but all failed." When talking about this, Cong Ju was a little frustrated. She originally had a character that refused to admit defeat, but now, she is also a little impatient.
"Failure is the mother of success. It is very difficult for Invar steel, which is as thin as paper, not to deform during welding at a high temperature of 250 degrees. What we have learned is straight welding, and we need to weld complex shapes when we come back. , it’s normal to encounter difficulties.” Qin Tao said: “As long as we don’t bow our heads, reflect and summarize amidst constant failures, we will eventually be able to solve these problems. We must learn to weld better than the French and others. Weld better!”
"but…"
Before Cong Ju finished speaking, Qin Tao continued: "Don't be afraid of waste. Even if the Yinwa steel used for our trial production is imported, we still have to use it for practice. If we don't practice, we will never learn anything." I want to do it, but I don’t want my children to be unable to trap the wolf, and I hate that Yinwa Steel can’t practice skills.”
Although their laboratory can already produce invar steel, the output is very low. Large-scale industrial production equipment is still being purchased. After installation, production is expected to take place by the end of this year, or even next year.
Their membrane natural gas ships cannot wait any longer and must start exploring now. Therefore, the first batch of imported Yinwa steel was used to practice welding skills. This is definitely a luxury.
Cong Ju and the others did not dare to experiment too much because they were afraid of wasting money. This was simply a waste of money.
Qin Tao waved his hand, "Don't be afraid of spending money!"
Cong Ju was moved deep in her heart. She had never regretted coming here from Huating. Working with a leader like Qin Tao was so exciting!
“The French are so abominable, how much money have we made from this project!”
Hearing this sigh, Qin Tao smiled: "One new trick can be eaten all over the world. All the patents belong to the French. They can make huge profits while lying down and sleeping. Who told us to start late?"
“The first person to invent the invention makes money while others have to pay for it honestly. This is not fair!”
unfair? If there is fairness in the patent system, if there is no such system, then who will spend huge sums of money on research and development? If you invest tens of millions in research and development, and someone else spends tens of thousands of dollars to copy it, the person doing research and development will go bankrupt!
Qin Tao smiled, knowing that it was impossible to get everyone to pay attention to patents, but there were still solutions.
“We are just in the learning stage now. When we get there, we can make a new invention and apply for a patent, and then we can make money.”
"Let's do it ourselves? How can it be so easy?" Qin Baoshan shook his head aside.
“What’s not easy? With this first ship, we can get some new patents.” Qin Tao said.
"What?"
“Improve the insulated box and reduce the natural evaporation rate inside the box from 0.15% to 0.1%,” Qin Tao said.
On the surface, the French GT company seems to be sleeping on its patents. In fact, they are constantly improving.
Although they are all called NO.96, in fact, there are constant modifications, just like a spider web. On the surface, you can weave a web, and then you can sleep and wait for the insects to fall into the web. In fact, with After a day, the stickiness decreases, and the spider still has to eat the silk into its stomach and process it again.
The improved NO.96-LO3 uses glass wool and polyurethane foam to replace the perlite originally used in the insulation box. It was found that the natural evaporation rate in the cargo box was reduced by one-third!
This indicator is quite important.
Liquefied natural gas will continue to evaporate and change from liquid to gas. These gases must be released, otherwise the tank storing the liquefied gas will burst and cause a serious accident.
In later generations, the natural gas heavy trucks that were popular in the north would not dare to go to the south. In the north, the gas might only be released once a day, but in the south, it had to be released once an hour. If the car was parked in the parking lot for half a month, then, One tank of natural gas and it's all gone.
The same goes for natural gas ships. Cargo owners attach great importance to the natural evaporation rate. What evaporates is lost. If this value can be reduced, customers will definitely rush to place orders.
(In later generations, we will not be able to defeat the natural gas ships of Kimchi Country, because this indicator is higher than others.)
Cong Ju nodded in shock. Although it cost money, Mr. Qin will definitely make the most of the money! Mr. Qin is so awesome!
Actually, this is just child's play, Qin Tao has a bigger plan.
“Speaking of patent issues, I thought of our MOSS tank natural gas ship.” At this moment, Qin Baoshan spoke.
(End of this chapter)