Chapter 297 Hongqi-16 is successful, the frigate bidding begins
The 382 radar at the top of the mast is rotating at a maximum speed of 12 revolutions per minute. This allows it to obtain a target refresh frequency of 2.5 seconds, which is twice as fast as the usual six minutes per revolution.
Like the radar antenna and the gyroscope, the people in the compass bridge were also busy working nervously.
“Attention, from now on, when entering the actual combat state, we will not receive any prompts from the target ship.” Zhao Ling shouted: “Everyone, please be vigilant!”
I don’t know when it will start. Even this kind of test needs to be close to actual combat. When they tested the Hongqi 61 in the past, all parties had close contact. If I put it more bluntly, it was almost like a preview. If you tell them all the altitudes, speeds, routes, etc., and then intercept them, they will often miss the target and problems will often occur.
Hongqi-16 has very high requirements, which also reflects the navy’s confidence in the urgent need for a mature and reliable weapon.
"Of course there is no problem. Our 382 radar can clearly search for the target." A technician shouted.
“What goal?” Qin Tao finally couldn’t help it.
“Of course it was the warship that fired the target missiles.”
The 382 radar is an air-to-sea search radar that can not only scan the sky, but also the sea. The target missile they used for testing, the Haiying 8, has a maximum range of 40 kilometers, which means, The opponent must move within forty kilometers of them, so the 382 radar can steadily capture the target.
Although the Aerospace Academy has continued its efforts and has developed a C802 missile with a range of 120 kilometers, this missile has not been favored by the Navy. Once exported, it will become a specialized foreign trade missile. In the future, with the development of technology, , the YJ-83 with a longer range was chosen by the Navy.
So, what the navy currently uses is the YJ-81 (also known as the Haiying 8). The range of this missile is too short, so it must move closer.
First discover the warship, keep a close eye on the warship, then wait until the warship launches the missile, and then intercept it calmly. This routine should be considered appropriate.
Qin Tao shook his head helplessly: "I'm sorry, I want to add a word. The one who launched the target missiles for you is a 022."
If it is other destroyers or frigates that launch target missiles, then they can indeed scan the target at sea, but what if it is a 022? That’s not necessarily the case!
The warship began to shake, which meant that the waves were gradually getting bigger. The 022 missile boat was hiding in the waves, making it more difficult to be detected by ordinary sea search radars.
“Fifty kilometers away, there are suspicious echoes on the sea!”
The radar operator had discovered something and shouted loudly.
If it is a frigate of the same type, then their 382 radar can ensure accurate detection and clear visibility at a distance of sixty or seventy kilometers. But now, at fifty kilometers, only a vague suspicious echo is seen. It seems, It is indeed the 022 high-speed missile boat.
Thanks to Qin Tao's reminder, if they are still waiting for the clear target echo of the large warship, there will be a big problem.
“Attention, the launcher is always ready!”
Following the order, the revolver-like launching device stuck behind the chimney made a creaking sound. The difference between it and Lao Maozi's device is that the cover on each of its launching tubes has been opened. In this way, If necessary, they can all be launched at the same time. Speaking of anti-saturation strike capabilities, they are definitely not limited.
This is just a launch unit with eight launch tubes installed inside. When all are opened, it looks majestic.
“The target is forty kilometers away!”
“Report, there are flames on the sea in the distance!”
On the high mast, the lookout whistle shouted loudly.
Qin Tao glanced up with satisfaction. Through the transparent ceiling of the compass bridge, he could see the excited lookout post above.
This profession has been around since the advent of navigation. With the development of technology, they can use high-power optical telescopes to clearly see the outline of ships ten nautical miles away.
However, if you can only see the flames on the sea in the distance, you can also see them forty kilometers away.
“Target found!” Almost at the same time, the radar operator also shouted.
At this moment, everyone held their breath.
“Height fifty, speed 0.8, flying towards us!”
“The distance is thirty, and it has accelerated to 0.9!”
“Target data has been injected!”
“Target illumination radar has been turned on!”
Only the voices of instructions were left. This method inherited from the Hongqi-2 missile has not changed yet. Qin Tao was also speechless. He looked at Zhang Zhen. At this time, Zhang Zhen looked excited. .
“Twenty-five kilometers away!”
“Missile launch! The second one is ready for follow-up fire at any time!”
As this order was given, everyone held their breath, and the shooter pressed his thumb on the launch button.
Bang!
The first Hongqi-16 missile broke open the fragile sealing cover on the top, revealing its milky white body. At this time, just below it, the gas generator has started to work, and the high-pressure gas pushes the bottom bomb holder. Flying upward, the bullet holder pushes the movement of the projectile above. Under this force, the entire missile rushes upward, just like a carp jumping over a dragon's gate.
The projectile flew out of the launch tube and continued to jump upward, but the speed began to slow down. Just when it flew to a height of about twenty meters, a ball of flame and billowing white smoke suddenly appeared from the bottom of the missile. It spread rapidly and completely enveloped the launching device below.
The projectile seemed to be on stimulants. It suddenly accelerated and flew, and then began to deflect, heading towards the direction of the target.
Amidst the billowing white smoke, the lookout looked at the missile flying out and was extremely excited. This was the first time that an anti-aircraft missile was launched vertically from a warship of the motherland navy!
The Hongqi-61, which has been developed for decades, has been abandoned. The Haihongqi-7 originally felt very advanced, but in front of this missile, it immediately showed its disadvantages!
This is not from the same era at all!
The target can be intercepted by launching missiles more than 20 kilometers away. If the first missile fails to intercept, a second missile can be re-launched. The success rate of interception is definitely not low!
In the compass bridge, everyone was still looking nervously at the radar screen.
The target illumination radar has fired dense radar waves at the missile flying at an ultra-low altitude. Under the guidance of the radar waves, the Hongqi-16 interceptor accurately pounced on the target!
“Ten, nine, eight…”
Someone started counting down.
“Three, two, one!”
When the count reaches one, the two bright spots have overlapped and then disappeared.
“Target has been intercepted!”
“We succeeded!”
Everyone was excited. The successful interception also meant that their Hongqi-16 missile successfully completed the finalization requirements after only one test launch!
This is of course due to the mapping and imitation. If no changes are made and it is just imitation, it only takes one test launch to prove the actual interception capability of this missile!
Everyone is cheering for victory.
Zhao Ling had a smile on her face.
"Comrades, our interception experiment has been a complete success. For us, this is just the first step in a long march of thousands of miles. Next, we will increase its range to more than 40 kilometers, and we will use its backward circuits to Improved to the international advanced level!”
The navy is in urgent need of anti-aircraft missiles, so what is most needed at the moment is to complete the imitation first, solve the issue of whether they are available or not, and then gradually improve them later.
From the beginning, Zhao Ling wanted to improve. The original missile was just the beginning. Now, she can finally do what she wants to do!
With the successful test-firing of the Hongqi-16 missile, the navy’s bidding for a new frigate has officially begun.
However, he has no choice but to fight with all his might!
After all, their Huatingdong Shipyard is an old factory with a long history. In terms of qualifications, Mingzhou Shipyard cannot compare. Moreover, they have been building frigates since the beginning of building warships. Now, if the frigate business is lost, it will be them. Absolutely unbearable.
In the 13th year of Tongzhi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, the British businessman Eric Mahler founded "Laici Foreign Company", which engaged in import and export trade, shipping agency, etc. In the 17th year of the Republic of China, in order to expand the business scope, the Mahle Machinery Shipyard was opened.
At the beginning, it was just a handicraft workshop, using electric welding machines for repair work. Later, in the 22nd year of the Republic of China, factory buildings began to be built, mainly for repairs and supplemented by shipbuilding.
In this way, after many wars, the islanders once occupied the factory, and the British moved the main body of the factory to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Finally, in 1952, the factory was nationalized. In terms of seniority, even the Huating Shipyard Not as good as them, they are the first shipbuilding company in Huating!
After that, they successively merged the nearby Huaxing Iron Works, Huayi Shipyard, Jianzhong Shipyard, Dehe Shipyard, Hengyuanfu Cotton Ginning Factory and other small factories and all their real estate, and grew rapidly.
In many production factories, they can build ships, diesel engines, and various accessories. They can be self-sufficient without even having to provide support from other brother units. They are absolutely awesome.
However, things are changing!
When he arrived at the conference room in Huanglou, Wang Hongmin felt mixed emotions in his heart.
He looked in the direction of the door, where several people were walking over.
Qin Tao is definitely a celebrity in the industry now. He can build aircraft carriers and natural gas ships, which is enviable.
Following Qin Tao is Yang Dawei. Yang Dawei is very happy that Qin Tao has time to participate in this bidding. This bidding is of great importance, but he must not be allowed to mess it up!
With Qin Tao here, he would be completely at ease.
"Mr. Qin, Mr. Yang, how are you?" Seeing Qin Tao and the others walking in front of him, Wang Hongmin greeted him: "You, Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group, are so powerful that your meat has to go into your mouths. .”
"Director Wang, what are you saying? If you say this now, isn't it just to boost others' ambitions and destroy your own prestige? After a while, maybe you will succeed in the bidding. After all, you have a price advantage."
This is also the biggest trump card of Huatingdong Shipyard: the price is cheap. After all, everything is mature and the displacement is still small, so their solution is very cheap. Under the current situation, saving money is the last word.
Before setting off, Wang Hongmin thought so too, but after a week in the capital, his confidence had already been shaken.
Is it cheap and effective?
"For your good advice, even if we succeed in bidding in the end, you don't have to be discouraged. There is a market for cheap frigates no matter where they are. They can't be used for personal use, but they can also be exported. Director Wang, if you have any ideas, wait until The meeting is over and we can have a chat.”
exit? Wang Hongmin's heart suddenly felt hot.
Domestic frigates are cheap, so they have been exported several times. Therefore, it is possible for this frigate to be exported. Moreover, Mr. Qin in front of me is the best at doing business abroad. If he helps, sell it Going out is no big problem.
However, let’s put these aside for now. For him, the most important thing is still the bidding!
"Everyone is here, let's have a meeting. First of all, before the meeting, let us warmly congratulate you on the Hongqi-16 missile's live-fire target shooting at sea, which was a complete success!" The leader who presided over the meeting said: "This missile has a range of 25 kilometers. The missile will become the most important air defense weapon of our navy, and the development project of an extended-range missile with a range of 40 kilometers is about to be launched."
When he heard this, Wang Hongmin was poured a basin of cold water on him. Isn't this too obvious? After a while, do you still want to speak on your own?
Qin Tao is also a little embarrassed. Leader, are you trying to trick my father-in-law? When word spread, they thought my father-in-law was operating behind closed doors! Is this guy going to have a problem with his father-in-law?
“Back then, we spent decades working out the barely usable Hongqi-61. Now, we already have two anti-aircraft missiles, the Hongqi-16 and the Haihongqi-7, and we are developing them around these two missiles. The frigate is the focus of our choice today." After everyone's applause passed, Wu Shengli spoke, putting justice first.
Speaking of the two currently competing frigate designs, in fact, the focus is on anti-aircraft missiles.
The Hongqi-16 has just been successfully developed, and its advanced nature goes without saying. However, the Haihongqi-7 is also good, and it was imported and copied by the country at a huge cost. If this project is abandoned directly, it will be equivalent to It's a waste of time and a bit inappropriate.
So, Haihongqi-7 also has a chance!
“First of all, let’s listen to the design plans of the old frigate shipyards.” The person presiding over the meeting continued.
In any case, there has to be a sequence, and it is normal for established companies to come on stage first.
“Hello everyone, our Huatingdong Shipyard has entrusted the Ship Design Institute to design an upgrade and improvement plan for the 053H2G.” Wang Hongmin came to the stage, opened the slides, and introduced it.
However, this sentence made him a little sad. In the past, they had no control over the design. After the ship design institute designed the ship, they handed them the design drawings, and then they just built according to the drawings, but they had never done the design.
Now, they have to spend money on the design, otherwise they won’t be able to bid!
Wang Hongmin took a deep breath and continued: "From the perspective of weapon configuration, our frigate with a displacement of only 2,250 tons is similar to the 052 destroyer currently undergoing sea trials, but the price is very high. Cheap."
He must constantly emphasize the price, because in terms of performance, it really cannot be compared with Mingzhou's solution.
“We look from front to back. At the front are twin 100mm naval guns. This naval gun is matched with the 343G radar and can carry out air and sea strikes. It is the most effective weapon in low-intensity confrontations.”
“Behind the naval gun, on the second deck, is the Haihongqi-7 air defense missile launcher. There are four anti-ship missile launchers at the front and rear of the chimney, so that eight advanced Eagle missiles can be installed.”
“There are two twin 37mm anti-aircraft guns on the top of the hangar. They were moved from the sides of the 053H2G hangar to the top of the hangar, freeing up more space for our hangar. At the rear is the deck for helicopters to take off and land.”
It is true that it is a smaller version of the 052. Except for the lack of an anti-submarine torpedo launcher, the other weapon systems are almost the same as the 052.
"According to this year's currency value, our initial quotation for the Navy will not exceed 200 million yuan for each frigate." Wang Hongmin revealed his trump card: "In this way, with only one-third of the price of the 052 destroyer, we can achieve the same goal." Yu 052’s combat strength.”
The navy burns money, and the construction of warships is quite expensive.
Back then, when the first 051 destroyer was built, the cost was only more than 30 million, but by the time it was built in the eighth phase, it had increased to more than 60 million. By the time the last two ships were equipped with a full set of advanced radars and eagles introduced from the West, After destroying the 81A anti-ship missile, the cost was close to 150 million yuan.
Of course, this is nothing compared to the 052 destroyer. Due to the purchase of a large amount of Western equipment, the cost of this warship has reached 600 million!
What about the frigate? Let’s not talk about the early ones. The Type 053H frigate in the 1970s was only equipped with two 100mm naval guns and four upstream anti-ship missiles. The cost was only more than 10 million yuan. Therefore, the navy liked it very much and built 14 of them within five years. ship.
In the 1980s, the improved Type 053H1 frigate had upgraded weapons and electronic equipment, and the price also rose to 20 million. However, the price was still very impressive, so 10 more frigates were built in the next five years.
The displacement of the later Type 053H2 frigate increased from about 1,000 tons to 2,000 tons, and a large amount of equipment was replaced, but it still maintained its original low price, only 15 million yuan.
However, at this time, the Navy no longer liked it that much. Although this kind of frigate was cheap, its air defense and anti-submarine capabilities were very weak, so only three ships were built before turning to the 053H2G type equipped with Hongqi-61B ship-to-air missiles and helicopter hangars. As the Navy's first frigate with air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the price has soared to 150 million yuan.
The current 053H3 frigate is actually equivalent to replacing the Hongqi-61 with the Haihongqi-7 and then slightly improving the model. Therefore, the quotation is also very gratifying. After their careful calculation, they can get it to 200 million. As for the combat performance, it is equivalent to the 052 destroyer that currently costs 600 million to build. (There is also a theory that the cost of a single ship is more than 470 million. However, that was in the late 1990s. It is only 1993, so 200 million is definitely a lot.)
In comparison, it should be recognized by the Navy!
Wang Hongmin explained non-stop for half an hour, introducing all the features of this frigate. By the end of the talk, he felt more and more confident.
Wang Hongmin walked down, and Qin Tao walked to his seat, looked at the people present, and said: "Today's bidding, let me discuss the price first. Excluding the air defense missile system, our quotation is also 200 million."
Other costs can be calculated, such as anti-ship missiles. After all, warships currently under construction at the Mingzhou Shipyard are also equipped with these systems.
Only the cost of Hongqi-16, he didn’t know, but it didn’t matter, just quote the same price as 053H3!
What can this money buy?
"The displacement of our entire warship is about 3,700 tons, close to 4,000 tons. The hull will be made of 500 MPa high-strength steel produced by our own Mingzhou Steel Plant. For the power system, we will use four The localization rate has exceeded 80% of the 16PA6V-280STC diesel engine, with a total power of 25,600 kilowatts, using our self-developed parallel system..."
“This kind of power system has never been seen before in the world. Can you guarantee its reliability?” Someone asked a question.
“Regarding this issue, the diesel engine factory in the old district has conducted continuous test runs for 400 hours without any problems. The specific data will be introduced in detail in my next explanation. Let me give a brief overview first.”
The displacement is almost twice as large, the weapon system has been fully upgraded, excluding the anti-aircraft missile system, and the price is still the same! Wang Hongmin's confidence disappeared again. Even if he was asked to choose, he would choose the Mingzhou Group's project!
This kind of quotation is cunning enough. For a frigate dedicated to air defense missions, the most expensive thing is the air defense missile system! They excluded this system and let the Navy negotiate the price themselves. This is really cunning.
“In order to allow this frigate to exert its maximum power, we decided to transplant the command system we successfully developed and used on the 051C to this frigate.” Qin Tao threw out a bomb of his own!
For an advanced warship, in addition to having a variety of missiles, it also needs a powerful command system!
Wang Hongmin didn’t mention this at all when he introduced it just now, because it is not something they can get involved in. However, Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group is different, they have strong innovation capabilities!
(End of this chapter)