Chapter 336 Procurement of Kilo Class
“Mr. Qin, you played an important role in the detection of this espionage case, but there is one thing that I still don’t understand.” Xu Zhengyang said to Qin Tao while driving.
“I know you can’t hold it in and want to ask about the relationship between the two cases, right?” Qin Tao said with a smile.
Many people did not ask and were just guessing. However, since Xu Zhengyang and Qin Tao have a good relationship, they can be more direct when asking these questions.
Qin Tao has made great achievements. They successfully cracked a spy case, and he is also an important person in charge of a key national equipment project. This case is quite big. Many leaders were shocked and demanded a thorough investigation. Qin Tao was indispensable.
However, up to now, no investigation has been found to have anything to do with Qin Tao's murder. That Wohan confessed a lot of things, but he has never confessed about the murder of Qin Tao. It is said that compared to leaks, this murder case is not at all It’s nothing.
As for the videotape, Wohan had prepared it in advance. He knew that someone might come to investigate, so he prepared it specially. In fact, he was very calm because he really didn't know about this case.
Moreover, from another perspective, even if the opponent regards Qin Tao as a thorn in the side due to the shady story of the arms purchase case, they will not risk exposing Wohan! The intelligence that Wohan can collect is so important, and it definitely belongs to the most valued intelligence personnel on the other side.
So, this should be an accident.
So, why was Qin Tao so sure in the first place?
“That’s right, if we can’t catch those behind the scenes, we can’t take it lightly.” Xu Zhengyang said.
"These two cases may really have nothing to do with each other, but we solved such a major case, which can be regarded as revenge." Qin Tao said: "I also know that the relevant departments have strengthened their protection for me, and the other party wants to continue to protect me." It's not that easy to commit murder, and besides, I'm not an important person, so they may have given up."
Xu Zhengyang nodded.
A few days later.
Nizhny Novgorod, Red Solmovo Shipyard.
This city may not sound famous, but this city located at the confluence of the Volga River and the Oka River is also the oldest city in Dalmatia. It was officially established in 1221 and then prospered due to commerce. In 1849, shipbuilding was established. Factory, in 1862, built a 400-kilometer railway to reach Moscow.
In 1932, it was renamed Gorky City. After the collapse of the Red Empire, it was changed back to its original name.
During the fierce Patriotic War, a huge military industry developed here, and the shipyard also developed at that time.
As for now.
Because it is in an inland area, connected only by rivers, and lacks business talents, the shipyard is also having a hard time.
Hence, they attach great importance to guests from the East.
"Our 112 Factory has a long history. In 1850, we built the country's first wooden-hulled paddle steamer and put it into operation on the Volga River." Factory Director Lapilov said excitedly: "In During World War II, we produced a large number of T-34 tanks, which effectively supported the Great Patriotic War. During the Cold War, our factory mainly produced submarines, especially Type 877 submarines."
Although the Red Empire has disappeared for several years, these old people still like to use the original names. For example, the number of their shipyard, Factory 112, is still from that era.
People cannot forget that era, especially after shock therapy and the rubles in their hands became waste paper, they began to miss that great country deep in their hearts.
"Really? I heard that the 877 submarine is mainly manufactured at the Komsomolsk Shipyard and the St. Petersburg Shipyard?" Qin Tao asked from the side.
There are only a dozen people in the inspection team. Except for Qin Tao and Xu Zhengyang, they are all representatives of the Navy. Zheng Ming is responsible for leading the team. However, the two of them have already cooperated tacitly. The big guys only watch and talk. , mainly handed over to Qin Tao.
"Yes, our domestic submarines are mainly manufactured by shipyards, but all export submarines are built here." Rapilov said: "In 1984, we We built the first Type 877 submarine for export to Poland. In April of that year, we started building it for Romania. The two boats currently on the slipway are the second batch of Type 877 submarines ordered by Poland. As a result, they did not want them. Now they have It is over 80 percent complete and we can complete the remaining construction work within three months if you require it.”
Kilo-class submarines were built very quickly. When the first one was built in Komsomolsk, it was completed and delivered to the troops in eight months. But now...
Qin Tao looked at Rapilov: "Are you sure it can be completed within three months?"
"certainly!"
“Then when we sign the contract, if we cannot complete the project on time, we need to have a compensation clause.”
“Of course not!” Seeing that Rapilov was about to fall into the trap, a person in Da Mao’s team spoke up.
DaMao Arms Export Corporation, Grishen.
Of course this haunting guy was going to follow him. At this time, after hearing Qin Tao's statement, he immediately expressed his opposition.
Submarine manufacturing here has been suspended. Therefore, people here do not know that their submarine manufacturing industry chain is incomplete. Many upstream manufacturers have problems. Although only 20% of the construction tasks are left, , needless to say three months, it’s not bad to finish it in one year!
If they sign a compensation clause, then they will definitely lose money by then!
"No? Mr. Grishen, isn't your Arms Export Corporation in line with international standards? In the field of shipbuilding, deadlines must be agreed. If it cannot be completed, then you have to compensate for the losses."
“Of course it must be in line with international standards.” Grishen said: “However, this time is not suitable. We signed the contract for one year.”
Rapilov glanced at Grishin in surprise. He didn't know why Grishin made such a long request for one year. However, it didn't matter to them. They agreed to deliver it in one year and then complete it in three months. Isn't this better?
"Okay, we're here, right in front." Rapilov pointed to the front.
The slipway in front is equipped with a shed! This discovery made Qin Tao a little surprised. With the shed, the things inside were not exposed to the sun and rain. They were probably in good condition, so there was no way to lower the price.
Submarines involve a lot of secrets. Therefore, general shipyards are built on covered slipways to avoid being discovered by reconnaissance satellites in space. For something more sophisticated, build it directly in the workshop. After it is built, use a big guy with hundreds of tires to drag the submarine out and launch it directly into the water.
At this time, inside the slipway, submarine segments were standing there one by one.
It's like a thick ham cut into sections. When placed there, it still looks very spectacular.
The construction of submarines is different from other ships.
Although other ships are also built in sections, some openings can be reserved during construction to facilitate the later installation of huge power systems, etc. After installation, they are welded together.
Furthermore, during the outfitting stage, various equipment can be lifted at the outfitting dock and installed in place. The hatch of the warship is still very large.
But what about submarines?
After an ordinary submarine is welded, there are only a few small hatches that can accommodate one person in and out. Therefore, the submarine has almost no outfitting work. All the large parts inside the submarine: engines, electronic equipment, and complex pipelines. , batteries, etc. are all installed after welding the segments.
For example, Germany's 209 submarine is divided into three large sections, front, middle and rear. After installation, the head and **** are welded together and it is complete.
However, Lao Maozi's submarines are different because they use double-hull submarines.
What everyone sees so far is the inner shell of a double-hulled submarine. The cross-section is circular. You can see that there are two decks inside. All kinds of equipment seem to have been installed in place, and it looks full.
The construction of submarines is quite interesting. If I use a common saying to describe it, it would be "building a dojo in a snail shell".
“The construction of the inner segments is almost finished. What we need to do next is to weld it together to form a complete inner shell, and then put it into the outer shell for outfitting.”
Ordinary single-hull submarines do not have this step of outfitting. This is a special treatment only given to double-hull submarines. First, weld the lower half of the double-hull hull, then put the inner shell in and weld the support pillars. Install all the equipment that should be installed in place, and finally weld the upper half of the shell.
The ballast water tanks, various pipelines, horizontal rudders, etc. required for submarine diving can all be placed outside. Especially for those large nuclear submarines with a displacement of over 10,000 tons, the distance between the inner and outer shells is often two or three meters. Even if Even the torpedoes that come over cannot be blown through.
“No, these shells are already rusty.” Qin Tao said, pointing to the submarine built in sections.
After all, it is not in a workshop. Even if there is a roof, the humidity by the river is very heavy. Over the past few years, there has indeed been a layer of rust on the surface of the steel plate.
"These are just superficial conditions. They will disappear as long as they are polished. We can guarantee that they will never affect the performance of the submarine. When the construction is completed and the dive test is carried out, I can go down with you!" Rapinov Said anxiously.
Ordinary surface ships can usually escape in time even if they encounter risks during testing. However, submarines are different. Once a few hatches are closed, the interior is completely isolated from the outside. Especially underwater, if something goes wrong, Under the huge pressure, sea water pours in instantly, which can easily cause terrible accidents.
According to the design specifications, the Kilo-class can dive to a depth of three hundred meters. If the pressure is one atmosphere per ten meters, this is thirty atmospheres! (As for the indicators, there are two data. The mission submersible depth is 240 meters, and the maximum submersible depth is about 300 meters. In other words, it is fine to move around 200 meters in normal times. However, it must be tested after it is built. Move around at a depth of 300 meters to determine the status of the submarine.)
He was willing to risk everything, even if he took risks.
Qin Tao looked at Rapinov solemnly: "Mr. Factory Director, I can understand your mood. In fact, we were also disappointed to see it rusty. After all, we also want to buy it back."
"Don't try to lower the price through this method." At this moment, Grishen spoke, his eyes serious: "Even if it is rusty, we can't sell it at a low price. The factory director has already I told you that we will accompany you to test it when the time comes. We have this confidence. Besides, after the submarine is put into service, the surface will rust if it comes into contact with seawater."
Rust is not an excuse! Even the photos taken of U.S. nuclear submarines in the port show large areas of rust behind the fallen silencer tiles.
There's nothing to be afraid of. Do you expect it to rust through? How many years is that?
"Mr. Grishen, please pay attention to your words." Qin Tao looked at Grishen dissatisfied: "You are Party B and we are Party A. Since you are an export company, how can you treat customers like this?"
In future generations, Party A will be the father, and Party B will have to kneel down and lick him. Did Grishin think this was in the era of the Red Empire?
"If you make such rude remarks again, we will end this trip immediately." Qin Tao's face showed anger.
If the tiger doesn't show off its power, what do you think of the sick cat?
Taplov's sweat dropped in a swipe.
In fact, it is well known that Grishen is not a gregarious guy. He often messes up various businesses. He will forcefully ask for a new start at the originally negotiated price. Therefore, many people are against him. dissatisfied.
However, Moscow attaches great importance to him, because after Grishin's intervention, the price can be much higher. Similar to today's arms sales project of two submarines, Grishin has the decision-making power.
Now that the situation is about to stalemate, Repilov feels anxious in his heart.
"Mr. Qin, all guests from the East, please don't be angry. Mr. Grishin has such a character. He doesn't mean to embarrass you." Rapilov first persuaded Qin Tao and his party, and then went to persuade Grishin. .
"Mr. Grishen, the export of our two submarines is of great importance. I know you are trying to gain our interests, but can we have a better attitude when talking? I beg you."
Taplov almost knelt down.
If he really **** off the Eastern inspection team, Grishin didn't care and went back to Moscow. What about them? There are thousands of mouths waiting for food in their shipyard!
Grishon’s face turned red and white for a while, and he was obviously sulking.
Qin Tao continued to speak: "You sell weapons and we sell products. We all get what we need. Our status is the same. Mr. Grishen, don't always act like you are superior. That powerful The empire is long gone!”
"What did you say?"
"Did I said wrong thing?"
It would be great if I could make Grishin angry to death if I were here today! This way, you don't need to be responsible anymore, and you will be less of a burden in the future.
"Also, you just said that we are finding fault with this to lower the price. Our price hasn't been announced yet, right?" Qin Tao glanced at Grishen again: "If I remember correctly, what will you sell to us?" Romania's own version only costs 61.5 million U.S. dollars. This scaled-down version of a purely export-oriented submarine costs about 50 million U.S. dollars. These two pieces of junk are worth 100 million U.S. dollars. We don't seem to be able to afford 100 million U.S. dollars. In US dollars? How much did we spend to buy the Su-27? You should know, right? This hundred million US dollars is a piece of cake for us!"
Grishen felt like he was holding a breath in his chest that could not come out.
One hundred million? You said it nicely. Can you buy two ships for 100 million? Yes, we sold it to Romania for more than $60 million, but when was that? That was 1984! It's been ten years now, can the price still be the same as it was ten years ago?
"Your two submarines were originally built for Poland, but they no longer wanted them. You have found many buyers, but no one is willing to take them. They can only be left here to rust. We came here to inspect, in fact, For the sake of our friendship, I want to help you deal with some of the empire's heritage." Qin Tao said: "However, your current attitude disappoints us, and you actually say that we are here to lower the price!"
“Of course you are lowering the price! Purchasing two advanced diesel-electric submarines for US$100 million, isn’t this lowering the price?”
Even if Rapilov pulled Grishin, he could no longer hold him back. Grishin was very angry: "Don't say two ships worth 100 million dollars, even if it's 100 million dollars for one ship..."
“Stop, what did you say?” Qin Tao looked at Grishen: “Say that price again!”
“I said $100 million a boat!”
“Director Caipilov, did you hear that?” Qin Tao looked at Caipilov.
Zepilov nodded.
“Has everyone heard it?” Qin Tao asked the people around him again.
Of course the people here nodded.
"In this case, we will suffer a little loss. After all, it is also to help our former big brother." Qin Tao said: "We bought a ship for 100 million US dollars! But we have to be responsible for delivering the goods to our door."
“When did I say $100 million a ship?” Grishen shouted angrily.
“Everyone heard what you just said, Rapilov, did you just hear it?”
Zepilov nodded: "Yes, I heard it."
“Damn it, that’s not what I meant.” Grishenna shouted angrily.
"Really? Then what do you mean? Aren't you satisfied with the price increase from 50 million to 100 million? Do you want to shout out the price of 200 million? Sorry, we are not the third brother! "
“Yes, Mr. Grishin, since you said it, how about we pay this price?” Rapilov asked Grishin cautiously.
"I didn't say it, I didn't say it, I didn't say it!" Grishin almost roared.
People around him looked at him in surprise.
"In this case, we can only say that we are sorry." Qin Tao shook his head helplessly: "You have to regret what you just said, without the slightest sincerity. Anyway, our navy does not lack submarines now. We even have nuclear submarines, and we also have nuclear submarines. Are you afraid that you are not strong enough underwater?"
"Mr. Grishin!" Rapilov was also anxious: "How could you do this?"
"Originally, our various military industrial enterprises sell equipment on their own, and you have to have a hand in forming some kind of arms export corporation to take over arms exports. I don't care how many benefits you want, but you can't just because you don't meet the requirements. The lion opened his mouth, it would be great if our two submarines could be sold for 100 million. If you mess up our business, then the people in our factory will not agree! "
Who is happy when this company is established? Of course they are the backbone of these companies, who wouldn’t be happy? Of course it is various military industrial units!
They originally thought of a way to sell weapons themselves. After reaching an agreement, they just went to Moscow to report and go through the process. But what happened now? All of this is the responsibility of the Arms Export Corporation.
You can be responsible and help sell weapons at least. The more you sell, the better, and everyone will be grateful.
The results of it? Every time the lion opens its mouth and scares the buyer away? You are still saying that it is for the sake of the country, and you are talking so beautifully, isn't it because you are not getting any benefits?
"The Red Empire died long ago! Don't use past thinking to sell our half-finished products!"
"Director Zapilov, forget it, you can't wake up a person who is pretending to sleep. This Mr. Grishin is obviously still living in the past era." Qin Tao said: "Our price has increased from 50 million to 50 million." The increase to 100 million has already demonstrated our sincerity. Now, we can only say regret. Moreover, this is just the beginning. If these two submarines can meet our needs, there will be more orders in the future. , I have heard from the Ruby Design Bureau that they are still designing a more advanced Type 636 submarine, and now it seems that it is a pity."
Qin Tao looked at Grishen: "I never thought that such a person would exist. If you really want to do your job well, you should learn from the French and see how they do it. Treat customers.”
French?
What did the French do? In order to sell weapons, a large amount of money was used to bribe the relevant person in charge, even accounting for one-third of the procurement funds!
At this time, Grishen was as aggrieved as he could be.
Is he doing it for himself? of course not! Although the Red Empire has collapsed, Grishin still maintains the spirit of an officer of that era. He wants to contribute to the country and give everything he has to the country!
Society is very chaotic, and various corruptions occur from time to time. However, Grishen is an upright person and has never received any gifts. But now, he has been wronged to this extent.
“Okay, if you think this price is right, then it’s this price!” Grishen gritted his teeth, his words filled with anger. He wanted to tear Qin Tao into pieces.
One hundred million US dollars per vessel, this price is half lower than the price Qin Tao estimated before setting off! Zheng Ming and others are extremely excited. Now they can save a lot of money. The money saved may actually be able to purchase two more ships. What did Mr. Qin say about the 636 model, which seems to be more powerful?
(End of this chapter)