Chapter 530: Equipment unique to the East
In the private room of the bar, Nicholas and Qin Tao were drinking.
“The Varyag has been successfully transformed by you, which is admirable.”
"We have no choice." Qin Tao said with some helplessness: "We originally just wanted to develop the economy and make the people rich. Who would have thought that there are always some people who want to cause trouble for us. That Varyag It was set on fire by someone's conspiracy, and it was already useless. Later, when the situation changed, we had to urgently convert it into an aircraft carrier. Everything was emergency, and now it has been towed back to the shipyard for further modification."
Nicholas glanced at Qin Tao with a meaningful look in his eyes. He didn't know if he suspected that what Qin Tao said was false.
Qin Tao continued: "Actually, our navy doesn't like that warship at all. In recent years, we have been working hard to develop aircraft carrier-related technologies, including boilers, steam turbines, arresting cables and catapults. When everything is ready After that, we started building a new aircraft carrier. Who would have thought that when things got to this point, we had no other choice but to quickly move the things originally prepared for the new aircraft carrier to this scrapped warship for temporary emergency use. , since it has been transformed, it cannot be thrown away. It will probably be used as a training aircraft carrier for our navy in the future."
This explained a lot of doubts, and Nicholas nodded: "You have started to build your own aircraft carrier, but we can't even complete the transformation of an aircraft carrier."
Speaking of this, Nicholas was a little sad.
Once upon a time, the powerful Red Imperial Navy has declined to this extent? The shipbuilding industry is also in decline.
"These things will pass. If you want to reform, you have to go through the pain." Qin Tao comforted: "We have been poor for many years before slowly getting to where we are now. In the future, your life will definitely get better and better. You will also re-equip the aircraft carrier."
Nicholas nodded: "Yes, you have to go through such a stage."
“Nicholas, you have been here for many years, why haven’t you continued to move up?”
There were rumors in the past few years that Nikolai was going to be promoted. Some said he would go to the Northern Fleet to be the leader, and some said he wanted to enter Moscow. However, Nikolai has always stayed here.
“There is no way,” said Nicholas.
“I have heard that some people may become prosperous. You might as well get closer to these people. When these people gain power in the future, you will also get the position you want.” Qin Tao began to introduce.
Nicholas and he were good friends, so of course he wanted to help Nicola.
If Nicholas can continue to rise, Qin Tao will also have a bigger backer.
Nicholas heard Qin Tao's words and was a little curious: "Can this person become successful in the future?"
“Well, you can give it a try. If you lack funds, I can help.”
Nicholas shook his head: "No, I can do it myself. Qin, I can't always ask for your money. Our fleet has nothing to sell at the moment."
“We are friends, you’re welcome.” Qin Tao was very generous.
Nicolas was grateful.
“Our oil pipeline in the Far East has been constructed. If there are problems, we may need your help.”
Nicholas patted his chest: "No problem!"
With the matter in Far East settled like this, Xu Zhengyang asked Qin Tao when he returned to the hotel, "Mr. Qin, where should we go next?"
According to the prior arrangement, Qin Tao should go to Ermao again to fool some of Ermao's companies into participating in the defense exhibition. However, Qin Tao looked at the photos of the children in his hands and said calmly: "The aircraft carrier Chaoriwang exploded If the boiler is found, Ah San may eventually trace it to the refractory bricks, and I may be in danger, so we’d better go back.”
Mr. Qin, are you someone who is afraid of danger? It’s obvious that I miss home and don’t want to continue wandering outside! Xu Zhengyang smiled helplessly. In the past, Mr. Qin was fine if he didn't go home for half a year, but now it's less than a month.
However, there are already a lot of exhibitors who are cheating. After going back, the defense exhibition venue will be busy for a while, so it is also appropriate to go back. Send a notice directly to Ermao and come if you want.
Qin Tao returned to his motherland with a noble reason. After arriving in the capital, he first went to Huanglou to report on his work, and everyone inside was beaming with joy.
“Mr. Qin, you are so awesome. Seven of the boilers of the Super Sun King aircraft carrier exploded, and the power system was completely paralyzed.” A leader joked to Qin Tao.
"Leader Zhao, please don't talk nonsense. Their aircraft carrier's boiler explosion has nothing to do with us. Others are staying away from each other. If we put aside the relationship, it would be better for you to put this **** basin on the head of our Mingzhou Group. "
The leader pointed at Qin Tao with his finger: "You boy, you are so powerful! However, it is not what we are talking about. Ah San's newspaper has already started to advocate that the boilers were fried using unqualified materials imported from us. of refractory bricks.”
Qin Tao was stunned for a moment: "Their reaction was so fast? That's too much. They actually dare to throw dirty water on us! We have to go to Zhang Zhong later and ask him to introduce us. Our aircraft carrier boiler is very stable and has never exploded." , If you want to hold the **** basin for us, there is no way!"
There is no airtight wall in this world!
However, this is just because some reporters are making false claims. They probably bribed some workers at the Red Star Shipyard, learned that refractory bricks were imported from the East, and then started spreading rumors. If they were really sure of this, they would not be a private newspaper. It was an official protest.
Anyway, the contract was not signed at the beginning, so the officials could not find the Mingzhou Group to blame.
“That was a good blast.” Wu Shengli spoke from the side: “As a result, Ah San’s plan to acquire a second aircraft carrier will have to be postponed for several years.”
“At least five years from now.” Qin Tao was sure.
This sentence aroused everyone's interest: "Does it take so long to replace the boiler?"
“When they repair the boiler, complete the outfitting, and continue sea trials, they will find that the steel on the deck is not up to standard. After skiing and taking off from the deck dozens of times, the deck collapsed.”
Everyone opened their eyes wide and looked at Qin Tao, "Are you too powerful?" Are you actually tampering with me here?
If the ski jump deck is broken, repairing it will definitely take a long time, because the Red Star Shipyard does not have a dock, and the ship has to be built on the beach and welded bit by bit.
"By then, Asan has purchased MiG-29K carrier-based aircraft, so this aircraft carrier will definitely have to spend money to repair it. This will cost more than 5 billion, which is more expensive than a new aircraft carrier. "
"Yes, it will definitely be more expensive than a new one. Ah San is already miserable. Next, Ah San will definitely start building an aircraft carrier by himself." Qin Tao said.
"They built it themselves?" Everyone was surprised again, and some people thought of something: "The information we obtained does contain this inference. Ah San is trying to build an aircraft carrier by himself, but they don't have the ability to build it. Needless to say, they don't have the ability to build it themselves. No, I don’t even have the ability to design.”
The Delhi-class destroyer that Asan is building is designed by Lao Maozi. Although it is said that they designed it themselves, they actually stole the Eastern design. The aircraft carrier is not something they can design by themselves.
"So, our international defense exhibition must be a success. I have already fooled the Neva Design Bureau. They will also come up with professional aircraft carrier design drawings, even models. Our Mingzhou Group will also use aircraft carriers For the focus of the exhibition.”
Last time I went to Malaysia to participate in a defense exhibition, in order to avoid being suspected, the Mingzhou Group was not allowed to display the aircraft carrier model. This time it was different. It was displayed generously to let people see the strength of the Mingzhou Group.
"Attract Ah San to come and see?" Everyone understood what Qin Tao meant, but they still didn't understand. Even if they attracted Ah San, what's the use?
Intensify the momentum of the defense exhibition? Or can we continue to dig holes for Ah San?
"That's right, since we are going to hold an international defense exhibition, of course we have to attract enough people." Qin Tao said, "If customers take a fancy to our design drawings and want to buy them, then we may be able to make some money." Woolen cloth."
It seems difficult to get Asan to buy Dongfang’s design drawings. However, isn’t the frigate that Asan is building now the design drawings of Dongfang? It may seem impossible to others, but here at Mingzhou Group, everything is still possible.
After reporting to the leaders, Qin Tao went to see the construction of the defense exhibition.
In order to free up enough space, and also to demonstrate the performance of some weapons, the location was chosen to the west of the capital, at the foot of Yanshan Mountain. Crops cannot be grown here originally, and it will not delay farmers from farming. Next to it is the hillside, and some ground equipment If you need to perform, you can also drive to the hillside, and you can even set up some targets for live-fire shooting performances.
In such a large site, it is difficult to build infrastructure. Fortunately, Mingzhou Group provided an advanced steel structure design plan. The related indoor exhibition hall was quickly built like building blocks, and is currently undergoing interior decoration.
When Qin Tao walked in, he was very satisfied when he looked at the hanging lights: "At this time, it is neither cold nor hot. We have saved the cost of air conditioning. However, the fire protection work must be done well. Related Enough entrance and exit channels must also be reserved.”
It would be troublesome if there was a fire, crowding or stampede.
“Well, we have made arrangements.” The person in charge said: “We will bring over the mature experience from the aircraft carrier park to ensure that there will be no problems.”
Since this matter was handed over to Qin Tao, of course his superiors had to take over the responsibility. The construction and subsequent operation of the venue were all contracted by the Mingzhou Group. Qin Tao had no other choice but to leave the aircraft carrier park. The person in charge was called over, and a lot of people were brought with him. They had experience in hosting the aircraft carrier park, so they could operate it well.
Now it seems that it is still possible.
Qin Tao nodded: "Next, various exhibitors will come to contact us and quote different locations at different prices, allowing them to choose the one that suits them."
Qin Tao just provided some instructions. He didn't want to have to do everything personally, which would make him exhausted. Now, Qin Tao has arranged all this and went home.
Xiaoling has gone to the plateau, and the only ones taking care of Haiyang are Zhao Xiu'e and the nanny Xiaohong. It's different when there are children in the family. After entering, you can smell the fragrance of milk.
"Can you walk already?" Qin Tao looked at Qin Haiyang running on the ground, a little surprised.
It's not easy to watch children after they can walk away. It would be really dangerous to live in a building and climb up the windows. Now that I can live in a bungalow like my father-in-law's, it is much safer. I don't have to worry about the children jumping around and making noise. Downstairs, creating conflicts among neighbors.
After seeing Qin Tao, Qin Haiyang was stunned for a moment, and then ran over. He was just a little excited. After running a few steps, he fell to the ground with a bang.
Xu Zhengyang, who was following Qin Tao, wanted to go over and pick up the child quickly, but Qin Tao waved his hand: "If he falls, let him get up by himself."
Qin Haiyang saw that there was no one to help him, so he got up and continued running towards Qin Tao's arms.
When Qin Tao picked him up, Qin Haiyang's hands began to grab Qin Tao's face again.
“Okay, you’re so awesome, you treat me like a toy, don’t you? Let go, be careful I’ll hit you!”
Snapped! Qin Haiyang's hand slapped Qin Tao's face.
“You dare to hit me, you are awesome!” Qin Tao was speechless: “You are still young now, so I won’t care about you. When you grow up, let’s see how I teach you a lesson.”
Qin Tao was enjoying family happiness at home, while Ah San was involved in a dispute over the boiler explosion.
"We can't invest any more money in that aircraft carrier. It's a bottomless pit. I have long said that this project should be abandoned before Mao adds money for the first time!" Sunil started talking again.
Compromises have been made time and time again, and additional funds have been raised again and again. What about this time? Damao has put forward new requirements. If he wants to rebuild the boiler, he will have to spend 300 million US dollars!
Compared with the previous demands of 500 billion, the 300 million this time is still conscientious. Mao Mao may be embarrassed, but this is 300 million US dollars! Including these 300 million, the entire project has already spent 3.2 billion US dollars!
Chhetri said nothing when he came back from Da Mao. In the past, he could still object a few times, but now, he felt that his objections were feeble, so he simply said nothing.
Sunil was the only one left nagging. After all, the fact was right in front of them. They had been tricked time and time again. Do they have to spend money this time? Even Chhetri didn't insist anymore and let You guys just have to figure it out.
Hearing what Sunil said, the leaders present asked: "Then what should we do now?"
“Abandon this aircraft carrier, we can’t spend any more money!”
“Isn’t that cheap, old man?”
"Of course not. We have to tow this aircraft carrier back. It is already the property of our Ah San. We can tow it back and use it as an aircraft platform on the sea. The Eastern aircraft carrier went out to show off before it was renovated. , ours is fine too!”
Although that is what they say, it is actually different. Although the Dongfang's ship is also unfinished, its power system is intact and it can reach thirty knots. What about their ship?
If nothing else, at least the power system is down and there is no power at all. Once it encounters strong winds and waves on the sea, there will be a danger of capsizing at any time. Can I just tow it back?
"We can't let Da Mao ask for the price again and again. This aircraft carrier has already been launched anyway, so we might as well just tow it back." Another person said: "After towing it back, we will assemble it in our own shipyard. complete."
As soon as this sentence came out, many people's eyes suddenly lit up.
This is a solution to the problem!
If this continues, it will be endless, and there may be other problems. They will simply drag it back and correct it themselves.
If we just abandon this aircraft carrier, then the billions spent before will be wasted. If we let Damao modify it, nothing will happen. We might as well drag it back and modify it ourselves!
"But, according to the original agreement..." Chhetri just started, but was interrupted by Sunil: "Idiot, now it's Da Mao who has breached the contract. We can't let Da Mao succeed! Huh, this arms sale, but also I wonder if some people have taken advantage of it, so they speak to Da Mao again and again!"
Chhetri immediately shut up.
However, the issue has already reached this point and will not stop any longer.
“The Chaori King aircraft carrier is a failed project, and someone must be responsible for it!” Sunil said: “We must investigate this to see if there is corruption.”
This project has become a laughing stock all over the world. Someone has to take charge. Looking at the people present, Chhetri is definitely the most suitable person.
Chhetri felt sweat on his back. He quickly said: "I have been presiding over the construction of frigates in China. I don't know about this matter. I will investigate it carefully. Kidambi is very There may be a problem!”
At the critical moment, Chhetri threw away his most loyal subordinates, and it was most appropriate to let Kidambi top the tank.
"Okay, launch an investigation into Kidambi immediately. Chhetri, you will only be responsible for this frigate project from now on, and don't care about anything else."
Chhetri is also in charge of the frigate project, which saved his life. As for Kidambi, he can only ask for his own blessings.
Save yourself first!
Even if this incident is in the past, there are still many things to come.
"If we are to tow the Super Sun King back, the first question is what to use to tow it." Someone said.
"What's the problem with this?" Sunil said, "Just find a tugboat and tow it back."
In his eyes, this should be very simple.
"The weather has been bad recently." The man had a headache: "The meteorological department reported that the storms will not stop in the past two months."
If the warship has its own power, then of course there will be no problem. If it does not have power and relies on tugboats, it would be too dangerous!
“What’s so difficult about this? The Easterners’ ship, the Varyag, still had no power, so it crossed half the world. If they can do it, we can do it too!”
The big leader spoke, his eyes were always looking at the east. He had to do what the east could do.
I just didn't expect that these words failed. Everyone lowered their heads and did not agree with him as usual.
He became curious: "Why, you guys stopped talking? Chhetri, tell me!"
Chhetri shuddered, how could such a thing happen to him? However, he had no other choice but to hesitate and say: "The Orientals used a floating dock and brought the ship back directly."
"Floating dock? This is indeed safer than tugboats. If they can do this, so can we. We will send a floating dock to bring the aircraft carrier back." The big leader made his decision immediately.
The people below remained silent.
“Why, we can’t do it? Chhetri, tell me.”
It’s me again!
Chhetri had no choice but to continue to report bad news: "Currently, the only one in the world that can meet this kind of transportation requirement is the Shenzhou floating dock of Dongfang Mingzhou Group. Unless we rent their floating dock, otherwise..."
The big leader understood immediately and became furious: "How can it be done? We absolutely cannot rent their floating dock. This is an insult to us! Chhetri, what do you mean?"
You asked me all this, do you think I am willing to say it? Chhetri lowered his head and continued to say nothing.
“Sunil, I’ve left the tugboat matter to you. Do you have any other questions?” The leader continued to speak.
Own? There was nothing he could do. Sunil was stunned, but there was no other way. He could only nod and agree. He proposed the plan, and of course he had to implement it.
“There is also the engine. The boiler on it has exploded. If we drag it back and repair it ourselves, we need to find a suitable boiler.”
This is also a big problem.
“Can we purchase it from the West?” the big leader asked.
Da Mao couldn’t believe it. It was too bad. Seven of the eight boilers exploded. They kept saying it was an operational problem. In short, you can’t buy Da Mao’s boilers.
You cannot hang yourself on the tree called Da Mao, you have to find other sellers.
“Chhetri, can you purchase it from the West?”
Why is it me again? Chhetri was very helpless after being named.
“The United Kingdom has long been fully implementing gas turbines on its surface ships. France’s aircraft carriers have begun to use nuclear power. Germany does not have large aircraft carriers. Spain and Italy both have small aircraft carriers of 10,000 tons. We..."
“What about the United States? Does the United States have it?”
“The United States is also all nuclear-powered, unless we wait until the Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier is retired and buy their second-hand boilers…”
Because of his nervousness, Chhetri forgot one thing: the US Marine Corps still uses boilers on amphibious assault ships. However, it was only last year that the first six Wasp-class amphibious assault ships still used boilers. , and later it will be replaced with an LM2500 gas turbine.
Of course, if they want to order it, they probably won’t be able to order it. The boiler factory will shut down the production line after producing the last one, and restarting it will cost a huge amount of money.
“Damn it, aren’t tens of thousands of tons of boilers for warships sold around the world?”
Yes, Dongfang does. Their aircraft carrier can reach thirty knots and its power system is very reliable. However, Chhetri dare not say it.
(End of this chapter)