Chapter 585: The stimulated navies of various countries reacted strongly
Europe, London, UK.
"Everyone, our CNGF plan can no longer be delayed!" Jack, the Englishman who presided over the meeting, said: "Even the East has begun to develop professional air defense ships with four-sided phased array radar, but the performance indicators of our Horizon-class frigates remain the same. Without a coordinated effort, if this delay continues, we will be outclassed by the East!"
"Yes, we must reach consensus today and cannot delay it any longer!" Frenchman Rey also spoke: "We must unite and show our sincerity in cooperation as Europeans. I think we should immediately adopt the use of Aster air defense The plans for missiles and Empar radars can be started immediately!"
The research and development of weapons and equipment requires a high investment, which a single European country cannot afford. Therefore, they all tend to cooperate. An example of this is the Tornado fighter-bomber, which was developed through multi-country cooperation.
But afterwards, they still faced many problems in joint research and development, which led to delays and wrangling in their cooperation.
Take warships as an example. The British Navy, which experienced the Falklands War, has realized that the Type 42 destroyer cannot bear future air defense needs. Therefore, they urgently need a new regional air defense ship to bear the air defense needs of the entire fleet. . Other countries have needs, so in 1987, seven or eight countries started a cooperative development plan for a new generation of NATO general-purpose medium-sized air defense ships, which is the NATO frigate replacement plan for the 1990s, code-named NFR-90, with a total demand of 50 ships. .
However, so many countries are involved, and each country has different needs and ideas. As a result, the entire plan cannot move forward at all, and there are quarrels all day long. The British couldn't wait any longer and decided to withdraw from the plan and do it themselves.
However, after all, it was too expensive. Therefore, the British felt it was painful, so they roped in France and jointly launched the future frigate project, code-named AAAF. In 1992, Italy joined in, and the plan became the next-generation joint frigate, code-named AAAF. CNGF, the name is Horizon.
Three monks have no water to drink. Even if there are only three countries, there are still many conflicts. In terms of missiles, the UK has approved the Aster air defense missile, but in terms of radar, they absolutely cannot agree with the Empa radar developed by Italy.
"No, the performance of the Empa radar is too poor, we must use our Sampson radar!" Jack said: "Now even the Easterners have begun to use active phased array radars, do we have to continue to use the old Passive phased array radar? This simply cannot meet our needs!"
A skinny camel is bigger than a horse. The British are quite good at radar research and development. Their Sampson is the most advanced active phased array radar. It is just because it is too expensive to build and cannot afford four sides, so they planned The double-sided rotation method is used, just like the top-plate radar currently used by Dongfang.
The Empar radar provided by Italy is only one-sided and a passive phased array. It should have been thrown into the trash heap long ago!
This dispute started a long time ago and is still going on now. After hearing his words, Rey shook his head: "No, no, what we want is mature and reliable. Your radar has not yet completed development. I don't know how long it will be delayed. And the price is too expensive!”
Back to the topic that has been debated!
"Okay, let's talk about the power system first. In order to be able to defeat the Eastern warships, we must use a comprehensive electric propulsion system. This is also inevitable for the development of future warships. We, the old countries with a long history, must not do this in this way. Behind on the technical road!”
Hearing what Jack said, Rey continued to shake his head: "Of course not. This technical route is too advanced. We still need to be more reliable. I think using the current Chairan power is enough!"
"Everyone, if we want to reach an agreement, we need to compromise. If we continue to insist, we will not be able to continue this project at all!" Jack became anxious and raised his voice.
"That's right, so I hope you can compromise and use our existing mature solutions, and we can sign the document today." Rey said.
"Why?" Jack was anxious: "We can compromise on the power system, but when it comes to radar, we must follow our plan."
“No, we don’t want the expensive Sampson radar.” This time the Italian spoke.
“Okay, then we decided to withdraw from this project and develop it independently!” Jack said: “It makes no sense to continue like this!”
The British like to quit the group when they have nothing to do. They first withdrew from the NFR-90 plan, and now they have withdrawn from the Horizon-class frigate plan!
Not to mention the small warship plan, even the EU, a large group, retreats whenever they want. The old empires are so unscrupulous.
Bang! Jack slammed the door and went out, leaving the French and Italians behind: "It would be better if the British quit, and our plan can start."
“Yes, we will go to Paris and discuss it in detail,” said the Italian.
The emergence of the 052C destroyer has stimulated many people. Whether it is the United States or Europe, they have begun to promote their own warship plans. This news has also been continuously spread to the East.
Mingzhou is still a bit cold. Wu Shengli, who was passing by here, visited the 052C first ship on the slipway. The power system was being installed at this time. After the installation was completed, it was almost time to launch the outfitting.
“You are moving very quickly.” Wu Shengli sighed.
“Of course.” Qin Tao said, “This is our Mingzhou speed.”
“I heard that the discovery of this warship on the satellite caused a lot of quarrels. The British have withdrawn from the development plan of the Horizon-class frigate and decided to develop their own Type 45 destroyer.” Wu Shengli said.
Qin Tao smiled: "This has nothing to do with us. Their needs are fundamentally different, and they also have their own agendas. It's not sweet to be stubborn. They will part ways sooner or later."
Hearing Qin Tao's words, Wu Shengli became curious: "You know so much? How about you analyze it?"
"During the Battle of the Falklands, the British found that their cheap Type 42 destroyers were simply not capable of fleet air defense missions. Therefore, what they needed were regional air defense ships to replace the old Type 42 destroyers." Qin Tao analyzed : "In order to replace the Suffren-class, France escorts the Charles de Gaulle, and Italy needs to replace the Brave-class, as long as it sails in the Mediterranean. Moreover, neither of them has urgent regional air defense needs. They are more concerned about intercepting low-altitude flying leaks. of fish.”
One is a large missile destroyer for regional air defense, and the other is a cheap **** cannon fodder frigate. The needs of the two are fundamentally different! Damn it if it's coordinated!
Wu Shengli nodded: "Your analysis makes sense. The focus of their dispute is radar and power, or because their needs are different."
In terms of missiles, they all use the same Ziyuan missile. Although this thing was made by the French, it belongs to the Europeans after all. They will never purchase American Standard-2 missiles. They also realize that this will make Europe The military R&D strength of the country has declined.
However, there are big differences when it comes to the radar that guides missiles.
“Actually, the performance of the Sampson radar is quite good, but it was wasted in the hands of the British.” Qin Tao continued to give pointers.
The Sampson radar is the pride of the British. The development of this radar was much earlier than that of the Type 45 destroyer. In 1982, the Ministry of Defense, Rock Manor Research and Plessy Company began to work on it. By 1995 At that time, the MESAR-1 was manufactured, which was absolutely revolutionary in Europe. It was the first radar to use a combined T/R module and anti-jamming digital adaptive beamforming technology.
However, this is still a radar for testing. The British continued their efforts and began to develop MESAR-2, which adopted a new antenna design, a new T/R module, and a microwave solid-state power amplifier.
These are prototypes and will not be mass-produced, but these technologies form the basis of the Sampson radar.
In terms of performance, the performance of this radar is similar to that of our own 346 radar.
“Wasted?” Wu Shengli was a little curious: “Why was it wasted?”
“Their costs are too high, so the British radar is very expensive and is only used on a few Type 45 destroyers. It is impossible to reduce the cost through a large amount of equipment, and it doesn’t make much sense to put a ball on the head.”
If you look at the Type 45 destroyer, the biggest feature is the ball on its head!
The Type 45 destroyer has a mast of more than 40 meters high. The Sampson radar installed on this mast is twice as tall as the Aegis radar!
The British did this to improve their low-altitude defense capabilities. They were frightened by Exocet missiles in the Falklands naval battle. They would rather risk the ship capsizing in high sea conditions than build a tall mast and lift it up. A big ball.
"Our advantage is low cost." Qin Tao said: "I heard that the 14th Institute has used a new process, and the manufacturing cost has been reduced by half. This is just the beginning, and it will be even lower in the future. For us, this kind of The cost of radar will continue to decrease and eventually become cabbage price."
The price of cabbage? Wu Shengli was used to the new idioms that often popped out of Qin Tao's mouth: "By the way, they also plan to use an integrated electric propulsion system, which is the same as the American project. What do you think?"
The British are very ambitious and require high-end equipment. After all, they are proud. They want to lead the technological revolution of warships. In the past, they were the first to implement gas turbines for warship power. Now with comprehensive power solutions, they also want to lead the world. Forefront.
"I think it's good."
"very good?"
"That's right, how interesting it will be when they create it and often fail due to immaturity!" Qin Tao said: "Our Zhang Zhong said that the show will have more exciting points. We can analyze it more. The decline of the fallen empire.”
Wu Shengli smiled. It turned out that this was very good. Watching other people's warships lie down was indeed very good.
This is actually not the fault of the integrated power system, but their WR-21 gas turbine produced by Rolls-Royce. This gas turbine uses an intercooling design with higher thermal efficiency. It is fine in the North Atlantic, but in tropical areas, this device will They will go on strike because they cannot stand climate change, resulting in a loss of motivation.
At that time, the Diamond wanted to cause trouble in the East, but it ended up getting stuck in the Mediterranean before it reached the Suez Canal, which embarrassed the British.
Now, Qin Tao doesn't have to do anything, just wait for them to make a fool of themselves.
“Attention, the No. 1 gas turbine is hoisted!” At this moment, a shout came from the slipway, so the two of them ended their analysis of warships from all over the world and began to look at their own warships.
Domestic weapons and equipment have always faced the problem of heart disease. With Qin Tao's promotion, the heart disease of warships has finally been solved. This is also the prerequisite for large quantities of destroyers to launch dumplings.
The GT-15000 gas turbine has been unpacked, revealing its sturdy appearance, and experts from the 703 Institute are also busy at the side.
"Mr. Wen, are you here in person?" Qin Tao saw Wen Xueyou and immediately greeted him.
"Yes, this is the first time our own gas turbines have been installed on a ship. How could we not come?" Wen Xueyou said: "Leader Wu, don't worry, we have confidence in the gas turbines we produce and will never ship them at sea." Any problems!”
Although it has been copied a long time ago, it has been tested. After a long period of testing, Wen Xueyou is very confident in this gas turbine.
“Well, we also believe in the strength of domestic gas turbines. However, this gas turbine is only a temporary solution. We are looking forward to the more advanced GT-25000.”
The current 052C only has a displacement of more than 6,000 tons, which is limited to the power of the gas turbine. When the power becomes larger, the displacement can be enlarged to 7,000 to 8,000 tons.
“Yes, we are currently working hard to develop more powerful gas turbines to ensure that the Navy’s large warship plan is not delayed. However, the gas turbines we have installed now have been matched with diesel. In the future, the Navy can at least unify the fuel.”
Qin Tao has mentioned this before. Navy frigates use diesel engines, and destroyers also use diesel engines at low speeds, so we might as well just use diesel. Even the gas turbines burn diesel, which is the most convenient way to supply them.
This change is not complicated, so the relevant units have completed it. At this time, after hearing this change, Wu Shengli nodded with satisfaction: "Yes, you have worked hard."
At this time, the gas turbine was hoisted in through the helicopter landing deck. This deck was not welded originally and was reserved for the power cabin.
The second gas turbine has also begun to lift, and the 052C destroyer also has an advanced power system!
“As long as we can reach a speed of 30 knots in sea trials, we will be satisfied.” Wu Shengli said.
The navy's main warships generally have a top speed of 30 knots, and some exceed it. For example, the two 052 destroyers have a displacement of only more than 4,000 tons and use two LM2500 gas turbines, so the speed can reach more than 33 knots, but then High speed is no longer necessary. After all, gas turbines are generally not used extravagantly, and diesel engines are the main ones.
"Of course there is no problem. Of course our main battleship must have a speed of 30 knots." Qin Tao nodded: "Our warships do not yet have an integrated power system. When such a system is installed in the future, the power system will be complete."
Wu Shengli nodded. With Qin Tao's continuous recommendations, and as Britain and the United States began to use integrated power systems as the power systems for next-generation warships, he was already full of expectations for this system.
In terms of manufacturing warships, China has finally reached the same starting line as foreign countries! The catch-up has been completed, and now comes the surpassing.
At this moment, a strange ship appeared on the sea in the distance. It had graceful lines and simple style, and there were more than one sail on it, which looked refreshing.
That is the first sailboat manufactured by Mingzhou Group, and it is also the first sailboat in China!
“Last year, the Navy urged us to build this sail training ship quickly, but now we are no longer in a hurry. Thanks to our Mingzhou Group’s technical foundation, otherwise we would have been pushed to death by the Navy.”
Hearing Qin Tao's words, Wu Shengli smiled and said nothing.
The international situation is unpredictable. I was very anxious at the time, but now it has suddenly eased. However, with this thing, it will be very convenient in the future.
“However, the name Breaking Waves is not bad.” After complaining, Qin Tao continued: “We must ride the wind from all directions and break through thousands of waves. We must cultivate the students’ sailing spirit to move forward.”
"I gave this name." Wu Shengli was very satisfied with his son-in-law's flattering behavior. He looked at the sea in the distance. The ship was getting closer and closer. The 86 hull number on the bow, It's also very clear.
“During the Chinese New Year, the Naval Ship Academy is not taking a break, organizing students to conduct long-distance navigation training. It seems that the Navy is putting a lot of pressure on them.” Qin Tao continued.
This ship has been delivered and now it is back and has already made a large circle along the coastline.
"This is the first time that this kind of ship has been equipped in our navy. In order to better complete the mission in the future, of course they must complete operational training as soon as possible and provide a large number of qualified talents. However, this is also thanks to your shipyard's The engineer is on board for guidance.”
Wu Shengli is right. The navy has no experience in operating sailboats, and there is even no one in the country. Everything is difficult at the beginning. It would be different if there are professionals.
Ma Wenming is a professional.
Although Ma Wenming was also the first to operate a sailboat, he had long been familiar with the various operations of a sailboat, but he lacked the theory to connect with practice. He had been following the Breaking Waves since it began its trial voyage. Now, after the Breaking Waves returns from its voyage, it is also To give it to him.
Standing on the bow of the ship, Ma Wenming looked at the approaching Mingzhou Shipyard, his heart racing.
When the sailboat docked steadily at the empty space on the outfitting dock, he was even more pleasantly surprised.
“Mr. Qin, did you come here specially to greet me?”
"Ma Gong, you did a good job." Qin Tao said: "The naval leader next to me is asking you if you want to join the army. As long as you nod, you can be directly granted a school-level military rank."
For many low-level officers, it is impossible to cross the hurdle of the school level in their lifetime. But now, as long as Ma Wenming nods, he can directly become a major. This is definitely a good thing that falls in the sky.
However, Ma Wenming shook his head.
"No, Mr. Qin, I was born as a member of the Mingzhou Group and died as a ghost of the Mingzhou Group. I am a shipbuilder, not a soldier." Ma Wenming said: "When I come back this time, I won't leave. Next, We still have to continue to study the plan to install sails on oil tankers. During this time, I have also accumulated a lot of experience, which will be of great benefit to the design process of oil tanker sails."
Qin Tao smiled and looked at his father-in-law: "Dad, it's not that easy for you to fool my men."
Leader Wu also smiled bitterly: "Okay, we won't force him if he doesn't want to, but when our naval academy offers sailing training courses in the future, he will have to be our instructor."
“Of course that’s no problem.” Qin Tao nodded.
“Report, our Naval Warship Academy is conducting long-distance sailing training, please give instructions from the leader!” At this time, Zhao Dahai, the captain of the Breaking Waves, was already standing in front of Leader Wu and shouted loudly.
“Comrades, thank you for your hard work,” Wu Shengli said, looking at the exhausted crew members.
“Serve the people!”
“Very good, not bad, the momentum is still very good. Next, let’s repair in Mingzhou for a few days.”
"yes!"
“Dad, this sail training ship can only train a few dozen people, which cannot meet the needs of the navy at all.” Qin Tao said to Wu Shengli.
If you look at training alone, even if this kind of ship does not burn oil, the cost-effectiveness is not high. After all, it can accommodate too few people! However, we have to consider its other uses, such as being able to represent the navy on trips, and its specially-made ramming rods can perform certain special tasks. However, when it comes to training, only such a ship is not enough.
"Yes, our navy will develop on a large scale next, and there will be more and more warships. The number of warships that will be eliminated will be less than the number of newly commissioned warships. Therefore, our navy will also need more sailors, and the training tasks will become increasingly busy. Ah." Wu Shengli sighed. Of course, he was also very concerned about the question raised by Qin Tao.
"Other sailors can train on other warships, but we only have one aircraft carrier." Qin Tao thought of something: "We need at least one training ship to accompany the aircraft carrier, which can accommodate a complete set of aircraft carrier personnel. This way , one group trains on the aircraft carrier, and the other group accompanies the side, and can be switched at any time. With this No. 001, we can train two sets of personnel, and when the new aircraft carrier is completed, we can expand a set of aircraft carrier personnel at any time. "
Wu Shengli's eyes lit up: "You guys have so many ideas! This method is very good. We can consider it. However, the Navy does not have that much money for the time being. Since it is just arranging a team, then maybe it can be done by purchasing a second-hand cruise ship. Let’s solve it.”
Qin Tao was a little helpless: "Dad, it takes ten years to cultivate trees and a hundred years to cultivate people. Education is very important. The Navy cannot be hesitant in this aspect! Our Mingzhou Group has formulated a training ship plan for sister ships. Do you want to listen?"
(End of this chapter)