Chapter 629 052C Launching the Water
Before taking the equipment to participate in the joint exercise, Qin Tao returned to the Mingzhou Group again, and he was accompanied by a large number of naval officers. They came together with only one purpose: to participate in the launching ceremony of 052C.
“The construction of this warship took a long time!” Wu Shengli said with emotion: “The 052B of our brother unit was launched a few months ago.”
At the time of the bidding, there were two domestic plans, the stable and cheap 052B and the advanced and expensive 052C. The final decision was to build them at the same time, compare them in the navy's operations, and finally determine the best plan.
Of course, the Navy values 052C more. After all, this four-sided phased array radar air defense system can deal with future threats. When it was built on the slipway and began to take shape, the outside world was shocked. The four holes left on the bridge , it must be equipped with a four-sided phased array radar. The East will have an Aegis battleship for the first time!
At present, apart from the American Aegis, there is no second type of warship in service. Dongfang is once again at the forefront of the world. Moreover, the Americans have a passive phased array, while the Dongfang has an active phased array. In terms of performance, To put it bluntly, the East is way ahead of the Americans!
It’s just that the construction of this kind of warship is very complicated and much slower than the warships launched before. However, slow work yields careful work, and the quality of this warship is just right.
“You don’t have to worry about being late if you have a good meal. Besides, the water was originally scheduled to be launched at the end of the year, but it has been launched now, which shows that our workers are already meeting the deadline.” Qin Tao said with a smile.
The workers of Mingzhou Group are indeed very competent and their work is impeccable.
“By the time No. 138 enters service, our southern fleet will be much stronger.” A naval leader said.
The two 051Cs were given to the north and became the backbone of the northern air defense. The warships purchased from Lao Maozi were handed over to the eastern fleet. Only the south was the most aggrieved, relying on a few 054s to support it, although the displacement of the 054 was no longer that of the 052. It is much smaller, but it is a frigate after all, and the fleet in the south has been looking at it in pain. Although 052B is also given to them, it is incomparable to the strength of 052C.
This time, the wait is finally here. Professional air defense destroyers are directly handed over to the fleet in the south, which can instantly make their air defense strength the strongest in the navy.
Hence, most of the leaders of the southern fleet went to the Mingzhou Group this time, and they all looked forward to the early completion of this warship.
As for the hull number, the destroyer hull number of the Southern Fleet has reached 166, and the next one, 167, has been assigned the hull number of 052B. Therefore, the hull number of the first 052C has been assigned to 168. This hull number is quite nice. Yes.
Qin Tao smiled and said: "The best use of our air defense ships is to **** aircraft carriers. Therefore, you must be mentally prepared. It is expected that they will be transferred frequently to form aircraft carrier formations."
"Of course we are mentally prepared, but we are not worried. Even if we **** the aircraft carrier, it belongs to our fleet." This leader is very tolerant.
In a happy atmosphere, everyone finally arrived at the Mingzhou Group. The 100,000-ton slipway was already waving flags.
Warmly celebrate the launch of the first ship 052C!
Warmly celebrate the launch of the first professional anti-aircraft ship!
Whether the first ship was No. 167 or No. 168? No one cares about this anymore. What everyone cares about most is the destroyer that is about to be launched.
All the leaders swarmed over and looked at the warship from a distance, full of emotion.
“This style is really beautiful, definitely world-class!”
Of course, what you see from a distance is the shape of a warship. Although other warships also have stealth shapes, the No. 168 in front of you is definitely the master. Its superstructure is all tilted inward, and a beautiful line runs from the bow to the back. At the rear, the bridge is also tilted inward, and the four-sided phased array radar is placed on the cut-angle building of the bridge.
etc!
How to install the four-sided phased array radar?
When seeing the curved radome, a leader couldn't help but ask: "Is it just a cover, or is a phased array radar installed in it?"
“Reporting to the leader, of course the radar equipment has been installed.” Qin Tao said: “Otherwise, our construction work would be so slow.”
The No. 167 of our brother unit was launched in a shell. What about the one here? All kinds of equipment are actually installed before launching into the water. It can be said that a certain amount of outfitting work has been completed before launching into the water!
“Why did you move the outfitting work before launching into the water?” Now it was the leader’s turn to be surprised.
"When installing the four-sided phased array radar on the aircraft carrier, we noticed that the debugging after installation would be very cumbersome. This is because the hull is shaking slightly, causing the radar beam to shake. Therefore, we are building this destroyer At that time, improvements were made. During the outfitting stage on land, the four-sided phased array radar was installed and debugged first, and at least the baseline debugging work was done, which can greatly reduce the complexity in the future."
(I found pictures of 055 launching into the water on the Internet. The phased array radar is indeed installed. I really don’t know about this 052C.)
The person who started to introduce was Zhou Yongfei. Over the years, he has been responsible for the construction of warships. This 052C is the most advanced warship he has ever built. He is very proud of it. At the same time, he will also be a little excited in front of these people. .
"When we build the first ship, we may waste some time exploring various processes. Later, we can speed up the construction of subsequent models." Qin Tao smiled and said to everyone: "Dear leaders, wait until the sea trial After it is completed, the Navy must quickly allocate funds to continue construction. Only such a ship is far from enough for the Navy."
“If it weren’t for funds, do you think we don’t want to build more?” A leader looked at the warships in front of him with eager eyes: “Each of our three fleets needs at least two!”
“Two ships? How can two ships be enough? Also, building six of this type of 052C is enough, and the next step is to build 052D.”
“052D?” Everyone looked at Qin Tao in surprise: “Do you have a design plan for the next generation destroyer?”
"Actually, it is an upgraded version of this 052C. Our design is secondary. The key is the technical pre-research by relevant units." Qin Tao introduced: "Currently, our phased array radar still uses air-cooling, and the radome is It is curved. In the future, our relevant units will be able to manufacture a liquid-cooled phased array radar, the cover will become a flat plate, and the continuous working capability will be greatly enhanced."
"Our air defense missile system currently uses a plum blossom-type launcher. When technology advances in the future, we will create universal launchers such as thermal launchers, hot and cold co-racks, etc. At the same time, the ship body can also be lengthened to accommodate More missiles. In addition to Haihongqi-9, we also need medium-range and even short-range air defense missiles. It is not cost-effective to use Haihongqi-9 to hit short-range targets."
"Of course, this will increase the displacement, and we also need a more powerful gas turbine. Our relevant units are developing the UGT-25000 gas turbine. This gas turbine can propel a warship with a full load displacement of 8,000 tons. Unlike what we are doing now, only Six thousand tons of displacement.”
Qin Tao talked eloquently, the current 052C is still Xiao Tiantian, and will soon become Mrs. Niu.
However, there are some places that do not need to be upgraded. Qin Tao looked towards the bow of the ship, where a single-barreled naval gun was poked.
"Fortunately, our domestic relevant units have worked hard and have produced the H/PJ-38 single-barreled 130mm naval gun." Qin Tao pointed to the bow of the ship: "That naval gun will become the first choice for our destroyers in the future. .”
Domestic naval gun technology is also backward, so in the 1980s, they gritted their teeth and imported 100mm naval guns from the French. It was said that they could be used for decades, but in actual use, it was found that this kind of Naval guns are really useless. They are not powerful enough to attack sea targets. They are not powerful enough for air defense operations, and their rate of fire is not enough.
Except for France, other countries in the West do not use naval guns of this caliber. They have 127 mm caliber on destroyers and 76 mm caliber on frigates. They have to specialize in the same.
At this time, everyone was very emotional when they heard Qin Tao say: "Yes, our naval guns also need to improve their performance. This 130 mm caliber naval gun is our best choice. Mr. Qin, this The project can’t thank you enough!”
At the beginning, Qin Tao dragged back a modern-class destroyer from Damao and dismantled it. Various technologies on it were taken away and studied by various units. Naturally, naval guns were also studied by relevant units. However, according to Qin Tao's introduction, they were also studied improved.
For example, Lao Maozi's AK-130 uses a double-barreled structure and supplies ammunition in two directions. In order to reduce weight and simplify the structure, a single-barrel method is used in China, and the ammunition supply is also changed to one-way. At the same time, a large number of aluminum alloy components are used, and the unique stealth turret outside is also made of fiberglass. In this way, the weight of the entire naval gun is only fifty tons.
In addition to naval guns, the 730 close-in defense gun has also been used on warships. The AK630 imitation of Lao Maozi can be eliminated! In terms of making cannons, the country still has a lot of technical strength.
Of course, the 730 naval gun cannot be seen clearly, as it has been covered by the flags. The launching ceremony of this warship was very grand, with flags hanging all over it, from the bow to the bridge, and from the bridge to the stern. Vertical flags are hung.
Everyone continued to walk forward, past the bow of the ship, and in the middle of the hull, they could see the two cylindrical gas turbine exhaust pipes and the outdated Yagi antenna on the rear mast.
There is a phased array radar in the front and a Yagi antenna in the back. This layout looks a bit funny.
"The 517 radar has also been installed. What else is left on this warship that has not been installed?" A leader couldn't help but sigh: "Can it be directly launched into sea trials?"
“Of course not, the sailors’ beds haven’t been installed yet, and the cooking stoves haven’t been put in either.” Qin Tao explained with a smile.
The combat weapons are almost installed, and after launching into the water and outfitting, only some living facilities are left.
No way, this was delayed by the four-sided phased array radar. The production of phased array radar takes time. They can't wait for the phased array radar all the time. They might as well install other equipment when they have time. As a result, the sound of the phased array radar is... Everything has been installed.
"It should be no problem." Qin Tao nodded: "Please rest assured, leaders, although our warship is launched later than 167, it will definitely not delay the sea trial. Maybe it will be one step earlier than the sea trial of 167."
As everyone continued to move forward, a cylindrical launch tube appeared behind the mast supporting the radar.
“Currently, our brother units provide us with the YJ-62, so we can only temporarily install this missile. When the YJ-12 matures, the YJ-12 missile can be installed here.”
Speaking of anti-ship missiles, it is also embarrassing.
The most mature one in China is the YJ-8. Previous warships of the Navy were equipped with the YJ-81 with a range of 40 kilometers, while the export version uses a turbojet engine instead, increasing the range to more than 100 kilometers.
The Navy has always attached great importance to anti-ship capabilities, and of course it must continue to develop anti-ship missiles. The most advanced one is the YJ-12, which is a supersonic anti-ship missile with a range of several hundred kilometers, which is enough to support the navy's future anti-ship mission. .
However, the development of this missile has been slow and has not matured yet. Although the launcher is installed on the No. 138 destroyer, the missile is not yet available.
On this ship No. 168, we can no longer wait for the YJ-12. After all, the southern fleet cannot be a facade. It must have real missiles to respond to emergencies at any time.
So, we can only pretend to have what we have.
Currently, the mature missile with the longest range that the Navy has on hand is the YJ-62. This is still a subsonic anti-ship missile. Its appearance is different from the YJ-81, but it is very similar to the Tomahawk missile. The missile body is slender and inserted into the missile. There are two small wings and four missile wings at the tail. However, its warhead is oval and the tail is designed as a truncated cone.
Its flight path is also very similar to that of the YJ-81, both are sea-skimming raids, and its range has been increased to 300 kilometers. It is the most suitable weapon that the navy can find at this stage.
At the same time, it is also the first time to use a cylindrical launch tube. The launch tube is huge, much larger than the previous YJ-81 series.
This missile is destined to be just a transitional product. After the YJ-12 is finalized, the launcher can be removed and replaced with the YJ-12. When it comes to long-distance attacks, the YJ-12 is better.
Of course, this missile will not be wasted. Since it is not intended for personal use, it can be exported. It just so happens that the international export weapons limit is also 300 kilometers, so it can become a big killer for foreign trade warships.
"Yes, we are still looking forward to the arrival of the YJ-12 missile." Wu Shengli said: "This missile is a key project of the Navy and is technically very difficult. However, relevant units are working hard to tackle the problem. Tao Zi, if there is an opportunity in the future , you can also poach some of Lao Maozi’s anti-ship missile designers.”
"Yeah." Qin Tao nodded and agreed. We'll talk about it if we can dig it back. We can't refute my father-in-law's face in this situation!
“At this stage, the most powerful anti-ship missiles in our navy are still the Sunburn missiles on the two modern-class ships.” An officer said.
"Yes, that kind of missile is advanced, but there is no secret at all. After Da Mao sold the modern-class missile to us, the Americans purchased several Sunburn missiles from Er Mao." Qin Tao said: "We will use the Eagle in the future If the Strike-12 is built, the modern-level ones will also have to be replaced.”
Although the media boasts that the Sunburn missile is an aircraft carrier killer, everyone knows clearly that the range of this missile is too close and is not enough to threaten the aircraft carrier formation. In terms of imitation and self-development, China still chooses to in-house Research and use Sunburn missile technology to develop the new anti-ship missiles we need.
Now it seems that this choice is very far-sighted. If the Navy directly imitates the Sunburn missile, it will be clearly known to others. A missile without any secrets will encounter various problems in actual combat. .
"Now anti-ship missiles can only poke here. When our universal vertical launcher is developed in the future, anti-ship missiles can also be inserted in, so there won't be such trouble." Qin Tao said: "Everyone then look back, just We have reached the final hangar area, and I have to urge our navy on this point. When can we get advanced carrier-based helicopters? Our Z-9 helicopters cannot afford future anti-submarine missions!"
Because the tail of the hull is wide, a double hangar is arranged on it, but the choice of helicopters has not been fixed yet.
So, during the design, the hangar was left with enough length and height to accommodate both the Ka-27 and the Z-9. However, neither of these helicopters are good.
The Ka-27 came with the modern-class destroyers, and together with the junk that Qin Tao got back, there are also a number of them in China. However, this kind of coaxial reverse helicopter is not mainstream, and there is no plan to map and imitate it in China. This kind.
As for the Zhijiu, its tonnage is too low. Normally, two of them have to be dispatched together, one with a sonobuoy and one with a torpedo, which greatly reduces the combat effectiveness.
Two types of helicopters, one tall and one long, are not the best choices.
To say that the most suitable helicopter is of course the surveying and mapping imitation product of the Black Hawk, a ten-ton general-purpose helicopter. After the emergence of this helicopter, it will quickly fill the gaps in the military and civil aviation and become the most important product.
"Yes, we lack a qualified carrier-based helicopter, but we cannot rush this project. The demand from the Air Force is stronger. When the Air Force invests in research and development, our Navy will be able to benefit from it," Wu Shengli said.
There is no other way, R&D funds are limited. Under the current circumstances, we can only give up first and wait to take advantage of the Air Force.
The Navy has so much money, wouldn't it be good to build two more 052Cs?
Qin Tao was also speechless.
Speaking of helicopters, the biggest shortcoming is the engine. Without advanced turboshaft engines, it is impossible to have advanced helicopters. In this regard, China still has a long way to go.
Qin Tao was sighing in his heart, and Yang Dawei came over: "Mr. Qin, it's almost time. Is it time to hold a launching ceremony?"
“That’s right, leaders, please go to the rostrum.” Qin Tao said, “Our launching ceremony is about to begin!”
At Mingzhou Group, launching ceremonies are often held. A built ship will be launched every few months. It is no longer a big deal. If the ship owner does not require it, then it can be simply done.
It is rare to see such a big fanfare this time. After all, the significance of this launch is of great significance, and it can even be said to be transcending the times.
After all, destroyers launched in the past were either modified or assembled with imported parts. This time, the 052C is the first time that it is assembled with all domestic parts, from engines to weapon systems to electronic equipment. All are domestic products. This is a new starting point, which means that domestic warship research and development has entered a new historical period!
All shortcomings have been made up, and we no longer need to be controlled by others.
Two 052s were built back then, but they had to stop building them because of the lack of ship-use gas turbines. Now they are no longer needed. We have our own gas turbines!
At that time we only had short-range air defense missiles, but now we have regional air defense missiles!
There was no advanced radar equipment back then, but we have already taken care of it now!
Standing on the rostrum, Wu Shengli was very excited.
"Today, I am very excited. The first ship of 052C is finally going to be launched, which means that the development of our naval equipment has entered a new period! Now, the Navy has named it the No. 168 destroyer, hoping that it will become the star of our motherland. Warships, protect the motherland’s maritime rights and interests in the southern waters!”
Everyone applauded.
"The Navy's ability to possess such a powerful warship is the result of the hard work of countless technicians. We have overcome the technical problems of gas turbines, we have solved the problems of phased array radar and vertical launch missiles, and we also have an advanced combat command system! Wu Shengli's voice resounded over the entire shipyard: "After unremitting efforts, we finally have a nationally produced air defense destroyer! I believe that with this spirit, we will be able to build a strong navy and be able to fulfill our duties." The sacred mission that history has given us!”
The applause came one after another without stopping, and everyone was very excited.
“Now, the launching ceremony begins!”
Champagne flew to the bow of the ship, foam splashed, firecrackers sounded, and the huge hull slowly moved backwards. It would enter the water for the first time and be embraced by the river for the first time!
Countless people are watching the launch of this warship. This is a new beginning. From then on, the navy of the motherland will officially enter a period of rapid development! Warships of the same type will be launched one after another, and the navy has officially entered the era of violent warfare!
In addition to the slipway of Mingzhou Shipyard, Huating Shipyard, Bincheng Shipyard, etc. will start construction to build a large number of such warships!
The huge hull entered the water and splashed with waves. The tugboat came over and towed the ship to the outfitting dock aside for the final outfitting. Everyone watched the warship moored and then walked up with interest to visit. Each piece of equipment above.
The launch of this warship naturally attracted global attention.
However, due to the news on the TV, no one regards the launch of this warship as a threat anymore. After all, there are too many threats in the world, and some threats are intolerable to the superpowers. They have changed their sights. , to find the enemy who can really threaten them.
The person who is most worried about the launch of this warship is of course Ah San.
(End of this chapter)