Chapter 732 40 MW Gas Turbine
To develop a brand-new aircraft, you need to build several prototypes. One of them will never fly into the air. It is directly subjected to static tests on the ground, that is, pressing jacks on various parts of the fuselage and wings. , press it for thousands of hours, and after reaching the end of its life, increase the pressure until the aircraft is completely shattered, and see what the maximum pressure it can withstand is.
After such experiments, you can have a thorough grasp of the fuselage.
However, the research and development of drones is very intense. Anyway, there are no people around, and there is no danger of life if it falls. Therefore, this kind of experiment has not been done yet. As a result, after it went up to the sky, it was found that the wing was not up to standard.
It only went up once and there were cracks when it came back. If it flew a few more times, it might break!
"With our current carbon fiber composite materials, we can only make it half the length at most. If it is longer, it will not be able to withstand it. But if it is not made this long, it will not be able to provide enough lift. If aluminum alloy is used, I will gain too much weight again, which is really a big trouble." Zhang Wanhe sighed.
The R&D project that was originally going smoothly suddenly encountered major technical problems. He was also helpless. Yunma Factory was just an aircraft manufacturer and its design capabilities were seriously insufficient. Even if some experts were invited to come over, it still wouldn't work.
“Can I add a pole to it?” Qin Tao asked.
Qin Tao finally understood that in the future, the domestic Falcon WJ-700 that looks exactly the same as the Global Hawk will not appear until 2021. Although the Rainbow series drones are similar in appearance to the Global Hawk, they are smaller in size. There are engine problems and wing problems. It is really difficult to make such a straight, high-aspect-ratio wing.
Since it can’t be made, we have to find a way to transform it. Qin Tao came up with another design in his mind, that is WZ-7!
If you have never eaten pork, you must have seen pigs running. Qin Tao in his previous life did not specialize in drones, but he has seen many types of drones. The body of this WZ-7 is very similar to the Global Hawk. , but the wings are completely different.
Global Hawk takes the path of the U-2, using long straight wings, but the WZ-7 uses two wings!
The position of the front wing is similar to that of the Global Hawk, but the wing is swept back, and there is another wing above the engine at the back. This wing is swept forward, and finally touches together in the middle of the front wing.
The upper wing is like a shoulder pole, pulling the lower wing. The scientific name is a tandem wing. Since it has two wings, it does not need a too long wingspan to provide the same Lift, and at the same time, because of the carrying pole, the strength of this kind of wing is higher. Even if our own composite material technology is not up to standard, there is no problem in making this kind of wing.
In the past, the engine was not powerful and could only be compensated by the aerodynamic layout. Now, the wing composite material is not up to par, and the wing can only be compensated!
When Qin Tao explained this design idea, everyone was stunned.
"Mr. Qin, you are so awesome!" Zhang Wanhe said: "According to the method you said, the length of the wing can be shortened by one-third! Coupled with the fixing function of the shoulder pole above, the main wing below will definitely not It will crack!"
The wing cracked because the length was too long and the composite material was not up to standard. Now the length is shortened and reinforced at the same time, which solves the problem!
“Is this easy to fold?” Wu Shengli was concerned about whether he could board the ship. If the wings did not fold, they would take up too much area.
“Of course it can. The aircraft used by the navy can completely fold the main wings from the part where the upper and lower wings are connected. In this way, it should cover an area similar to that of the J-5.” Qin Tao said.
“Changing the wings is a big project. Does it mean that all our flight controls have to be rewritten?” Zhang Dong was also very concerned.
This design solves the problem of insufficient wing rigidity, but if it is really redesigned, the cost will be high, and the current work may be all in vain.
"It shouldn't be necessary. This kind of aircraft is equivalent to a biplane. The flight control will be simpler than the existing one. Even after taking off, you only need to go up and learn it. After all, it is only for reconnaissance and attack, and it does not engage in combat."
Fighters must be piloted because people are flexible. Fighters can perform various complex maneuvers, but drones are different. They only need to fly smoothly and steadily.
Zhang Dong nodded.
“If we just carry out these tasks, it should be completed before the air show.” Zhang Wanhe said: “Moreover, at the air show, others will not be able to say that our product is an imitation of the Global Hawk.”
Qin Tao said that he would take it to the air show, and Zhang Wanhe was very much looking forward to it. After all, they wanted to sell this drone. Only by selling it could they make money and their Yunma Factory develop. After all, you can't live your whole life relying on destroying Jiao Qi.
This drone is an important product for their transformation.
However, if you take it directly, it will definitely attract criticism, because it is almost exactly the same as the Global Hawk. Zhang Wanhe is not afraid of being scolded by others, and can even use it to build momentum. It is the same as the Global Hawk, but the price is less than half. Come and buy it.
However, that is not good after all. Now, as long as the wings are modified, we can openly say that our aircraft has nothing to do with the Global Hawk, it is completely built by us!
Don’t look at the fuselage, look at the wings. The most important thing about an aircraft is the wings. If the wings are different, it can be said to be a different aircraft!
Qin Tao nodded: "Then keep working hard!"
Originally, this UAV was planned to be tested in the Wasteland Village, but now that the wing has changed, we have to continue to modify the design and test it on the aircraft carrier simulation deck. We have to wait until later.
However, apart from the wings, other systems are still very good, especially the advanced autopilot system of the drone and their pioneering missile attack plan, which are all amazing.
This visit to Yunma Factory is over. Now that he is here, Wu Shengli has no intention of going back immediately. It would also be good to go to Tianjiao Airlines for a walk.
After all, Tianjiao Aviation is preparing to produce the D-227 engine, which is related to many carrier-based aircraft projects of the Navy.
Since Wu Shengli wanted to go, of course Zhao Ling would lead the way. After all, Zhao Ling had worked in Tianjiao Airlines for a lot of time and was very familiar with everything here. When everyone passed by, they happened to see a new group of old men.
"Mr. Wu, Qin, Zhao, let me introduce to you, around you are Varisi Omelchenko." Zamotaeva said: "He used to be the general manager of the Zaporozhye Aviation Engine Manufacturing Plant. Presided over the production of D-227 engine."
Hearing Zamotaeva's introduction, Qin Tao was very excited: "Varisi, welcome to the East!"
Generally speaking, when greeting an old person you don’t know well, you always use the last name at the end. Only people you are familiar with will call the first names affectionately. Qin Tao is a familiar person, so he immediately uses the most affectionate name.
“I am over sixty years old, I hope you will not dislike my age.” Valisi Omelchenko said.
"Of course not." Qin Tao said: "Since an experienced technician like you is here, there is nothing more to say. You can be the general person in charge of our D-227 engine."
This appointment shocked Zamotaeva. According to the original agreement, the top leaders here were all sent by Mingzhou Group. Now, Qin Tao actually appointed someone from Ermao as the overall person in charge of the project? This authority is very large.
Valisi Omelchenko was also shocked: "Mr. Qin, what are you talking about? I will be responsible for the production of this engine?"
"That's right, you used to be the general manager of the factory. Now that you are the general manager of the project, you are demoted. I hope you will not feel wronged. Although your position is not high enough, your salary can be based on the level of the factory leader. Open." Qin Tao said, "What do you think?"
Valisi Omelchenko's face was full of excitement: "Don't worry, Mr. Qin, if I am the person in charge, we can put this engine into production within three months!"
“Okay, then when the first D-227 engine rolls off the assembly line, I will personally attend the offline ceremony! At that time, all participants will be rewarded!”
Zamotayeva was very curious. Even when the AI-222 engine project was launched, Mr. Qin was not so concerned. If it weren't for Zhao Ling being in charge here, Qin Tao would probably only come here once in half a year.
"Then we won't disturb Mr. Qin, let's go to work now!" Valisi Omelchenko immediately threw himself into the work. He has become the leader of the project, and there will be a large sum of money. salary!
Watching these old fools leave, Qin Tao continued to ask: "How is the European bidding going?"
In order to prevent Motor Sich from continuing to export technology to the East, the Europeans decided to drag Ermao into the A400M transport aircraft project and put forward conditions that would undermine cooperation with the East. However, under Qin Tao's suggestion, the cooperation continued, while the Europeans How is the progress of this transport aircraft project? Can Motorsic succeed in its bid?
"Qin, your conjecture is correct. The Europeans are just trying to disrupt our cooperation." Speaking of this matter, Zamotaeva was very annoyed: "At the beginning, only a few French people from Airbus invited us. We are just human beings. When we went to participate in the bidding, we were immediately hostile to others. The British, Italians, and Spaniards did not give us a good look. Even the other French people were full of hostility towards us. We There was no way they could win the bid for this project and they had no intention of actually considering our engine."
Facts have proved that cooperation with Dongfang is the most correct choice, and everyone else is unreliable!
“It’s great that you can open your eyes.” Qin Tao said: “When the D-227 engine is mass-produced, there will definitely be no problem in sales, and it will be installed on many of our aircraft.”
After being fooled again and again, Ermao finally learned to be smart and knew how to choose.
“Yes, the East is our best friend.” Zamotaeva said: “No matter how the external situation changes, our attitude towards cooperation with the East will not change, and we will continue to deepen our cooperation.”
Want to deepen it? Qin Tao was also a little curious. The production lines of the AI-222 and D-227 engines have been moved here. Are they still not satisfied? How do they plan to continue to deepen it? The D-18 engine project has been rejected by myself. After all, it is too big. For the time being, we do not have a suitable aircraft to use it. What is left is a turboshaft engine for helicopters. Is it necessary to jointly produce turboshafts next? Engine? Lao Maozi's technology is a bit backward, and I'm afraid I won't look down on him.
Although he disliked it, Qin Tao couldn't say it directly. He pretended to be very interested: "Zamotaeva, how do you plan to deepen cooperation?"
“Mr. Qin, you should know that our D-18T has one of the few high-thrust turbofan engines in the world. Its thrust reaches 23 tons, which is at the same level as the CF6 engine used by the American C5 Galaxy transport aircraft.”
In the long history, there have been many versions of CF6. The initial version had a thrust of about 23 tons. In the later period, it was further expanded to more than 30 tons. Now, Zamotayeva said that the two are on the same level and there is no difference. Wrong.
Although the thrust of many bomber engines can reach this level, or even higher, the thrust of this kind of engine is based on turning on the afterburner, which is produced by taking drugs, and turbofans such as the D-18T The engine can output this kind of power for a long time.
At this time, after hearing Zamotaeva's words, Qin Tao nodded: "So?"
"We have noticed that the Americans have developed the LM6000 gas turbine based on CF6. The maximum power of this gas turbine can even reach 50 megawatts." Zamotayeva said: "They can do it, and so can we. It can be done. If we can develop a gas turbine based on the D-18T, there will definitely be a broad market!"
Qin Tao's eyes suddenly lit up. He never expected that Er Mao would be so creative!
At present, the most commonly used gas turbine in the international market is the LM2500, which was developed by the Americans on the TF39 engine. It is also a common way to convert aerospace engines into gas turbines. British gas turbines were also developed in this way.
The LM2500 gas turbine has been continuously improved throughout its long history. Initially, the power output was 18.7 megawatts, which is about 25,500 horsepower. In 1998, the improved LM2500+ gas turbine had reached an output of 30 megawatts. , which is about 40,000 horsepower. In the later period, when it was improved to LM200+G4, the power had been increased to 34 megawatts, almost doubled, but at the same time, its power output had also reached its end. If you want to continue to improve, That's almost impossible.
Therefore, a new power output is needed. This is the LM6000 gas turbine. The starting power output is 40 megawatts. After improvement, the output can be increased to 50 megawatts. It can continue to be improved in the future. It can be said that the performance is quite powerful.
Looking at China, the main gas turbine currently used is the UGT-25000 gas turbine obtained from Ermao. The power is only 20 megawatts. Later, after further improvement, it has only reached about 26.7 megawatts, which is 3.6 Ten thousand horsepower, and this is almost the limit, and it is difficult to increase it further.
The American LM-6000 gas turbine has twice the power!
Different powers correspond to different warship displacements. The currently built 052C has a displacement of only six to seven thousand tons. This is because the gas turbine is so large. If the displacement increases, the speed will decrease.
055 uses four gas turbines, which expands the displacement to 12,000 tons, but it has also reached its end.
Now, what if it is replaced by a D-18T improved gas turbine? Even if the output power is only 40 megawatts, two units can drive a 10,000-ton large drive to a speed of over 30 knots! Four units can drive a warship of more than 20,000 tons!
If high speed is not required, the tonnage of the warship can be expanded to 40,000 tons, or even 60,000 tons. After all, the British Queen-class aircraft carrier, with a displacement of more than 60,000 tons, only has two MT30 gas turbines installed. The power of a single unit is only 36 megawatts.
Suddenly, Qin Tao's heart became inexplicably excited. Not to mention the aircraft carrier, next, our side will definitely need to build an amphibious assault ship. This kind of warship has a large tonnage, but its use of boilers is somewhat backward. If there is We have a 40-megawatt gas turbine, which can be used as power!
Amphibious assault ships do not need high speed, two of them are enough! The plan that Zamotaeva is talking about now is simply a tailor-made power for our own amphibious assault ships. Moreover, if we further develop advanced warships such as 20,000-ton destroyers in the future, this kind of engine is also very suitable. , In fact, even for a 10,000-ton large-scale drive, the combination of two gas turbines and two diesel engines is more economical than four gas turbines.
Although he was happy in his heart, he still didn't show it on his face, and said with doubts: "Is it feasible to use D-18T to develop gas turbines? After all, we have no such precedent in Ermao."
The West uses aero engines to develop gas turbines, but Lao Maozi does not. Lao Maozi's gas turbines are specially developed and are produced in steam turbine research and development units, so their marine gas turbines are very large, one size larger than those in the West. However, the performance of this gas turbine is very solid, and Lao Maozi still pays attention to practicality.
However, this also leads to a result: Lao Maozi has no experience in modifying gas turbines on aircraft engines!
"We really have no precedent, but we have the technology." Zamotaeva said: "We have carefully studied the improvements of the American LM-6000 gas turbine and feel that their changes are not difficult. We can completely follow their changes. To carry out the process, what we lack now is funds. As long as there is capital injection from Mingzhou Group, the research and development will be successful."
Aerospace engines of this level are all large bypass ratio turbofans with a huge fan in front, which can provide high enough thrust and save fuel at the same time. However, as a gas turbine, this thing has no meaning.
Therefore, when the Americans designed the LM-6000, they removed the CF6 as the fan of the turbofan engine and the low-pressure turbine that drives the fan, and then redesigned the low-pressure compressor and low-pressure turbine. Moreover, with clever design, the new The low-pressure turbine not only drives the low-pressure compressor, but also drives the load and functions as a power turbine. This method is of course intended to simplify the power system.
The inlet of the low-pressure compressor must be equipped with adjustable guide vanes to facilitate the start-up and changing operating conditions of the unit. On the other hand, the combustion system must be changed. In the past, aviation kerosene was used, but now a variety of fuels are used, and even more than just Limited to liquid fuels, natural gas is also available.
Motor Sich Company has the ability to make changes, but only if it has money. After all, improvement requires a lot of money.
Wu Shengli stood aside and said nothing, but his heart was full of emotions. If a 40-megawatt gas turbine could be built, the navy would have a suitable power system when it builds larger warships!
However, he couldn't speak. This involved a huge exchange of interests, and everything was waiting for Qin Tao to decide.
"If changes are to be made, I suggest that the research work be done in our country." Qin Tao said: "You also know that our country has begun mass production of marine gas turbines and has accumulated rich experience. We also have experience in operating the LM2500 gas turbine. , where we have the highest efficiency of improvement.”
If the Mingzhou Group just spends money and lets Motorsic Company improve it, of course it won't work. It can pay, but the technology must be jointly researched, and it must be in China!
"Mr. Qin, you do have experience in the production of marine gas turbines, but you don't know about our D-18T engine." Zamotayeva said: "If you ask your technical staff to go to Zaporizhia, How about studying together there?”
Qin Tao shook his head: "I think it is best to work here. After all, our research environment is very good. Your Motorsich Company is just a production plant and has no R&D capabilities. Although Ivchenko-Progress Design Bureau is Those who engage in aviation engines have never designed gas turbines, and the conditions there are too backward. If they are unwilling to go elsewhere, they can set up a dedicated heavy-duty gas turbine design unit next to our Tianjiao Aviation."
Qin Tao’s attitude is also firm. If you want to research and develop, you have to come to the East. I don’t want the project to be suddenly terminated in the middle of the research and hundreds of millions of dollars in research and development funds to be wasted.
Even if you don't succeed in the end when you come to Dongfang, at least the information is still here. If people are driven away from Ermao's place, the information cannot be taken away.
Zamotaeva began to think deeply.
"This kind of gas turbine is not only used on ships, but also has many uses on land. Places such as oil and gas fields all need this kind of gas turbine. When combined with the generator produced by our Golden Sun Motor Company, it can form a power system." Qin Tao said: "After the research and development is completed, we should be able to sell more than a dozen units every year. After all, our business is all over the world."
"President Qin, I need to report to the country." Zamotaeva cannot make the decision on her own in this kind of matter.
"Okay, then we are looking forward to your good news." Qin Tao said: "Next, let's go to the production line to have a look."
(End of this chapter)