Chapter 812 PD-50 Floating Dock
The land of Lao Maozi is still covered with snow, and many ports are covered with ice and snow. Seeing this scene, people will understand why Lao Maozi has been pursuing ice-free ports. In winter, most of the fleet cannot be dispatched. , can only be beaten passively, this is really intolerable.
However, there are exceptions. Among all the ports owned by Lao Maozi, one of them is located in a cold area at 69 degrees north latitude, but it does not freeze all year round. This is Murmansk.
Despite its high latitude, the Arctic Ocean where Murmansk Port is located is affected by the North Atlantic Warm Current from the Atlantic Ocean, and the source of the North Atlantic Warm Current is the Gulf Stream.
This warm current is very powerful, with a temperature eight degrees Celsius higher than the surrounding seawater, and a large scale. It flows northward and divides into two branches at 30 or 40 degrees north latitude, one of which becomes the North Atlantic Warm Current.
Under the influence of the prevailing westerly belt, it flows eastward. Therefore, after a long journey, this warm current originating from the Gulf of Mexico transports higher-temperature seawater from the middle and low latitudes of the northern hemisphere to the port of Murmansk. sea area. Even though it has crossed the entire Atlantic Ocean, it still maintains high temperatures, so the Murmansk port will not freeze.
In addition to the characteristics of sea water, there is also the local topography. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which blocks all the cold air. The relatively closed space also helps to keep the port warm.
“The port of Murmansk is a gift from nature to us.” Looking at the scene in the port, Nikolai sighed with emotion.
“Yes, this is really a miracle of nature.” Qin Tao echoed.
After discussing it in Moscow, Qin Tao did not go back immediately, but came here with Nikolai because they had to complete the preliminary work on the modification of the third Kirov-class cruiser, the Admiral Nakhimov cruiser. , only after completing the survey can you decide whether to actually take action.
For better operation, they decided to move the cruiser to the floating dock in advance.
At this time, the two people were walking forward while talking, and a huge floating dock appeared in front of them.
On both sides of the floating dock are vertical bulkheads with openings at the front and rear, which can accommodate ships to enter and exit. Although this big thing looks a little rusty, it is still very useful. The words PD-50 are painted on its side.
"This is the largest floating dock in our 82nd Ship Repair Yard, and also our largest dock in the country. It was built in 1980, with a length of 330 meters and a width of 67 meters. In fact, when the aircraft carrier was refitted for Asan, it could completely move up to our Let’s use this floating dock to transform it.” Ivan, the person in charge of the 82 Ship Repair Yard, said: “With the floating dock, the transformation will be smoother.”
“The journey is too long and the cost is too great.” Nicholas shook his head: “Besides, there is only such a floating dock and many ships need to be repaired. How can we keep our aircraft carrier occupied?”
“Can this floating dock accommodate the Kuznetsov?” Qin Tao asked curiously.
"Yes, when our Kuznetsov needs mid-term overhaul, it can be repaired on our floating dock. It was built during the Red Empire and can repair warships of up to 80,000 tons. When it was built It was planned to be used as a floating maintenance base for the aircraft carrier." Ivan nodded.
“Eighty thousand tons. When it was built, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was also included.”
Speaking of that warship, many people feel sad. If the Red Empire had not collapsed, then they would have three aircraft carriers!
Now, the sister ships of the same type of aircraft carrier have become the main force in the East, while the next-level nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has been dismantled into scrap metal, which is sad.
"The Ulyanovsk aircraft carrier plans to use a nuclear power system, but now judging from our experience in using nuclear power cruisers, this system has big problems." Nikolai said: "Even if it is In a few years, the equipment troops will be paralyzed due to the failure of the power system. It is no pity that the aircraft carrier has not been built. Now, we need to replace the Nasimov with a mature power system. When we wait in the future, We will also have similar gas turbines, and when that time comes, we will build a gas turbine-driven aircraft carrier."
Nicola is optimistic. A person cannot always hold on to the past, he must look forward.
“Yes, Your Excellency Nicholas is right.” Ivan quickly agreed.
Even though their 82 ship repair yard has an 80,000-ton floating dock, it has not received business for a long time. Now it is easy to get a project, so you have to compliment Nicholas and follow him in everything.
“This floating dock won’t fall apart, right?” Qin Tao was a little worried: “It doesn’t look like it’s in very good condition.”
"It's just some rust. Don't worry, there won't be any problems. When the Nassimov arrives, we can lift it up. First, check the condition of the bottom of the hull and clean up the dirt on the bottom. You guys Hull flaw detection and internal inspection can also be carried out to determine whether the warship is worthy of modification," Ivan said.
What is rust? Are there any weapons in Mao’s country that are not rusty? This thing is out of the way.
Nicholas nodded: "Yes, we need to check it first. I hope the Nasimov will not let us down."
This is a necessary step before modification.
During the voyage, warships will encounter many problems. The hull may have internal damage. If the damage is serious, it may lose the value of modification. They first pulled out the No. 3 ship because they expected this ship to be the latest in age. warships have modification value.
While several people were discussing, a Volga drove nearby, the car stopped, and a person inside walked quickly towards this side.
“Your Excellency Nicholas, Mr. Qin, my superiors have ordered me to be the deputy chief engineer of this modification project to assist you in completing the improvement of the power system.”
"I'm curious, why did your Ruby Design Bureau take over this project? Shouldn't it be the Northern Design Bureau? Have you ever built a surface ship?" Qin Tao looked at the person who came over curiously: Bazzaro, the head of the Ruby Design Bureau Husband, this guy is actually willing to be the deputy in this modification project. What's going on?
The Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruiser is a masterpiece of the Northern Design Bureau. This time the bid for the 22350 frigate project failed. The Northern Design Bureau needs to be comforted. It is best to let them take over the modification plan of this nuclear-powered cruiser.
Why did a submariner come here?
"If it is to modify other equipment, of course the Northern Design Bureau will take over, but what is being modified now is the integrated electric propulsion of the whole ship. The superiors think it is very similar to the drive system of our submarine." Bazarov said: "So, we should be able to If you can help, for example, in driving motors, etc., we can provide related products.”
The drive system of a submarine?
Qin Tao realized that although his side had modified it for Lao Maozi this time, Lao Maozi obviously did not trust his side. In other words, Lao Maozi had greater ambitions. They wanted to learn the most advanced technology in the world through this modification. After the integrated electric propulsion system arrives, they can use this experience to modify other warships or build new warships.
However, Lao Maozi did not have relevant technical reserves. They had to send relevant professionals to study, which must have taken a lot of brains. In the end, they discovered: Isn't this very similar to the power system of a submarine?
The steam heated by the nuclear reactor of a nuclear-powered submarine is used to drive a steam turbine. For simplicity, the steam turbine is usually used directly to drive the propeller. However, conventional diesel-electric submarines are troublesome.
In the surface or snorkel state, the submarine needs to use a diesel engine, but when it is underwater, it can only use the battery. When using the battery, it must be driven by an electric motor. So when it is on the surface, is it directly driven by the diesel engine? Or generate electricity first?
In previous eras, submarines were mainly driven on the water surface, so they were directly driven by diesel engines. Nowadays, submarines can stay underwater for longer, so they have transitioned to using diesel engines to generate electricity and drive tail motors, eliminating the need to fiddle with two sets of devices.
For example, the common Kilo-class submarines used by Lao Maozi use this method. There are four propulsion motors at the tail. The main propulsion motor has a maximum power of 4040 kilowatts, the cruise motor has a maximum power of 95 kilowatts, and two backup propulsion motors are 75 kilowatts each. Lao Maozi probably knew that his motor was unreliable, so he simply used his numerical advantage to improve reliability.
At this time, hearing what Bazarov said, Qin Tao nodded: "Of course, it's okay for you to provide us with motors, but is the power enough? Have you calculated how much power is needed to drive a 25,000-ton cruiser? Drive the motor?"
Bazarov thought for a moment, and then his face became a little ugly.
This is not difficult to calculate. According to the scheduled plan, the Kilo-class cruiser needs to install two 40-megawatt gas turbines, plus two low-speed diesel engines, so the total power will definitely exceed 100 megawatts. It is impossible to use all this power. For the propulsion system, some power must be left for use on the warship. Calculated in this way, each propeller needs to obtain at least 40 megawatts of power. In other words, each drive motor needs 40 megawatts?
If you use the main propulsion motors of Kilo-class submarines, you will need ten of them!
Even if they enlarge the motor, it is impossible to increase the power tenfold. It seems that they cannot provide the power system and can only use products produced in the East.
“Mr. Qin, can you produce an electric motor with a power of 40 megawatts?” Bazarov asked. He didn’t think Dongfang could do it.
"Of course not." Qin Tao said: "The maximum power of the motors we currently produce is 25 megawatts. We use two motors to drive a propeller, so that we can reach an output of fifty megawatts. Four motors are one hundred Although the power generation system may not necessarily be able to generate that much power, megawatts, but providing a drive motor large enough to meet the needs of future upgrades can be regarded as a technical reserve."
Nicola nodded, satisfied with Qin Tao's arrangement.
Actually, he doesn’t know anything about electric propulsion, but he believes in Qin Tao. As long as Qin Tao says it, it can be done.
“Two motors drive one propeller, so that when one of the motors fails, power will not be completely lost.” Qin Tao continued: “This is also a safe solution.”
“Yes, Mingzhou Group’s plan is the most suitable.” Nikolai said: “Bazarov, since you are here to participate, then follow us to learn together, and we can develop our own system in the future.”
Bazarov blushed a little. Even though that’s what I meant, there was no need to say it, right? Wouldn't this be embarrassing in front of Mr. Qin?
Who would have thought that Qin Tao was very generous: "Yes, if you learn well, although you still can't modify the Kirov-class cruiser, you can still modify the 22350 frigate. You can just use the submarine's motor. "
Of course, Qin Tao will not elaborate on the specific technical principles. AC, DC, high voltage and medium voltage, these route choices are different, and the difficulty of research and development is also different.
They want to learn? That can only be a wishful thinking, because it is impossible for them to learn the most critical thing. When they use it themselves, the most they can do is use a gas turbine to generate electricity and then supply it to the propulsion system, but how to distribute the power of the entire warship? There is no way to learn things like preventing tripping.
While a few people were communicating, a warship was slowly approaching on the sea in the distance.
This warship is very large. The huge orange peel-shaped radar antenna on the ten-meter-high main mast is very eye-catching and can be recognized at a glance.
“The cruiser Admiral Nakhimov is coming!” Nikolai said: “Fortunately, it can still move.”
"That's right, even if the nuclear power fails, it can still be powered by a heavy oil boiler." Qin Tao said: "The West calls this kind of warship a battlecruiser. Now it looks like a battleship."
The Kirov-class cruiser is so huge that there is no other type except it in the world, so it is called a battlecruiser. Now looking at its majestic appearance, Qin Tao is yearning for it.
In the future, the country will build a 10,000-ton engine, and it will definitely not be this huge. Should the country raise its goal and build a behemoth of this level?
Of course, this can only be thought about. China does not even build many 10,000-ton large-scale propellers. The 052 is more practical.
"Yes, although our navy has been somewhat weakened in recent years, we still have a lot of first-class equipment." Speaking of this, Nicholas was also in a happy mood. He still has good things under his command, and this type 1144 cruiser is one of them. one!
There are many reasons for choosing to rebuild the Admiral Nakhimov cruiser first. Although this cruiser can still operate, the nuclear power system has exposed many minor problems, and it has been operational for ten years. The nuclear reactor is almost due. Replacing nuclear fuel is a big project, so we might as well just replace it with a mature system.
If this ship is modified, the first two will also be modified according to this plan. When the modification is completed, the fourth ship may also be modified. Four 25,000-ton cruisers are enough to support the future of the Mao Navy!
This kind of cruiser is quite spectacular with a large group of 22350 frigates. Even without an aircraft carrier, it is enough to show off its force! Nicholas looked forward to this prospect very much.
Ivan also got busy.
“Fill in water, fill the floating dock with water!”
The floating dock is somewhat like a submarine. After filling with water, the hull sinks and the floor of the floating dock enters the water. This way, the floating dock can be driven under the target ship, or the target ship can be driven over and stop above the floating dock, and then the floating dock is drained. The boat was lifted up. Only when the boat was out of the water could some maintenance projects be carried out.
“Can the PD-50 floating dock be moved over?” Qin Tao asked.
"There is a problem with the power system and the propulsion motor cannot be used. We use the electricity on land to meet the water pump and other operations of the floating dock. It is not a big problem if it can't move. Anyway, the Nasimov has its own power system. It can start Just come here." Ivan said.
There are also floating docks in the East. Their floating docks are self-powered and can cross the ocean when needed. This is how the Varyag was built back then. However, Lao Maozi's floating dock has long been in decline. If something goes wrong and he has no money to repair it, he can only make do with it.
Looking at the land cable being connected to the floating dock, Qin Tao had an indescribable feeling. Is this thing reliable? Are there any backup options?
The floating dock is sinking at a speed visible to the naked eye. At the same time, the cruiser Nasimov is also slowly moving over. Several tugboats are coming to help. At this time, you must be careful. If an accident occurs, the loss is not something the navy can bear.
However, it seems not easy to make the always careless old man be careful. Now, they are trying their best.
The 25,000-ton Nasimov slowly moved toward the floating dock. The tugboats kept helping adjust the position of the cruiser, and they worked slowly and carefully. It took about half a day to finally move up.
“Attention, start the water pump to drain the water now, lift up our cruiser, we have to work!”
The floating dock will sink when filled with water, and will float when dewatered. The purpose of sinking is to load warships, and floating is the key.
The roaring sound started.
The high-power water pump started to work. Amidst the sound of water flow, the huge floating dock supported the cruiser to float up and up. The bottom of the Nasimov, which had been soaked in sea water all year round, slowly emerged from the water.
Lao Maozi's warships have always been carefree. In today's world where stealth is valued by all countries, the decks of Lao Maozi's warships are still covered with brick-red anti-rust paint. To put it nicely, it is called tradition. To put it worst, it means that there is no money and no anti-rust paint. Apply other colors of paint on top.
The same goes for the parts below the waterline, which are all brick-red anti-rust paint. However, after a long period of soaking in sea water, a lot of marine life, various shells, and various seaweeds have been densely attached to the outside of these anti-rust paints. .
“It seems that it’s really time for a major overhaul.” Nicholas frowned: “These **** free travelers have to be shoveled down. This is a big project!”
"Yes, our repair shop can work on these for a while." Ivan said.
This is purely physical work, and normal people can do it. This can provide a large number of labor opportunities. As long as the Navy provides funding, they can live on this income.
At this moment, suddenly, the rumble of the water pump disappeared.
“Why did the water pump stop?” Nicholas asked.
“I don’t know, it shouldn’t be like this.” Ivan said: “We have four water pumps, and even if one of them stops, it will not affect the normal operation of the floating dock.”
“Report, there’s a power outage!” A boatman hurried over.
"Power outage? We are performing important tasks for the navy, how can there be a power outage?" Ivan said angrily: "Go and check the lines!"
“There’s no problem with the line!”
"Damn it!" Ivan took out his mobile phone and dialed a number: "Hey, is this the Power Supply Bureau? We are the 82nd Ship Repair Yard, and we are currently undertaking key projects of the Navy..."
"Yes, we know, so you need to pay us the arrears of the electricity bill of 300,000 rubles first." A lazy voice came from inside: "As long as you pay the electricity bill, we will restore the power supply immediately. "
“Damn it!” Nikolai took the phone and said, “Hey, I’m Nikolai. Now I order you to restore the power supply immediately, otherwise...hey, hey!”
Nicholas looked at his phone angrily. The other party had actually hung up the phone. Could it be that his name was too ordinary and the other party couldn't tell who he was?
"Zaitsev!" Nikolai shouted: "Immediately take a group of people to the power supply bureau and ask them to restore power immediately. If they don't obey, use the guns in your hands to let them know that this is wrong. !”
Nicolas was angry, and the consequences were serious.
But at this moment, Bazarov suddenly shouted: "Why do I see that the left side of the floating dock is sinking?"
Now, the floating dock is in the process of rising. Even if the water pump is not powered, the floating dock cannot continue to float. How can it sink now?
This is unscientific!
“Damn it, hurry up, save our floating dock immediately!” Nicholas shouted loudly.
Ivan has already rushed forward: "Drain the water, drain the water immediately!"
“No, add water to the right side immediately!” Another person shouted loudly.
Under normal circumstances, a floating dock will not sink. However, the PD-50 floating dock, which has been in disrepair for a long time, encountered an unexpected situation during a power outage. Water began to enter the left side, and the floating dock began to tilt. Incidentally, The entire dock was tilting.
If left unchecked, it will soon affect the cruiser inside. The best way is to add water to the right side to balance the weight and prevent it from tipping over.
But it’s no longer useful!
Visible to the naked eye, the floating dock tilted about 30 degrees to the left. The Nasimov held inside slid sideways on the floating dock, and then slammed into the left side of the floating dock.
Boom!
The sound irritated everyone's eardrums, and everyone looked at the floating dock with horrified eyes. After the impact, the floating dock sank faster. What about the Nasimov, which was tilted thirty degrees? Will you follow along?
(End of this chapter)