Chapter 857 Start of construction
October 1st is National Day, which is an important holiday in the motherland. Many units are on holiday, but Mingzhou Group is still busy.
It’s okay not to have a holiday, just pay. Workers of Mingzhou Group have long been accustomed to going to work. The normal salary is two or three times the salary in the same industry. But during holidays, the salary is three times the usual salary. They earn such high wages. , working without any complaints at all.
Today, outside the newly vacated shipyard, another group of people appeared. Most of them had black skin. They were unorganized and undisciplined. They came here just like traveling.
They are simply the lowest quality among all the customers of Mingzhou Group. However, there is no need to argue with them. After all, they are customers, and customers are God.
"Everyone, although the construction period of the warship built for you has been delayed a bit, this is only because we are waiting for our aircraft carrier to be launched." Qin Tao said: "The aircraft carrier we built for Goudahu was also built for you on the slipway. We decided to put it in the dock. Our aircraft carrier was just launched yesterday, and we will start building the Type 075 aircraft carrier for you today!"
"It's a pity that we came late. If we had come one day earlier, we could have caught up with your 002 aircraft carrier launching ceremony." Americo said: "This is really a pity."
What a pity, of course we arranged it deliberately. If your people come, the quality of the entire launching ceremony will be lowered! At this moment, one of the guests made a sound, and a mouthful of thick phlegm flew out, accurately landing in the middle of the road.
The people accompanying him showed contempt in their eyes, but the guy continued to dance and point here and there as if nothing had happened.
"Yes, the key is that the launch of the aircraft carrier was too late. We originally planned to launch it at the end of the year. Who would have thought that it would be launched earlier, so we didn't have time to send you news in advance." Qin Tao said: "Now, we will continue to hold the launch of the 075 aircraft carrier Groundbreaking ceremony, okay, we've arrived, do you want to go up and say a few words?"
The rostrum that was set up yesterday is still there for today. Américo nodded, walked to the microphone, and took out a piece of paper.
"Today is a memorable moment. In order to protect oil resources and safeguard oil interests, our Guinean Navy has decided to build a powerful navy. We need to purchase a large amount of equipment, especially aircraft carriers! The aircraft carriers we ordered from the East Construction is about to start today, and on this exciting day, I want to say that the East is our true friend!"
Since it was prepared in advance, his speech was pretty good, but then, everyone started to look at each other.
“Parents, if there are people from other countries present, then we should also say that other people are our friends, parentheses.”
This guy is really interesting! Qin Tao almost laughed, but the translator on the side simply skipped this sentence. Fortunately, the official language of Guinea is French, which most people cannot understand. Otherwise, it would be a real test for everyone: they have to hold back their laughter, but they always I want to laugh, but this feeling is not pleasant.
Finally, Americo finished his speech, and Qin Tao took the lead in applauding: "Well said!"
Americo smiled: "Mr. Qin, do you also have to say a few words?"
“Well, I’ll also say a few words.”
"The package of projects proposed by our Mingzhou Group to strengthen weak countries and strengthen armies is aimed at all countries. Anyone who wants to develop their country's military power but suffers from lack of funds can follow our plan. Without this project of ours, , the Guinean Navy can only purchase two frigates at most. Now, the Guinean Navy will order one 075, four 054s, four 039s, plus a supply ship. The addition of these equipment will increase the strength of the Guinean Navy. It’s a great supplement, and you can handle it with ease when facing threats such as pirates.”
Why didn’t Mao start construction of Guinea’s navy immediately? It's not because the slipway is not enough. After all, aircraft carriers with similar displacements can be built on the slipway by big companies, and of course the Guinea Navy can. The key is that the payment methods are different.
Since signing the contract, Mingzhou Group has sent personnel and ships to mine and transport iron ore and bauxite. When a large amount of these resources are mined and enough to pay for the 075 start-up expenses, they will start construction.
Of course, the explanation is very simple. We have no space and have to wait for the last order to be shipped. This way the business risk is minimized.
Of course, customers don’t have to worry. After all, the pilots sent by Guinea have already begun training in the east to fly fourth-generation aircraft. They gain new results every day and are full of confidence in this project.
The aircraft carrier that started construction today gave them another reassurance.
“Now, I announce that the construction of the 075 aircraft carrier has begun!”
Following Qin Tao's order, the first steel plate began to be cut, formed on the bending machine, and then sent to the shipyard, waiting for the arrival of the second piece, and began docking and welding. Watching this scene, the guests even danced.
“You can leave a few technical staff to supervise the entire construction.” Qin Tao said: “It’s just that our construction process is very dangerous. Every year, someone will slip and fall to their death.”
Qin Tao's words dispelled everyone's thoughts.
"No need, we have great trust in Mingzhou Group. After all, you have built so many ships and many aircraft carriers. We are completely confident in your shipbuilding technology." Americo said: "We just hope that you will The sooner we can complete the construction of this aircraft carrier, the better."
"Please rest assured that we are using a segmented construction plan with advanced technology and a very short construction period. In the West, such a 40,000-ton aircraft carrier would take seven or eight years. Take the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier as an example. Construction started in 1989, and it was launched in 1994. It has just been finalized and equipped with troops this year, and it took more than ten years."
"How long will it take for our ship?" Americo was a little worried. If it took seven or eight years to complete, then he couldn't wait.
“We are confident that this ship will be launched in one and a half years, outfitted and sea-tested in another year and a half, and delivered to the customer in three years.”
Three years! For them, the time may be long enough, but for the construction of an aircraft carrier, it is already quite short.
"Okay, then we'll wait." Americo nodded. He could still afford to wait for three years.
“President Qin, the aircraft carrier has started construction. When will the frigates and submarines we need start construction?” Américo continued to ask.
Of course we will wait until we continue mining and dig enough ore to start building frigates and submarines! Qin Tao thought secretly in his heart, but said: "Don't worry, as long as our slipway is free, we can start work for you. By the way, we have recently developed an upgraded 054. Before work starts, Do you want to upgrade?"
Upgraded model?
Americo’s eyes widened: “What kind?”
“The version with four-sided phased array radar, everyone, let’s go to the conference room to discuss it in detail.”
"good."
Hearing that the four-sided phased array radar was equipped, Américo became even more excited, so a group of people headed towards the conference room with excitement.
Yang Dawei looked helplessly at this group of guys who were neither standing nor sitting. It was hard to imagine that they were here to buy aircraft carriers and warships. However, this was not the first time they had dealt with each other. The last cooperation was introduced by Yang Dawei. The design plan is the same this time.
"For an aircraft carrier formation, it is best to have a warship with a four-sided phased array radar. Moreover, the higher the position of the phased array radar, the higher the chance of detecting ultra-low-altitude sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. Therefore, many now Warships have moved the four-sided phased array radar to the top of the warship's mast. We have also used the same solution to improve our warships. The original roof radar has been replaced by a four-sided phased array radar." Yang Dawei took out a design drawing.
Mingzhou Group's work efficiency is quite high. It was only one month since Qin Tao made the request last time, and the entire renovation design was completed. After improvements, it looks really good.
On the top of the mast with a polyhedral structure, the four-sided phased array radar looks particularly dazzling. Since the radar area used is relatively small, it will not make people feel top-heavy.
The previous 054 always felt uncoordinated. The backward roof radar made it look too rough, and the mast was also very primitive. Now with this improvement, it immediately becomes taller.
“Okay, yes, this warship looks even more beautiful!” Americo nodded repeatedly: “We need this kind of powerful warship.”
Just looking at the appearance, and before even starting to introduce it, the other party actually nodded and asked for it? Isn't this too fast?
“Your Excellency Américo, this kind of warship has advanced performance and is also very expensive. You should know that the current phased array radar is quite expensive, with the price of each warship going up to 150 million.”
Four small shields, plus the supporting combat system, 150 million is definitely a sky-high price, and Yang Dawei is afraid that the other party will not agree.
"Of course, no problem, Mr. Qin, we just need to modify the purchase contract. It will be enough for you to purchase more ore from us, and the term can be increased by one year. How about it?"
Yang Dawei understood that for these people in front of him, money is not a problem at all. At worst, they can just continue mining. It is useless to them to keep the ore there anyway. It is better to use these ores to turn into warships. Good deal.
Needless to say, an increase of 150 million or an increase of 300 million means nothing to them. These numbers are the same.
“Okay, since you agreed, shall we modify the contract now?”
So, Americo modified and signed a new contract on the spot without any worries. Although he still needed to take it back for the old man to sign, the contract of 6.5 billion US dollars was signed, and now an extra 600 million US dollars was nothing.
Yang Dawei looked at the easily signed contract with complicated eyes. Is this it?
In the future, there will be a high-end version of 054 from foreign trade!
"Okay, we're all done, let's go eat." Qin Tao led everyone to the guest house restaurant. These guys were even more embarrassed to eat. However, for the big benefactor who just spent an extra 600 million US dollars, it was Be tolerant.
"Everyone, do you want to go to our relevant units to see amphibious combat vehicles? This aircraft carrier can carry out amphibious operations, but you have only purchased fighter jets, not amphibious combat vehicles. For you, combat vehicles are often more important than fighter aircraft. It works better.”
“Okay, where should we go to see it?”
“I will contact you our domestic amphibious tank manufacturer, you can go and have a look.”
"good."
So, after lunch, the Guinean guests were sent away. When these people left, everyone let out a long breath. OK, these people finally left. Next, let’s clean up.
"Mr. Qin, are these customers kidding? What they ordered is an aircraft carrier, but they don't even send a factory representative?" Yang Dawei said.
“This is a trust in us. Without customers watching, we have to build to a high standard and we can’t have any problems.”
“It’s such a joke to modify the order. I didn’t expect it to happen like this.” Yang Dawei continued to sigh.
“Well, after this batch of orders is modified, let’s modify it again after a while.”
Also modified? Yang Dawei opened his eyes wide.
“The 054 only relies on four diesel engines, and its maximum speed is too low. As a knife guard of an aircraft carrier, how can it not have a high enough speed? Next time, I will trick them into upgrading the engines and add another US$50 million in funds.”
Yang Dawei felt a chill in his heart.
“Mr. Qin, where are you going next?”
"Go back to the capital and report to the Navy. This 075 amphibious assault ship is actually designed by us for the Navy. It is specially prepared for the future war. The construction of this ship will also let the Navy know about it in advance, and maybe it can place an order. ”
"yes."
The capital is still immersed in a festive atmosphere. After all, in this era, it is already a seven-day holiday for the Chinese New Year. However, many busy people do not have a holiday.
Princess Tomb, Huanglou.
“Mr. Qin, this is seamless.” A leader said: “As soon as our aircraft carrier got off the dock, the construction of the next aircraft carrier started.”
"Yes, the Navy is anxious? If you are anxious, you can quickly place an order for the 003 aircraft carrier. As long as the order is placed, we will start construction for the Navy now and put the aircraft carrier for Guinea on other slipways." Qin Tao said.
place an order?
It would be great if the navy can support the existing construction. How can it have the ability to start building another one?
Wu Shengli smiled: "Taozi, it's useless for you to provoke us. After all, we only have so many meters on hand, and we simply don't have the ability to start building another one now. You are here to report to us, not to come to us." I want an order.”
“Well, let me introduce to you the aircraft carrier we built for Guinea. We call it 075.”
075? This number is domestic and belongs to an amphibious battleship.
Everyone was immediately surprised: "Mr. Qin, what kind of aircraft carrier did you build for them?"
“This is a customized model for the Guinean Navy, with an aircraft on top and an amphibious combat vehicle on the bottom. By the way, the officers of the Guinean Navy recently inspected the amphibious combat vehicle here. Don’t you know?”
The big guy shook his head. He was inspecting a military factory, not a navy. He really didn’t know.
“This is an amphibious ship?” a leader asked.
“That’s right, saying it is an aircraft carrier is not true in name. It should be called an amphibious assault ship.” Qin Tao said: “Next, let me introduce this warship to you in detail.”
The PPT was shown on the projector. Looking at the first picture, many people were surprised: "Why does it have such a huge island?"
For aircraft carriers, the smaller the island, the better. The one in front of us goes the opposite way, and it has the style of the Kiev-class aircraft carrier back then.
“Yes, since we already have a flight deck, why don’t we enlarge the sway, which can increase the deck area a lot.” Everyone started to ask questions.
Looking at aircraft carriers, the decks will float as far as possible, which can increase the deck area and facilitate dispatch. Back then, the Super Sun King was modified with the Kiev class, which expanded the deck.
However, if you look at the amphibious assault ships from all over the world, you can find a new feature: the deck almost does not float outwards. The hull extends upward directly to the deck. At most, two elevators are exposed, forming two sides of the hull. big ear.
How is this going?
“Everyone, please take a look at the specific data before speaking. We are all professionals.” Qin Tao said to the crowd.
So, everyone looked over and were stunned: "The deck is nineteen meters above the waterline? Why is this warship so high?"
“The distance from the waterline to the deck of the boat we just launched is only fifteen meters!”
“It’s so high, aren’t you afraid of turning over?”
“I’m afraid, otherwise why wouldn’t it be floating outside, and how could we build such a ship island?” Qin Tao introduced.
Amphibious assault ships are similar in that they all have this layout. It’s not that they don’t want to make the deck float larger, but they can’t because they are tall!
The center of gravity of an aircraft carrier is below the waterline, so no matter how it expands, it will generally not tip over. However, the center of gravity of most amphibious assault ships is already close to the waterline, and even the ballast water tanks have to be filled with water during daily operations. , so as to ensure safety.
To put it simply, an aircraft carrier is like a tumbler. Even if the rudder is fully loaded and the hull is tilted dozens of degrees, it will not turn over. However, an amphibious assault ship does not dare to be so cool.
“Can’t you make it the same height as the aircraft carrier?”
"cannot."
“Why?”
“Because it has to carry a dock.”
Everyone understood immediately.
Compared with an aircraft carrier, an amphibious assault ship must have greater flight capabilities, so it must not only have a deck for aircraft, but also a hangar. However, it must also carry amphibious equipment, so a docking bay needs to be added below the amphibious assault ship. To put it simply, it can be thought of as inserting an extra layer into the aircraft carrier's hull, which naturally requires an increase in height.
As the hull increases in height, the aircraft carrier's center of gravity increases. As a result, the amphibious assault ship cannot increase the external drift, and even the ship island must be larger, which can reduce the height of the ship island, which is exactly the opposite of the aircraft carrier.
This is something that can’t be helped. After all, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
“As a result, the deck area will be smaller, and the number of aircraft that can be carried will not be many.”
"It depends on the combat mission. If it is used to seize air superiority, it is definitely not suitable. If it is used to carry ground attack aircraft, it is still sufficient. Everyone, there is a difference between an amphibious assault ship and an aircraft carrier. "
“Ground attack aircraft? Can it carry fixed-wing aircraft?”
“Our vertical take-off and landing J-31A can be carried. If our navy orders it, we can add an electromagnetic catapult on the deck to increase the fighter’s take-off performance.”
Even if the engine is powerful and vertical take-off and landing is no problem, it still consumes a lot of fuel. Ejection take-off can not only increase the take-off weight, but also reduce fuel consumption. This will improve the performance of the fighter aircraft: the range is increased, and the number of weapons carried is increased. many.
If there are no fixed-wing fighters, the only helicopters can be carried. Now that there are fixed-wing aircraft, the combat performance of fixed-wing aircraft must be many times better than vertical take-off and landing fighters.
Everyone’s eyes lit up.
“How many J-31As can it carry?”
"If the maximum loading is used, it can hold more than 20 aircraft. However, we still recommend mixed loading. For example, ten J-31A aircraft can be loaded into it, and 20 helicopters can also be loaded into it. In this way, the combat capability of the mixed loading should be the best. Strong, of course, we will also need to mix and match some drones in the future, and with the electromagnetic catapult, it should be easier for the drones to take off."
It can take off, and of course it can land. The speed of the drone is not very fast. Even if there is no blocking rope, as long as the left side of the deck is cleared, it can land.
“We can also carry a certain number of amphibious tanks in the dock below. Once they arrive, under the cover of our fighter planes, these tanks can easily drive ashore and complete the sacred mission entrusted to us by the motherland!”
The existing landing ships are not enough. In fact, you can tell by the name. The navy is now equipped with amphibious landing ships, and the one recommended by Qin Tao is called an amphibious assault ship!
Of course, some people talk on paper about how to improve this kind of warship, how to carry more fighters, how to use an angled deck, and how to expand the hangar. As they talk, they turn it into an aircraft carrier, and amphibious assault ships are used in some It can replace an aircraft carrier in low-intensity battles, but under normal circumstances, it is still different from an aircraft carrier. If the amphibious attack capability is given up in order to carry more fighters, then it can simply be called an aircraft carrier. Can it be called an amphibious assault ship without a dock?
The U.S. Marine Corps has eaten this kind of crab before. They have always been looking forward to having as powerful an attack capability as the U.S. Navy. Therefore, when the F-35 matured, they were very interested in removing the docking bays of the new American-class aircraft carrier and changing it to Fully support the takeoff and landing of the F-35.
However, after two ships were built, something surprising happened during the construction of the third warship: the stern dock that can carry two landing craft air cushions (LCAC) or one landing craft universal (LCU) reappeared !
In order to free up the dock bays, the warship underwent extensive adjustments: its 2,400 total compartments were eliminated and another 1,000 compartments were relocated, the height of the forward hangar was reduced, the entire hospital area was relocated, and the number of hangars was reduced 836 square meters, fuel capacity is reduced to 585,000 gallons. The Yankees sacrificed aviation capabilities to ensure a certain amphibious assault capability.
Our own side must never make this kind of mistake. From the very beginning, Qin Tao had to tell everyone that our amphibious assault ship is not an aircraft carrier and should not confuse the two.
“This amphibious assault ship has a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, which is half the displacement of our aircraft carrier. Is the price also half that of an aircraft carrier?”
“No, the price is only a quarter of that of an aircraft carrier.”
Everyone was happy, it was so cheap!
(End of this chapter)