Chapter 877 Qin Tao: I am sure that the Foch is a trap
The day passed quickly, and the French lost interest in continuing the investigation. They no longer wanted to be hit again.
So, on the third day, they left the Mingzhou Group and headed to Asan.
Sunil, a senior naval officer in Asan, warmly received them.
“Everyone comes from afar, what’s the matter?” Sunil asked.
"Mr. Sunil, you should also know that our aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is about to enter service, so we need to decommission the aircraft carrier Foch. We also see that your aircraft carrier business is not making good progress, so we want to Let me ask if you are interested in purchasing our decommissioned aircraft carrier."
Hearing Philip's words, Sunil immediately became vigilant: "Sorry, we have decided to unswervingly follow the path of self-developed aircraft carriers. Our first domestically produced aircraft carrier, the Blue Sky Guardian, has been launched. At this time, we are We will not continue to purchase aircraft carriers from other countries, especially aircraft carriers given to us for free."
Free things are the most expensive. Ah San already knows this. Now, of course, Ah San will not continue to be fooled. After suffering such a big loss on the Super Sun King, they must be smarter. .
“Mr. Sunil, we are not giving you the aircraft carrier for free. We are going to sell it to you at the price of scrap iron. Once it is in your hands, you can dismantle it or modify it. Everything is up to you.”
What is the price of scrap iron to buy back? Sunil frowned. Do these people have other ideas?
“What else do you want?”
"There are no other requirements. We just feel that you need an advanced modern aircraft carrier, so we want to sell our decommissioned aircraft carrier to you. The displacement of 30,000 to 40,000 tons can just meet your operational needs."
“No other conditions?”
"No."
"I do not believe."
“Okay, we have some ideas too.”
Ah San was really scared once he was bitten by a snake and had been afraid of well ropes for ten years. Now if the French say they have no other ideas, Ah San really doesn’t believe it, and the French can only talk about their needs openly.
"what idea?"
"We believe that the MiG-29K is extremely unqualified as a carrier-based aircraft. You should purchase our Rafale fighter jets as a new generation of carrier-based aircraft. After all, our aircraft is one generation ahead of the MiG-29K." Philip Said: "Our Charles de Gaulle plans to use Rafale fighter jets as the main carrier-based aircraft. We believe that Rafale can also be used as the main force on the aircraft carrier Foch, and even on your self-made Blue Sky Guardian. Our Rafale fighter jets can be purchased.”
"Is this mandatory? If we want to purchase your USS Foch aircraft carrier at scrap iron prices, we have to purchase a batch of Rafale fighter jets?" Sunil calmed down a lot now. He knew what the other party was thinking. I have confidence in my heart.
"No, of course not." Philip shook his head: "We are just suggesting that we think this is your best choice. Only our Rafale can compete with the Eastern J-15 or even the J-31-A. Mi -29K is not enough.”
“In addition to the MiG-29K, we also have our LCA. We don’t think we need to purchase another fighter aircraft.” Sunil replied cautiously: “I’m afraid your wish will come true.”
Asan has always been pursuing an independent national defense policy, especially after being cheated. Their aircraft carriers must be developed by themselves, and their fighter jets must also be developed by themselves.
LCA is a light fighter developed by them. This project was launched in 1983. It was not until January this year that this aircraft finally flew into the sky. As a 21st century aircraft, it is actually just The ordinary tailless delta wing layout, without canards, is still a feature of the aircraft of the 1980s, and key components such as engines are imported.
Even so, Asan is proud enough. They are very satisfied with this aircraft, and of course they want to expand its uses, including putting it on ships.
This aircraft must have the ability to board ships and become their main carrier-based fighter in the future, so as not to be controlled by others again. They have suffered losses from the MiG-29K and have also increased the price several times in the process.
“Changing a fighter aircraft from a land-based model to a carrier-based model also requires complex work. It is not easy to strengthen the landing gear and add a landing hook. We hope to share some design tasks.”
Sunil thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay."
The French are the most proficient in tailless delta wings in the world, and their Mirage 2000 is the best representative among them. The LCA developed by Asan also has many shadows of the Mirage 2000. Now that it is to be carrier-based, it must require a lot of design. If they can't handle the work, they have to hire foreigners to do it. These things were originally the responsibility of the French, so now it doesn't matter if they agree to the French's request.
Here, Phillip also breathed a sigh of relief. It was really difficult to make Ah San believe in his sincerity. Ah San would never have thought that the hole he dug was in another direction. Now the first step is to fool Ah San. Three has to purchase the USS Foch aircraft carrier.
"Okay, let's talk about the price. The empty weight of the Foch aircraft carrier is 27,000 tons..." Before Philip could finish his words, Sunil opened his eyes wide: "27,000 tons? This is too light. What three A 40,000-ton aircraft carrier is clearly a 20,000- to 30,000-ton aircraft carrier! Can the MiG-29K take off and land on the deck of this aircraft carrier?"
“We don’t know this. After all, we have not operated the MiG-29K, but we have conducted take-off and landing tests of Rafale fighter jets on this aircraft carrier. This is a photo of our test.”
Kedina on the side took out the photo. The Rafale fighter jet was hooking the blocking cable and landing on the USS Foch aircraft carrier. It looked very cool.
"Yes, since the Rafale can land on it, our MiG-29K can also land on it. After all, they are medium-sized aircraft. As for the price of scrap metal, the current international price is seventy US dollars per ton, but considering the dismantling cost, we It needs to be purchased at a price of fifty US dollars per ton, which is US$1.35 million. How about cash on delivery? You will bring the aircraft carrier to us and we will receive it at the port here."
As expected, Ah San had learned a lesson and lowered the price to such a bottom line. Anger welled up in Philip's chest. He stood up and said politely: "We came here with sincerity. Since it's so expensive, If Fang is so insincere, then forget it, we can completely sell this aircraft carrier to Dongfang, and Mingzhou Group can simply modify it and sell it at a high price."
Seeing that the French were about to leave, Sunil became anxious and quickly dissuaded him: "Everyone, don't be angry, that's the FOB price. We will drive back, but you have to ensure that the power system above is intact."
“Of course it is intact. Except for dismantling the key secret devices above, we will keep other devices. Not only the power system, but also the catapult above is intact.”
"Catapult?" Sunil's eyes flashed: "Do you still have a catapult on your aircraft carrier? Did you also use a catapult to take off when you tested the Rafale fighter jet?"
“That doesn’t seem to be a problem, does it?” Philip didn’t answer directly. Isn’t it obvious? Our fighter planes landed on the aircraft carrier, shouldn’t they be allowed to take off on the aircraft carrier?
"Okay, then we will send someone to receive it immediately. Our navy will also quickly report the purchase application and apply for funds in the shortest time." Sunil was completely moved. This aircraft carrier can be used after it is returned. Now Their aircraft carrier project is progressing slowly, and the problem of no aircraft carrier available is finally being solved.
Phillip and Cadina looked at each other. Well, Ah San finally took the bait. Next...
East.
“Asan has decided to purchase the Foch aircraft carrier, Taozi, are you sure this will not enhance the combat effectiveness of Asan’s navy?” Wu Shengli asked Qin Tao in the small courtyard.
Qin Xue was still young. After Zhao Ling went on a trip, she returned directly to the capital. After Qin Tao finished her work, she also returned to the capital. After her father-in-law came back, she immediately started chatting with him about business.
"Of course not. Once the Asan Navy gets this aircraft carrier, it will have to improve it. Without tens of millions of dollars in modification fees and a few years, it is impossible to modify it. This is an old ship and it needs to be modified for use. It will be scrapped in a few years, and in the process, Ah San will definitely not have the energy to tinker with the Blue Sky Guardian anymore, which will delay the service of their Blue Sky Guardian for several years."
“Isn’t the Foch aircraft carrier ready for use? Does it need to be modified?” Wu Shengli was very curious.
“If Ah San decides to operate an old fighter plane, he can indeed use it directly, but if he wants to operate a modern MiG-29K or Rafale, he will have to modify it.”
“I heard that the French tested Rafale on it?”
“Yes, I have tested it, and the landing is so-so, but it cannot take off, and the deck management is not convenient, so the subsequent tests of the Rafale fighter jets were carried out on American aircraft carriers.”
Can’t take off? Wu Shengli opened his eyes wide: "You mean, the catapult up there is no longer usable?"
Qin Tao smiled: "For a big thing like a catapult, it needs to be maintained at all times. There will be wear and tear every time it is ejected. The French have been using it for decades. If Asan wants to use it, just keep ejecting." A Super Ensign should be fine, but it may be difficult to eject a heavier aircraft."
If the French had not discovered that the performance of the catapult was not ideal, why would they have tested it on an American aircraft carrier? Surely renting is cheaper than losing a Rafale?
When it comes to steam catapults, only the United States and the United Kingdom have produced and put them into practical use in the world. The United Kingdom's first catapult, the BS-4, can only eject ten-ton jets or fifteen-ton propeller aircraft, and its performance is very poor. So they continued their efforts and developed the BS-5 catapult.
The ejection stroke of this catapult was increased to 46 meters, the installation length was expanded to 67 meters, the ejection valve was changed from a rotary type to a rotary type, and a wet steam collector was applied to reduce the loss of steam energy and pressure drop. Under the same working pressure, the ejection weight of BS5 is said to be twice that of the BS4 series.
At that time, although the American C13 series catapults were more powerful, they were twenty to thirty meters longer than the BS-5, and were not easy to use on their small aircraft carriers.
So many years have passed, the United Kingdom no longer produces catapults, and only the United States produces the more powerful C-13 steam catapult. Therefore, the French Charles de Gaulle can only purchase steam catapults from the United States.
As for the USS Foch, do you want to replace the old catapults? That's not easy, make do? Ejecting an empty aircraft is almost the same. Want to be fully fueled and loaded with ammunition? Then stop dreaming. If you go out, you have to fall into the sea.
So, after Asan gets it in his hands, he must improve it.
Moreover, Qin Tao also has full confidence. After all, in his own time and space, this aircraft carrier fell into the hands of the football country. It was not operated a few times at all. Various problems continued. In the end, it could only be sunk into the sea and terminated hastily. its life.
In the hands of Asan, it will definitely be broken every day.
Wu Shengli thought about it seriously and finally let go of his worries. His son-in-law had never made any mistakes before. Since he said it was a trap, it must be a trap.
“By the way, I heard that Goudahu’s aircraft carrier is about to be launched?” Wu Shengli continued to ask.
"That's right, it's about to be launched. Our navy is interested? Dad, we already have an 80,000-ton aircraft carrier, so why are we interested in that 30,000-40,000-ton aircraft carrier?"
“There is an electric propulsion system on it. We want to see if this thing is reliable.” Wu Shengli said.
“Of course it’s reliable, what else could go wrong?” Qin Tao expressed his dissatisfaction with his father-in-law’s suspicion.
“By the way, you came back just in time. Someone from the Northern Kimchi Country has come and has some requests. I think it’s just right to raise them directly in front of you.”
Northern Kimchi Country?
Qin Tao was stunned for a moment: "Could it be Yin Chengze, Cui Zhongkui and the others? These guys have always thought of empty-handed wolves. I have no good impression of them. No see, no see. Nothing good happens every time we meet. I'm not Leshan Big Buddha, why do you always ask me to give alms?"
Seeing Qin Tao like this, Wu Shengli smiled: "Yes, sometimes their demands are a bit excessive, but you should also know that they have important strategic significance for us, and we still have to help when we need to. "
"Then the navy will pay for it? The navy can also pay for them."
Wu Shengli paused and continued: "Of course, when it comes to paying for things, you still have to take care of it yourself. If you really don't want to, you can refuse. But we always have to see this."
“Okay.” Qin Tao nodded.
What are these people here for?
Last time I asked for a prototype of the Stirling engine. I guess it was for research. I copied it and found that the power was not up to standard, and then asked my side to send technicians to help troubleshoot the problem?
If this is the case, yes, but you have to pay! After I went there, I pointed out a few parts. The ones they produced were substandard and they had to be imported from the East. This way I could still make money.
Qin Tao made up his mind.
After returning home, he enjoyed the warmth of family with his wife and children. On the afternoon of the next day, Qin Tao took a break from his busy schedule and took some time to meet the guests from the Northern Kimchi Country.
Cui Zhongkui did not come, but Yin Chengze was still leading the team. After meeting Qin Tao, Yin Chengze looked excited: "Mr. Qin, I am very happy to see you. You were very generous last time and provided us with Stirling engines. You are very grateful to us." The development of the submarine force is of great significance. Our leaders told me that after coming here, I must express my gratitude to you and welcome you to visit our country if you have time."
“I don’t have time.” Qin Tao said bluntly.
The other party was stunned.
"So, if you need anything, just say it. There is no need for these pleasantries." Qin Tao said, "I don't like to beat around the bush."
Yin Chengze was stunned for a moment, and then said: "Okay, Mr. Qin still has the same temper as last time, so let me tell you directly. You are building 22350 frigates for Damao. The progress is very fast. We want to go and see it. This frigate, if possible, we hope to introduce technology and produce it ourselves."
The other party didn’t come here about the Stirling engine? Qin Tao was a little curious.
However, if you want to look at the 22350 frigate and hope to introduce technology for production, what does this have to do with you?
“This frigate is built for Damao. You can go directly to Damao. As long as Damao agrees, you can look at it however you want. If you want to introduce technology, you can introduce technology.”
The expression on Yin Chengze's face froze. The smile that was originally squeezed out disappeared immediately.
"Is there anything else?" Qin Tao continued to ask. If nothing happened, he would leave.
"Mr. Qin, you should also know that the gap between us and the Kimchi Country in terms of surface ships is getting wider and wider. We must find ways to improve the strength of our surface ships. This is a good opportunity. I hope you can Help us."
The Kimchi Nation has started construction of the KDX-2 destroyer. Although this 6,000-ton warship is not equipped with a four-sided phased array radar, it is equipped with a vertical launch system of up to 56 units. It is a luxury version of the Kimchi Navy's warship. , and the KDX-3 under planning will be equipped with a four-sided phased array radar.
Look at the Northern Kimchi Country again, what do they have?
The largest surface ship is the Rajin class, which is a light frigate with a displacement of 1,500 tons. The design is based on the Type 42 frigate of the Lao Maozi Navy. It was put into construction in the 1970s and is still the North Kimchi Navy. main warship.
Anyway, they have no need for ocean warfare, so this kind of warship is enough for wandering in the near sea. However, these warships are still too old. Therefore, after entering the 21st century, the Northern Kimchi Country decided to start construction and build the Nanpu class. Frigate, this kind of frigate adopts a stealth design and looks relatively modern. However, because its displacement is not high, it carries a limited variety of weapons, mainly anti-submarine and anti-ship. In terms of air defense, it only has needle-type portable air defense missiles. For the North Kimchi Navy, if it really attacks, it will be almost like dying. It has to be determined to die. It is difficult for the navy to defeat the four hands with two fists. Before being knocked down by the opponent, it has finished launching the anti-ship missiles it carried. Then Even if the task is completed.
At present, this kind of frigate is in the preparation stage, so it is normal for the other party to want to refer to the Lao Maozi frigate. The question is, don’t you know how much rice is in the pot?
"If you want to improve your strength, there are two ways." Although Qin Tao is dissatisfied with these people who always want to get it for free, he will still help when he needs to. After all, as my father-in-law said, you have to start from Think strategically.
“Mr. Qin, please speak.”
"First of all, you can purchase second-hand frigates that our navy has retired and eliminated." Qin Tao said: "Our navy is currently installing a large number of 054s, and the original 053 frigates have begun to slowly enter the phase out. As long as they are Installing a Haihongqi 7 air defense missile launcher on it will give this frigate full combat capabilities. For you, this should be the most suitable choice."
Didn’t my father-in-law allow himself to contribute? You might as well create some trouble for him. If the people from the Northern Kimchi Country accept this proposal, they will definitely come and ask for it for free. Then we will see if the navy will give it to them.
This plan should be the most practical, but the person on the other side shook his head: "No, no, what we want is an advanced stealth frigate, we don't want second-hand goods."
Qin Tao sighed, what do these guys think? Is it because of Bai Yao's thoughts? Don’t you know how expensive a professional stealth frigate is?
"Second, we have a 056 frigate, which is the one used by the navy when the Pearl of the Orient returned. It has a stealth design and a displacement of more than a thousand tons. It should be the best choice for you. We can use it. We will build you two ships at cost price, and we can also sell you the design drawings at cost price.”
“Do you still need money for the drawings?” One of the people asked: “Can’t you just give it to us?”
“That’s right, drawings don’t cost anything. Nowadays it’s still computer drawing. All we need is a USB flash drive with data.”
Qin Tao's face darkened. I always know how to take, but when have I ever seen you give?
Yin Chengze knew Qin Tao's character, so he quickly stopped his men and continued to say to Qin Tao: "Mr. Qin, the displacement of this kind of warship is too small. It cannot install a four-sided phased array radar and cannot deal with future maritime threats. , what we want is an advanced warship like the 22350, which has a four-sided phased array radar and a vertical launcher. Our navy is short of funds, so we must build it well and use quality advantages to offset the quantity gap."
Do you know that even if you have no money, you still need something better?
Qin Tao was also speechless.
"We talked for a long time, but it was all in vain. If you want the design drawings and information of the 22350 frigate, you can go to Damao. They may generously give you a USB flash drive and solve the problem." After Qin Tao finished speaking, he stood up: " Okay, you go back and think about it, and then come back to me after you think about it.”
Seeing Qin Tao about to leave, Yin Chengze finally stopped hesitating and stood up: "President Qin, please stay. Can we participate in your package plan for a weak country and a strong army?"
(End of this chapter)