Chapter 188 Paving the way for aircraft carriers

 The hot summer has arrived, and the cicadas outside the window keep singing.

 In the conference room of the Mingzhou Naval Fleet Base, a group of neatly dressed naval officers were holding a meeting. At this time, young Zhang Zhen was speaking.

"The Gulf War was a high-tech war. This war demonstrated the absolute strength of the multinational forces led by the United States." Zhang Zhen said: "Especially the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean, which gathered six aircraft carriers. It reflects the importance of aircraft carriers as a delivery tool. Their naval power can have an overwhelming advantage even if they move up to the Pacific Fleet."

A few months have passed since the Gulf War. This was the first war in the 1990s and a high-tech war. This war shocked the entire East.

 If you put yourself in, can you block the attack of multinational forces?

  Of course it is impossible.

Even Lao Maozi’s Pacific Fleet cannot compete with the US Navy. Of course, the US Navy does not dare to do so because Lao Maozi is a master who will throw mushroom bombs if he disagrees.

 The entire military has been greatly shaken, and it has posed a serious challenge to the navy. What should we do if we face an American aircraft carrier?

"If we want to protect the maritime rights and interests of our motherland, then we must have the same weapons. In other words, our navy also needs aircraft carriers to restrain the enemy's aircraft carriers." Zhang Zhen continued: "Currently, the Air Force has already After negotiating the purchase of the Su-27, we noticed that this fighter also has a carrier-based version. Therefore, our navy can use this fighter as an established carrier-based aircraft. According to the Soviet third-generation aircraft carrier Kuznetsov No. 1 plan and design our own aircraft carrier."

Last October, Lao Maozi officially named their No. 1143.5 aircraft carrier the Kuznetsov, and it will continue to be used for future generations.

 There was finally a burst of discussion in the conference room.

“Captain Zhang, your proposal is too bold. With our current industrial base, how can we possibly start building an aircraft carrier?”

“That is, we simply cannot produce the steel we need for the aircraft carrier.”

 “If you take a big step, it’s easy to make mistakes.”

“Now we are just doing some theoretical analysis.”

Faced with everyone's doubts, Zhang Zhen continued to remain calm: "Everyone, I got the news yesterday that Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group is designing an aircraft carrier for Siam. Therefore, we still have this strength in the country."

"What?"

 Everyone was shocked.

Of course they know that the shipyard in Mingzhou is currently undergoing rapid development. Let alone civilian ships, it has recently won a construction contract for the Navy's 051C, which is the Navy's first destroyer with a displacement of more than 7,000 tons. Everyone is looking forward to it.

 But, let’s talk about aircraft carriers? Hahaha, forget it, there are not many countries in the world that can build that thing.

After hearing Zhang Zhen’s words, Leader Nie present became serious: “Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group, wants to build an aircraft carrier?”

"Yes."

“Call them and ask them to come to our meeting.” Leader Nie spoke.

This meeting was originally a summary meeting of the Gulf War, but now, with Zhang Zhen’s speech, the topic of the meeting has changed and it has become the issue of the Navy’s aircraft carriers.

Others can't do it, but Qin Tao is different. The major things Qin Tao has done have been spread among the top brass of the Navy. These people in the Mingzhou Naval Base have made up their minds to fully support Mingzhou in the future. State Shipyard, the future of the Navy depends on this shipyard.

 At this time, while waiting, everyone was already talking.

“No matter how bold the people are and how productive the land is, there is nothing that Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group dares not do. Mr. Qin is a capable person.”

“Yeah, I don’t know when the construction of 051C will start. It’s really exciting.”

“Yes, if it is built, I would like to apply to be a military representative.”

“It would be great if there was an aircraft carrier. Our navy has been waiting for it for decades!”

“You think, can this project be included in our 8*9-1 plan?”

 Finally, someone mentioned the 8*9-1 plan. More people fell silent, lowering their heads and thinking about something. Some people also looked at someone present.

 For any country with a coastline, it will look forward to safeguarding maritime rights and interests and having a strong navy.

 The motherland is no exception.

In the 1960s, when Lao Maozi's Moscow-class helicopter carrier appeared, the country could no longer control its restless heart. In July 1970, it officially began to make a development plan for New China's first aircraft carrier, which was named For "Project 707".

 According to the characteristics of that era, this aircraft carrier was determined to be a 30,000-ton light aircraft carrier. It would be equipped with vertical take-off and landing fighter jets, making it a unique aircraft carrier.

This project undoubtedly bears the mark of the times. The scientific research design was completed at the end of 1972, construction started in 1973, and it was completed and launched at the end of the "Fourth Five-Year Plan" (1971-1975). (It is said that the people of the island country were very enthusiastic at the time. They wanted to build an aircraft carrier, so they sent over their World War II aircraft carrier design drawings.)

Due to various reasons, this aircraft carrier project eventually came to an end. Just like the manned spaceflight project at that time, it became a memory of that era.

 In this way, until the late 1980s, the Navy still did not give up its dream of aircraft carriers. In the late 1980s, pilots began to be put on board the ships and talent reserves began. At the same time, on January 7, 1989, the aircraft carrier demonstration project was approved. This is the "8*9-1 Plan."

Unlike the lofty ambitions of Project 707, the "8*9-1 Plan" is more pragmatic. An important principle of this project is to rely on its own capabilities to develop medium-sized aircraft carriers on its own. As for the specifications of the aircraft carrier, it is to build a 50,000-ton aircraft carrier. Conventionally powered aircraft carrier with steam catapult.

This project fell on the Huating Naval Academy. They began to conduct feasibility studies on the design and construction of this project, and also planned to build related models for testing.

 At this time, at today's meeting, there is Zhang Yang, a representative of Huating Naval Academy, who is also one of the leaders of this 8*9-1 plan. (Information from Baidu, but after checking, it seems that there is no such unit as Huating Naval Academy.)

 Zhang Yang was filled with emotion.

 At that time, when he had just graduated and started working, he was lucky enough to participate in the 707 project. Later, although the project was terminated, his aircraft carrier dream was not shattered, and he still persisted in his ideal.

 After teaching at Huating Naval Academy, I actually got such an opportunity!

He was extremely excited, but at the same time, he also knew that this project was not at the national level, but was initiated by the Navy itself. The Navy's annual military expenditures were so tight that it would be difficult to raise funds to build an aircraft carrier. At present, only It’s just about being able to conduct basic theoretical research.

That's it, I don't know when I will dismount.

What now?

Now Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group actually wants to build an aircraft carrier for Siam? When he heard the news, he was extremely shocked.

Perhaps, by cooperating with Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group, we can actually build the Navy’s aircraft carrier?

 Half an hour later, Qin Tao appeared in the conference room.

 Thanks to him having a Santana car, and also thanks to having a big brother who can be contacted at any time, so he can be at your call at any time.

Being called over, Qin Tao still didn’t know what was going on. He was a little curious. Could it be that the Navy wanted to rush 051C? Good thing.

"Mr. Qin, I heard that you are designing an aircraft carrier for Siam. If Siam places an order, it will be built by you. Your Mingzhou Shipyard is really awesome!" Leader Nie said.

Qin Tao suddenly realized: "So, you just called me here to hear about us building an aircraft carrier for Siam? I'm sorry, this is a commercial secret. Unless our navy also orders one, I can't use this aircraft carrier." The details are made public."

“Mr. Qin, let’s listen to it. We won’t lose a single hair, so what are we afraid of?” Zhang Zhen said from the side.

Qin Tao shook his head: "You are not afraid, I am. Our aircraft carrier is going to Siam to bid for it. I am not afraid of foreign shipyards competing with me, but I am afraid that our domestic shipyards will maliciously lower the price with me. . If I tell the details here, I’m sure my design will be copied by others. Once bitten by a snake, I will be afraid of the well rope for ten years. You also know about the missile boat. "

Everyone present looked a little embarrassed. This matter was caused by Zhongjiang Shipyard doing something wrong and had nothing to do with their navy. However, the Navy did not pursue the matter and just deprived Zhongjiang Shipyard of its qualification to bid for warships. This was because the other party had done so for the second time. The reason why he came to steal the design drawings.

 So, there is a reason for Qin Tao to be self-conscious here.

"Mr. Qin, don't worry, we are all from the military here. If anyone dares to leak secrets, I will send them in personally." Leader Nie began to comfort Qin Tao: "Your Mingzhou Shipyard has been working with our Navy. We have a good relationship. Our Marine Corps is still working as a security guard at your place. The military and civilians are one family, so don’t hide it and talk to us about this project."

Qin Tao thought for a moment: "It's okay if I ask. The Navy will have to announce to the public that it will also order one."

"What?"

Leader Nie frowned a little, how can this be done? Does the Navy have the funds? Besides, if the Navy produces two 051Cs from you, it is already very good.

“Mr. Qin, do you want us to build momentum?” At this time, Zhang Zhen reacted first.

Qin Tao nodded: "Yes, we are going to bid. The biggest flaw is that it is purely for foreign trade, and there is no one for personal use. Therefore, the Navy needs to announce to the outside world that it thinks our design of this aircraft carrier is very good, and it will also purchase one. In this way It can alleviate customers’ concerns.”

 The biggest competitor is Spain. The opponent's advantage is that it has already built one for the Spanish navy and has experience.

We also have experience, and our navy is also going to place an order!

As long as you get to Siam, it will be enough. When the other party pays the deposit, the aircraft carrier will start to be built. At worst, it can be said that the navy is short of funds and will not be built in the end. The Navy is very sorry and so on.

Leader Nie thought about it and then said: "Our Navy should be able to help with this. I can ask my superiors for instructions. As long as the superiors approve it, we can announce to the outside world that the Navy will also order a ship of the same model."

"It is not necessary for the Navy to publicly announce that we have a very good relationship with Siam. We have many naval officers and have good personal relationships with Siamese naval officers. As long as we reveal it intentionally or unintentionally, it can also play a role in building momentum. "Qin Tao said.

 This is even better! Leader Nie nodded immediately: "Well, this matter will be taken care of by me. I am very familiar with their naval officers. Next, it's time to talk about your aircraft carrier plan, right?"

“I didn’t bring the design drawings. Now, let me give you a brief introduction. This is a small aircraft carrier with a displacement of 10,000 tons. It is built using the standards of civilian ships..."

 Zhang Zhen looked a little embarrassed.

Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group wants to bid for an aircraft carrier. This is a very confidential matter. The outside world does not know the specific aircraft carrier design. Now that Qin Tao has spoken out, they finally know that it is such a thing.

Poor Zhang Zhen was still looking forward to it. Now after hearing Qin Tao's words, Zhang Zhen felt like his ideals were shattered.

This kind of aircraft carrier is too small. Su-27 modified carrier-based aircraft cannot take off and land on it at all. What can it do with 10,000 tons? Or civilian ship standards.

The Navy will never ask for such a useless piece of equipment, let alone purchase a batch of Sea Harriers. Therefore, the design of this aircraft carrier will have no effect on the Navy.

“President Qin, what do you think it would be like if our navy wanted to build its own aircraft carrier?” Leader Nie continued to ask.

Since Qin Tao can design an aircraft carrier for the Kingdom of Siam, even if it is a useless light aircraft carrier, it means that Qin Tao has researched aircraft carriers. So now that Qin Tao has been invited here, of course he wants to hear about it opinions.

“The navy will build its own aircraft carrier?” Qin Tao shook his head: “This will not be possible within ten years.”

 “Why?”

“The aircraft carrier is useless.” Qin Tao spat out these words.

 This is the first problem that the navy must solve.

After the end of World War II, the technology of mushroom bombs and missiles developed rapidly. Therefore, the theory of the uselessness of aircraft carriers emerged. Many military experts believed that such big things as aircraft carriers were simply iron coffins on the sea. They would not be needed at all in future wars. .

 Among them, Lao Maozi is the most loyal representative. When Hearst was in power, he advocated missiles very much. Does the Navy want to build an aircraft carrier? Stop dreaming.

However, as the United States used aircraft carriers in subsequent local wars, we can slowly see the clues that weapons like aircraft carriers are still useful.

"No, how can the aircraft carrier be useless? In this Gulf War, the United States used six ships, plus the British and French ones, a total of nine ships and hundreds of fighter planes, constantly launching attacks. In modern warfare, aircraft carriers It is the most powerful war machine!" Zhang Zhen said.

“Yes, so you have to summarize these war experiences and build public opinion to prove that aircraft carriers are useful!” Qin Tao said: “In this way, we can pave the way for our domestically produced aircraft carriers.”

 The tonnage of the aircraft carrier, ski jump take-off or catapult take-off, etc. are all secondary. If the navy wants to build an aircraft carrier, it must first solve the problem of the aircraft carrier being useless.

 This issue is crucial.

　　Back then, after all the hard work, Varyag was brought back from Lao Maozi. Why was it exposed to the sun and wind for many years, and allowed to anchor alone in the port?

 Because the superiors have not yet made up their minds, many people are arguing about whether to build an aircraft carrier.

After all, among those clichés, aircraft carriers are offensive weapons, we are peace-loving, and as long as we guard the mainland, a group of shore-based aircraft is enough. This argument is quite popular.

So much so that after the aircraft carrier was brought back, the meritorious officials still...

The navy is very anxious, but it has to win the argument first.

However, one thing after another can still wake up countless people. Everyone will see that the strength of the motherland and the rejuvenation of the nation require a powerful navy to protect it!

At this moment, a scene that people will never forget seemed to appear in front of Qin Tao's eyes.

 Because we don’t have an aircraft carrier or a strong navy, we have been insulted again and again. Incidents one after another have made everyone establish a firm belief: we must build a powerful navy and we must have our own aircraft carrier formation!

Since Qin Tao is here, and since the aircraft carrier has begun to be involved, what else can be said? Let’s start laying the groundwork now!

"Captain Zhang, you just said that the United States and other Western countries have deployed nine aircraft carriers. You can write an article about how powerful a war machine like an aircraft carrier is in modern warfare." Qin Tao asked Zhang Zhen said.

Zhang Zhen's eyes lit up. Yes, he had never grasped the key. Qin Tao reminded him that he wanted to write such a paper!

"In modern warfare, aircraft carriers have unparalleled power projection capabilities. One aircraft carrier can suppress a small country." Qin Tao said: "Aircraft carriers are also a diplomatic means and a symbol of a big country. People must change The impression that aircraft carriers are useless should not only be in the naval system, but also among the people. For example, American naval movies that promote aircraft carriers and aircraft carriers, Top Gun, etc., can be shown."

Although Top Gun, a famous American blockbuster, was released in 1986, it was not introduced to China. It was not until 1993 that more than a dozen Western films were introduced to China every year, and Top Gun was talked about by domestic audiences. (I don’t know if this is correct.)

 In short, if ordinary people also have this urgent need, why don’t we have aircraft carriers? The people are eager for it, and the resistance will naturally be reduced.

Leader Nie let out a long sigh: "Mr. Qin, you understand our domestic situation very well."

What Qin Tao said was something they had ignored before, but now that they think about it, this public opinion campaign is really important.

"TV is also a very good means of publicity. We can create some TV programs." Qin Tao continued: "For example, Captain Zhang can be a guest to introduce military news, introduce the power of aircraft carriers, and popularize science for the public. Our Navy We can also open some bases to cultivate the thinking of a great power navy in our students. Later, when they grow up, they will be able to become staunch aircraft carrier factions."

“Mr. Qin, listening to you is worth ten years of studying. Do you have any other suggestions?” Leader Nie said.

Qin Tao thought for a while and shook his head: "That's all for now."

In fact, this is a good opportunity. Now that I have met it, of course I will tell you. In fact, how to build an aircraft carrier is a systematic project, and it is definitely not something to talk about in a few words. Qin Tao just caught up with this occasion, Say everything that comes to your mind.

 In the conference room, everyone was still thinking about Qin Tao's point of view. Their navy was so hot right now that it was useless. The key was to convince their superiors!

“Mr. Qin, if we only consider it from a technical perspective, what kind of aircraft carrier is more suitable for us?” Zhang Yang finally spoke.

He couldn't get in the middle of the previous words, and he also lamented that Qin Tao was too familiar with these inside stories, and if he didn't convince his superiors, everything would be in vain!

However, after all, he is engaged in technology and wants to analyze it from a technical perspective.

"The displacement of aircraft carriers is too small. Just look at the Americans. They fool other countries into building small aircraft carriers, but their own aircraft carriers are getting bigger and bigger. In terms of our country's needs, if it matches the Su-27 modified version, For a carrier-based aircraft, the displacement would be 60,000 to 70,000 tons.”

Anyway, it’s just talk on paper. Now that we’re talking about it, let’s just talk about it. At this time, Qin Tao was talking in high spirits.

“So, should we take the catapult take-off path of the American aircraft carrier, or the ski-jump take-off path of the Soviet aircraft carrier?”

"If we talk about launch efficiency, ejection is definitely better, especially since it can also eject carrier-based early warning aircraft. However, considering our actual level, it is safer to take the old route." Qin Tao replied: "As for ejection When the device arrives, maybe we will have a better choice?"

“Ejection device, is there any better choice?”

 In the jet age, countless engineers scratched their heads in order to take off and land on aircraft carriers.

The British first developed the steam catapult, and then the Americans developed it. Now, the bulky Tomcat fighter jets are all launched using catapults, and they have been completely developed.

Although Lao Maozi is engaged in ski-jump takeoff, they are still developing steam catapults in their research institute. If nothing goes wrong, the latest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be equipped with steam catapults.

Qin Tao said, is there a better choice?

"Yes, electromagnetic ejection." Qin Tao said: "Now it seems like science fiction. Maybe in the future, an outstanding scientist from our country will develop this device?"

When talking about this, Qin Tao suddenly remembered that that respected scientist has been working at his job for ten years, right? It was the prime of life around the age of thirty. Would you like to find a chance to meet him?

 This can also be regarded as paving the way for aircraft carrier catapults.

 (End of this chapter)