Chapter 498: Iron Ore for Aircraft Carriers

The belly of the An-225 transport aircraft is very large. However, it still cannot meet the demand for direct loading of aircraft. If the T-45 can fold its wings, it will be enough. Now the wings can only be disassembled to stuff it in.

 So, before fooling Chinese people about football, we need to assemble the wings.

 Originally, I planned to talk about it after watching the football match and building a relationship with each other. Now that we have talked about it, let’s assemble it on the spot!

Hence, the An-225's nose slowly opened, and everyone looked at the world's largest plane with amazement, and at the small plane that appeared in its belly.

"This aircraft is a training aircraft jointly developed by us and Lao Ba. When it was developed, we not only treated it as a training aircraft, but also could carry weapons into the sky and undertake combat missions when needed. It has a 1-ton weapon mounting capacity and performs air combat and ground attack missions. These weapons include PL-5 and PL-7 air-to-air missiles, 23 mm rapid-fire cannons, rocket launch pods, etc. Our K8 is a one-purpose A versatile all-rounder, its comprehensive performance reaches the top level of similar models in the world.”

“Unfortunately, it is only a small plane.” Irges said, “Even if it can carry bombs, its attack capabilities are limited.”

Yes, this aircraft looks good, but it is too small. The body is too small, which means that its mounting capacity is limited.

"You are right, it is indeed just a small plane." Qin Tao watched the accompanying technicians drag out the plane and explained to everyone: "However, your aircraft carrier Minas Gerais, The catapults used above are also old models. If I get you a medium or even heavy fighter, are you sure your aircraft carrier can carry it?"

This sentence made everyone a little embarrassed.

Their aircraft carrier is an improved aircraft carrier from World War II. Even with the angled deck and catapult, it still uses the oldest BS-5 catapult. The limit of this catapult is to eject the Super Ensign. Class carrier-based aircraft, want to eject a heavier aircraft? Don’t even think about it, it would require an American C-13 catapult.

 So, even if there is an advanced catapult, it cannot be used at all.

"Now, you only have carrier-based fixed-wing anti-submarine aircraft, which are propeller-driven. You need to transition to jets. Therefore, our K-8J is the most suitable aircraft for your needs for training. Pilots, having them have experience with landing and catapulting is very important to you, and, more importantly, it’s cheap.”

 The price is cheap, this is the most important thing!

Hearing Qin Tao's words, Irges's eyes were full of hope: "How cheap is it?"

“The land-based version of this kind of training aircraft only costs US$7 to 8 million. Since the naval carrier-based aircraft needs to be strengthened in various aspects, the price will increase to US$10 million.” Qin Tao said.

 Ten million dollars!

The price made Irges frown.

Although the country owns aircraft carriers, they are all cheap. After the aircraft carrier only spent 9 million U.S. dollars in procurement fees, it also spent 27 million U.S. dollars in renovation funds. That adds up to less than 40 million.

What now?

 Even if you only buy four training aircraft, it will cost 40 million!

 This price is not cheap!

"We are a brand new aircraft." Qin Tao introduced: "You don't just look at the purchase funds, you also have to look at the usage. Our aircraft has a lifespan of 8,000 flying hours. If it flies 400 hours a year, Then you can fly for twenty years. Ten million US dollars, twenty years, on average, the cost is only half a million US dollars a year, everyone, half a million US dollars!"

 This average is indeed not expensive.

"At this price, you can't even buy a second-hand A-4 attack aircraft. If you calculate the average annual cost, the annual cost of those aircraft that can only fly for five or six years will be around one million US dollars. "

“It’s a pity that it can’t fight in an air battle with fighter jets.”

These people’s demands are really enough! Such a small plane actually asked for a dogfight with a fighter jet!

There is no other way. Countries without money are like this. They ask for this and that, and there seems to be some reason for it.

 After all, second-hand fighter jets such as F-16 can be purchased from the international arms market for a price of 10 million US dollars. Spending so much money to purchase a training aircraft seems a bit unbalanced.

However, no matter how good the F-16 is, it cannot be mounted on an aircraft carrier!

 There is no cheap aircraft that can board an aircraft carrier.

“Yes, it is true that we cannot compete with modern third-generation fighter jets for air supremacy. If you need it, you may wish to consider our J-31A project.”

At the same time as Qin Tao was introducing, the K-8J outside was pulled out, and a black model inside appeared in the field of vision. After these people saw it, they felt their hearts beating. .

 That is the most famous international joint fighter in the East!

"I don't know if you know about this fighter. Let me give you a brief introduction." Qin Tao said: "This is a fourth-generation stealth fighter. It has excellent appearance design and top-secret stealth coating, which ensures that it The era is calling for stealth aircraft that cannot be detected by the enemy's radar. Only by acquiring this kind of aircraft can we establish absolute air superiority. The enemy aircraft will not know where the threat comes from until it is blown up in the sky."

Irges’ eyes were full of expectation as he looked at the aircraft. Yes, the sky of the future belongs to stealth aircraft!

"When this aircraft was designed, there were three versions, namely land-based fighter, carrier-based fighter and vertical take-off and landing fighter. One aircraft and three types." Qin Tao continued: "In this way, countries equipped with it can use universal This will greatly reduce maintenance costs. For you, you can equip about ten carrier-based or vertical take-off and landing types, and then equip dozens of land-based fighter jets, and you will become the strongest sea and air force here. nation."

These words made Irges extremely excited: "Yes, that's right, we need stealth fighters!"

"Then you can consider participating in our J-31A project. If you invest now, you can get the highest priority purchasing rights in the future. After all, there are already hundreds of orders for this kind of aircraft. After it is developed, Production will have to be scheduled for ten years.”

 Investment still requires money!

When talking about asking for money, the excitement on Irges' face disappeared again. Money, what they lack most is money!

 Just as Qin Tao was introducing everyone, the proud players also came down.

Just listening to the lively scene outside, they were a little excited, thinking that they were warmly welcomed by the fans, but now, they understand that President Qin is welcomed, and these players are just small and insignificant. Just a small role.

 This makes them a little uncomfortable.

 Breathing the fresh air, Huang Jianxiang was very happy.

 For a person who loves football, coming here is almost like a pilgrimage. The football here is the best in the world!

Gremio coach Luiz Felipe Scolari came up and extended his right hand to them: "Welcome to you, we hope this warm-up match can enhance the friendship between us."

“We are here to learn, and I hope we can learn a lot from this competition.” Huang Jianxiang said.

study? The proud team members despised Huang Jianxiang even more.

Over there, Qin Tao is doing what he really wants to do.

“There are actually many ways to make money.” Qin Tao said, “Some ways may not be visible to the public, but they are really profitable.”

 A shady way to make money?

Irges opened his eyes wide: "In what way?"

“Football is very developed here, Mr. Irges. You have a football team under your command, which is very famous.”

 Qin Tao suddenly mentioned this, which made Irges wonder, why is it related to football again? However, he was still very proud.

“Yes, our football team is very powerful. What do you mean, commercial operation? We are already taking the path of commercial operation. Our football team’s advertising, even clothing, can make money.”

Qin Tao smiled: "In this world, there are many people who like football and pay attention to football. They will also block their net worth for their favorite team to express their love for the team. By the way, Green Innovation Company Do you know? They are in Ma Port, preparing to create the world's largest sea blockade."

Irges's face gradually darkened, and he seemed to already know what Qin Tao wanted to say.

Qin Tao wants him to gamble!

Take the current warm-up match as an example. They attached great importance to it at first, but after looking at the names of the team members and not recognizing any of them, they knew that they were probably just here to make fun of themselves. After taking the field, they would definitely lose miserably. , Therefore, if someone takes the banker, there will definitely be a large number of people betting on the Gremio team to win.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that Dongfang has no chance of winning. If the dealer controls it well, the gambling capital will snowball and even reach an astronomical figure.

what's next?

He only needs to bet on the Oriental team, invest a large amount of money in it, and then artificially control the Gremio team to lose. If he loses this must-win game, then he can get a high income!

 This is definitely much faster than advertising fees, sponsorship fees and the like!

This is definitely a Pandora's box!

Qin Tao's suggestion ended here. He did not intend to continue. After all, the face of Irges in front of him was getting more and more ugly.

This is simply an insult. Their football country has never seen such bad behavior until now. Who doesn’t want to win when playing games? Losing artificially for the sake of behind-the-scenes benefits? If this plan were told to the players, the players would definitely be furious.

 This is Qin Tao's greatest contribution to the national football team.

 The domestic professional league has already begun. It was already the strongest in 2002, and will go downhill after that. Trying to help the national football team up is just a dream. When will the mud be on the wall? He can only do the opposite. Since the country cannot support it, then let the foreign countries also rot. If the football world around the world is the same as in China, with artificial betting, then the national football team in the future will have the hope to break out of Asia. , went to the world.

But now it seems that it was a bit hasty.

"Everyone, my opinion is for reference only. We have other plans." Qin Tao quickly came up with his second plan: "We can still do business. Our Mingzhou Group has a world-class steelmaking enterprise. It can smelt various advanced metals, but we lack enough iron ore, so we need to import a large amount of iron ore every year. We heard that you have a large amount of iron ore."

 Speaking of iron ore exporting countries in the world, the first thing that comes to mind is the Kangaroo Country. This country occupies a continent and has a large amount of internal resources, including a huge amount of iron ore.

 Due to the distance, domestic iron-making companies often import iron ore from this country.

 It’s just that this country is not very reliable.

Now, the main channel for Mingzhou Group to import iron ore is the Kangaroo Country. However, they also have to expand diversified import channels. Since they have come to the football country, they might as well do some business. Even if the sales fail in the end, at least they can Import something and go back.

The country of football is also quite rich in iron ore resources. Among them, Vale, the most famous company, is the world's largest iron ore producer and exporter and the largest mining company in the American continent. Its iron ore output accounts for 100% of the total output. More than eighty-five points.

The economy in the East has just developed, so there is no Oriental steel company to purchase iron ore from the football country. Hearing what Qin Tao said, Irges became interested: "Do you want to import our iron ore? "

The unpleasantness just now was put behind him, and Irges became happy: "How much iron ore do you plan to import?"

 “We want as much as we have.” Qin Tao was very generous.

From the 1980s to 2000, the international price of iron ore has been quite stable, fluctuating around US$20 per ton. The main importing countries are island countries, and international iron ore contracts are also long-term. , generally sign a five-year or even ten-year supply contract. All this changed after entering the new millennium.

The sudden rise of the East, mass production of steel, and at the same time began to enter the global steel market and purchase large quantities of international iron ore. Therefore, the price of iron ore continued to rise, reaching the highest point in 2011: 190 US dollars per ton, and , the pricing power of iron ore is still controlled by the supplying mining groups, and major steel plants can only passively accept it.

Now, the price of iron ore is still very stable. Now that Qin Tao is here, he will be generous. He will eat as much iron ore as there is, and he can eat them all!

“That’s great, Mr. Qin, let’s contact Vale as soon as possible.” Irges was very excited.

Qin Tao smiled and said: "Don't be too anxious. It's not too late for us to negotiate first and then go to Vale. How about we discuss a deal?"

 “What deal?”

“How about exchanging iron ore for aircraft carrier?”

Irges took a breath of air: "Iron ore in exchange for aircraft carriers?"

“Yes, this is a great gift from our Mingzhou Group to you.”

 In the cargo bay of the An-225, things are still being unloaded. When the all-black J-31A model is unloaded, it will be a specialized aircraft carrier model!

  “We have an aircraft carrier model specially designed for you, I hope you like it.”

 Specially made?

Xu Zhengyang, who was in charge of the translation, laughed secretly in his heart. This was not a specially made model at all. It was completely based on the drawings of the 28,000-ton aircraft carrier designed for the Turkish Country, just to compete with the French aircraft carrier. Come to compete.

However, when the model was brought over, the effect was quite good. When they saw this beautiful model, Irges and others' eyes widened.

“Do we need to hold a special introduction meeting?” Qin Tao asked.

 It feels a little inappropriate to explain it here at the airport.

"That's right, tomorrow, please come to our naval headquarters and bring your model with you." Irges took a deep breath, obviously he has not recovered from the excitement just now.

 Qin Tao nodded.

 The appearance of the huge An-225 transport aircraft has attracted the attention of many people, and some people have become wary.

For example, the French are actively promoting aircraft carriers to football countries.

"The Mingzhou Group is here again!" In the hotel, Duquesne had a worried look on his face: "They brought a model of a carrier-based aircraft, but I always feel that since they are here, they must be very ambitious. "

“Yeah, will they sell aircraft carriers to football countries?” An aide raised this topic that people least want to mention.

 Promote aircraft carriers!

 Mingzhou Group has this capability. They have already built an aircraft carrier for Siam and provided aircraft carrier design drawings for Turkey!

 So, if they can build aircraft carriers for football countries, it is almost certain.

“However, the football country has no money. If it purchases a brand new aircraft carrier of 20,000 to 30,000 tons, the price will be at least US$500 million. Where can the football country get so much money?”

 This analysis is OK. Duquesne felt a little relieved, but after a while, he stood up again: "Let's go visit him!"

 Home visit?

“They are all in the same industry, and it is normal for them to have friendly exchanges with each other.” Ducaina said: “Ask what hotel they are staying in, and we will go there later!”

As the sun gradually set, Qin Tao was admiring the sunset in front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows when there was a knock on the door outside.

 “Mr. Qin, he is French.”

Qin Tao smiled: "Since they are guests, we must invite them in."

 We are upright and there is nothing we shouldn’t do.

"Mr. Qin, long time no see. Your Mingzhou Group's business is getting bigger and bigger." Duquena walked in and said to Qin Tao with a smile.

Qin Tao had a smile on his face: "Dikaina, my old friend, we haven't seen each other for a long time. How are you? By the way, what are you doing here?"

Just after the exchange of greetings, he asked about the purpose of his visit. After hesitating for a minute, Decena decided to go straight to the point: "We are here to sell aircraft carriers. Mr. Qin, you won't compete with us, right?"

"How do you know we can't?" Qin Tao glanced at Duquesne: "We certainly didn't come all the way just to play football."

 Dickena's expression suddenly changed. Is the other party really here to steal business?

"We are all old friends. Even if we are in competition, we can put it on the table." Qin Tao said to Duquesne: "You may have heard that due to the shameless behavior of some countries, green companies have given up. We killed the Oriental Sea Blockade."

 The expression on Duquesne's face changed again. Just now it was surprise, now it was confusion, and then it was happiness.

He originally thought that Qin Tao and the others were here to sell a new aircraft carrier, but unexpectedly, they were actually here to sell the empty shell that had caught fire and was reduced to scrap metal!

If it is this ship, it has no competitiveness at all. It doesn’t even need to be blocked at sea. Can it still be used as an aircraft carrier?

 “Why don’t you build a new aircraft carrier and sell it to football countries?” Duquesne asked.

"Built a new one? How much does it cost?" Qin Tao said: "How much money do you think the football country can have? It would be good if you are willing to spend 10 million to buy it. As long as it can be sold, it will be dismantled into scrap metal. We are better than Mingzhou. The group can also make some money through modifications.”

After saying that, Qin Tao glanced at Duquesne: "Of course, since it is a competitive relationship, you will definitely go behind the backs of the football people and say bad things about our aircraft carrier. We don't mind if you want to say that our aircraft carrier has been burned. , then we will say that your aircraft carrier is poisonous."

At this moment, Duquesne looked very embarrassed.

Of course he was well prepared. When he came out of Qin Tao's place, he went to lobby Lord Sagastres and told him that the Eastern aircraft carriers could not be bought because they had been burned by fire. However, their aircraft carriers were not very good either. Earth!

Currently, the second ship of the Clemenceau-class aircraft carrier, the Foch, is still in service. This aircraft carrier was not decommissioned until the year 2000. Therefore, what they are currently promoting to football countries is the Clay that cannot be sold. Monceau, the reputation of this aircraft carrier as poisonous has spread!

In this way, the two sides attack each other, and the final result is that no one in the football country gives face or buys it. However, if he does not attack the aircraft carrier that the Green Venture Company does not want, how can he ensure that his aircraft carrier can be marketed?

This is really a difficult choice.

Xu Zhengyang on the side was working as a translator faithfully, but his heart was already full of joy.

 Mr. Qin is so powerful that he actually used the Varyag as a cover. Moreover, the French were obviously really fooled!

 Easy, just play with the French in the palm of your hand! Mr. Qin is really awesome!

"By the way, Mr. Qin, you have formed a football team? Your company is also a model of comprehensive development. Do you want a football coach? We have many famous footballers in France." Duquesne changed the subject.

“Okay, our football team has just been formed and we still lack qualified coaches. It would be a great honor to hire one from France. There is no problem with the price. Our Mingzhou Group is not short of money.”

The two of them started talking about non-nutritious topics. Ten minutes later, Duquesne said goodbye and left, then headed straight for his destination.

 No matter whether he succeeds or not, at least he cannot let Mingzhou Group succeed! International business competition means constantly digging holes for your opponents!

Relying on the foundation laid earlier, Duquesne also successfully met Sagastres and immediately talked about the city blockade on the Eastern Sea. However, strangely, when he talked about it, the other party used a word. He looked at himself with a strange look, as if he was looking at an idiot.

 A few minutes later, Duquesne was asked out. Sagastrès had so many things to do, he had no time to listen to the Frenchman's nonsense.

 (End of this chapter)