Chapter 510 The body of the A-50

The Davids are smart, and they are the best business people in the world. Therefore, Qin Tao cannot achieve such cooperation just by provoking generals. More importantly, the Davids at this time have not yet Think through the implications of world police.

There have been many cooperations in the past, such as the Snake-3 missile, such as the modification of certain electronic systems of the J-8-2 fighter jet. Since these projects can be carried out, the early warning aircraft project seems to be nothing.

They hope to make a business, 200 million for each aircraft, 600 million for three aircraft. With these funds, they can recoup their high research and development costs on Falcon. Looking around the world, it seems that they can’t find a third one. These two countries have such great ambitions.

Furthermore, this is just the beginning. The land in the East is vast, and three early warning aircraft are definitely not enough. Now that I am used to using Falcon, I will purchase more in the future. Maybe the total will reach more than ten.

 So, they took the initiative to propose compensation clauses to reassure the Easterners.

 And the Oriental people are really relieved that Mr. Qin’s conspiracy has gone bankrupt!

During the following talks, Mr. Qin kept a dark face and said nothing. He listened to the conversations of other people present and Mr. Lin nodded in agreement to pay the other party a deposit of US$150 million in the first batch. After one AWACS aircraft is delivered, another US$150 million will be paid, and after the last two aircraft are delivered together, the remaining balance of US$300 million will be paid.

Katz's face was very excited. The deal was finally concluded. When the other party goes back, it will definitely break up, right?

However, Kaz still miscalculated. Mr. Qin was really good at making money, and he quickly found new business opportunities.

“Mr. Lin, now the Air Force needs three AWACS platforms. I know a place with a complete AWACS body. Would you like me to take you there?”

When he heard the monitoring news the next day, Boaz was filled with emotion. Mr. Qin really knew how to do business. If he had a quarrel with Mr. Lin, he would never do business in the Air Force in the future. Although he is now Even if the complete early warning aircraft is not sold, but the body of the early warning aircraft is sold, you can still make a profit from it.

On this day, Qin Tao was no longer in the meeting. He was obviously still grudges. Boaz came forward in person and first apologized. He had just returned from abroad. Then he exchanged some details of the agreement, and finally signed the agreement on behalf of both parties. contract.

 That evening, the other party hosted a banquet for Eastern guests, and Qin Tao attended the banquet.

There were many people who came to the banquet, such as Yidan, the head of David Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., who frequently showed his favor to Qin Tao.

“Mr. Qin, under your leadership, Mingzhou Group has emerged as a new force in a few years and has become the most famous shipbuilding company in the world. It’s really admirable!”

David Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. is the largest private shipbuilding and ship repair company in David. However, their scale is still very small. The total number of workers and designers is less than 1,000, which is not comparable to those with tens of thousands of employees. Compared with Mingzhou Group.

 As for the types and tonnage of ships built, there is a huge difference.

“We just seized a suitable opportunity.” Qin Tao said with a smile: “Actually, your shipbuilding industry is also very good. Do you want to enter the field of LNG ships?”

Although the Kingdom of David is a small place, it has world-famous shipping companies, such as the famous Star Line Company, which occupies an important position in international shipping.

 However, their large cargo ships are all purchased from outside parties or even leased, and there is nothing in the field of LNG ships.

Hearing what Qin Tao said, Yidan shook his head helplessly: "Our shipyard does not have the ability to build this kind of ship. It is too big for us."

"If you don't have the capacity, just expand. You need large slipways, docks, and cranes. We can help with the construction." Qin Tao continued to lie.

Speaking of working abroad, it is very good to go to the Kingdom of David. The working conditions are good, food, etc. are not a problem. Moreover, as long as you work for a few months, you will receive a payment from the Kingdom of David when you return to your country to clear customs. Extra bonus. (I heard this from a book friend who specializes in working abroad.)

Now, the Mingzhou Group's infrastructure construction team is also constantly growing. They have left their presence in the Parthia, Laoba, and Rainbow Kingdoms. Now, they can also come to the David Kingdom to carry out construction, and the rewards given by the other party are Still the highest.

Hearing what Qin Tao said, Yidan hesitated. It was not a good thing to rashly expand the size of the company. He had to go through rigorous analysis to determine whether he really needed it.

“In this way, you can not only build large civilian ships, but also warships. You already have active phased array radar technology, and you can also build warships like the American Aegis system in the future.” Qin Tao continued to lie.

It was idle anyway. When the banquet was over, Qin Tao really fooled the other party, and the other party decided to go back and think about it.

Qin Tao doesn't know whether it can be done or not, but he just does it casually.

On the morning of the third day, the technicians who came here still stayed here and began to get into working mode, while Qin Tao, Mr. Lin and others set foot on the road to the White Gold Country.

"We have been to the Chkalov Aircraft Factory before, and the factory director Mikhail and I have become good friends. However, this guy made a lot of money at that time. I don't know if he has retired to the Western world to enjoy himself. ." Qin Tao said: "The last time I went there, I saw an A-50 airframe being assembled on their production line, but it was still 5% short of the process. I don't know what's going on now. If we can’t buy it there, we can also go to Damao. They have dozens of A-50s in stock. We can buy a few of them and let them dismantle the parts inside and sell them to us bare metal.”

If you want to build an early warning aircraft, you must first have a platform. It cannot be produced domestically, so you still need to find a way.

 “Taozi, it’s so relaxing when you’re here.” Mr. Lin said.

Qin Tao smiled: "The Chinese New Year is about to come, but you still keep me busy, are you embarrassed?"

“When we go back, we will sign a five-year flight license for your air transportation company.” Mr. Lin waved his hand.

“Five years, that is, five years later, you can still continue to take advantage of us. It’s unfair, it’s so unfair. The country should open its airspace so that you don’t have a monopoly and give our private enterprises a way to survive!”

 Mr. Lin knew that Qin Tao was joking, so he also joked: "Stop dreaming, don't even think about opening up the airspace below 500 meters."

The special plane landed directly at the Chkalov Aircraft Factory. When Qin Tao and others walked down, they were very surprised to see some strange but familiar faces.

"Mr. Lin, Mr. Qin, let me introduce to you. This is the current chief designer of Ilyushin Design Bureau, Novozhlov." Sergey introduced to everyone. Sure enough, Mikhail retired and his deputy Sergei became the leader.

 In the era of the Red Empire, superstars shone one after another. In 1910, the teenage Ilyushin was still a laborer on a horse farm, and in 1931, the 35-year-old Ilyushin became the helmsman of the Central Design Bureau. In 1933, Ilyushin founded a design bureau named after himself and served as chief designer himself.

 Since then, another aviation giant has appeared in the Soviet Union.

During the brutal World War II, the Ilyushin-2 attack aircraft became a nightmare for the Germans. After the war, Ilyushin built many passenger planes to benefit mankind.

In the 1970s, the old Ilyushin finally resigned, and his student Novozhilov took over. From then on, a new era began. Big guys like the IL-76 were under Novozhilov. born.

Now, Novozhilov is very old. Qin Tao was also very emotional to see this veteran in the aviation industry in such a place.

“Mr. Novozhlov, at your age, you are still running around yourself, which is admirable.” Qin Tao said.

Looking at Qin Tao's youthful demeanor, Novozhlov also sighed with emotion: "Yes, I am old and should retire, but I still remember when I became a formal employee of Ilyushin Design Bureau, I What the teacher said to me.”

Novozhlov's eyes were a little blurry, as if he was recalling the past: "Now, you are already formal engineers with a monthly salary of nine hundred rubles. You have to work hard from morning to night like us."

With the high wages given by the Soviets, you have to give everything you have!

The atmosphere of Ilyushin Design Bureau is very upright. Even if Ilyushin finally left, the style of the design bureau is still the same. Even now, the Red Empire has disappeared, they still have to work hard for Ilyushin's future. Work hard!

"Your Mr. Lin, isn't he still running around at such an old age?" Sergey shook hands with Mr. Lin: "Thank you for your hard work."

Mr. Lin smiled and said: "We are all people who can't rest. For the sake of the motherland, just contribute a few more years."

Everyone walked towards the aircraft factory, and at the same time, they continued to chat: "Mr. Novozhilov, how come you have time to come to the Chkalov Aircraft Factory?"

"There is no way. Our Ilyushin Design Bureau's production plant is in Platinum Country. If we want to continue to develop, we must have a good relationship with this place."

In the era of the Red Empire, there was no selfishness. Everything was coordinated according to the overall situation. For convenience, the Crimean Peninsula was directly transferred to Ermao for management. As a result, hidden dangers were laid for the future. In the aviation industry, he was responsible for aircraft, The design bureaus responsible for aero-engine R&D are separated or even far apart from the manufacturing plants responsible for series production.

Taking transport aircraft as an example, the Antonov Design Bureau is located in the capital of Ermao, while the Aerostar aircraft manufacturing plant that produces the An-124 "Ruslan" heavy transport aircraft is far away in Ulyanovsk, 1,300 kilometers away. The Ilyushin Design Bureau is located in Moscow, and the Chkalov Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, which is responsible for producing the Il-76 large transport aircraft, is 2,800 kilometers away in the capital of the Platinum Kingdom.

Countries with vast land have the capital to play like this. Moreover, this is also the experience gained from the war with Germany. Once the war breaks out again, they will not be blamed. (It is also said that Da Mao still has selfish motives, and various design bureaus are mainly located in Da Mao.)

The exclusive aircraft factory of the Ilyushin Design Bureau, in the capital of the Platinum Kingdom.

 It didn’t matter in the past, but after the collapse of the Red Empire, trouble began. It is not that easy to continue to work together. All countries have to serve their own interests.

"Continue development? Do you already have a new model of aircraft?" Mr. Lin also became interested.

“Yes, our design bureau has completed the design of the IL-476 transport aircraft. We are inspecting the Chkalov Aircraft Factory, hoping to produce the latest transport aircraft here and then sell it to the world.”

Il-476 was a name that was used briefly, but was later changed to the name of Il-76MDP-90. It is probably because it is easier to sell the Il-76 name. Of course, in fact, it is also an Il-76. A modified version of the Er-76, it is equipped with a Perm PS-90A76 turbofan engine and an improved Kupur-76M avionics system. Performance is greatly improved over the prototype.

 However, the problems left over by the Red Empire made this aircraft lose hope.

It is no longer possible for the Chkalov Aircraft Factory to produce advanced transport aircraft in large quantities as it did in the past. It has lost its production capacity. Compared with the previous production capacity of dozens of aircraft every year, later, the annual output was only single digits. , one, just two.

Even the largest order was signed that year, that is, Dongfang ordered 34 IL-76s and IL-78s. As a result, Dongfang shamelessly asked for a price increase, and Dongfang immediately changed the contract. As a result, the Chkalov Aircraft Factory finally moved on. dead end. (It is also said that Da Mao misappropriated the funds.)

For the Ilyushin Design Bureau, the best option is to merge the aircraft factories supporting the Antonov Design Bureau that remain in Damao. However, at this time, the Ilyushin Design Bureau also has no money.

 If the aircraft cannot be sold, where can we find the money to acquire the aircraft factory?

"Compared with the Il-76, its maximum takeoff weight has increased to 210 tons, and its flight speed has also increased a lot. Performance has been improved in all aspects. You have purchased a batch of Il-76. However, the Air Force and Navy We haven’t been allocated a few aircraft, but you have a demand for a large number of transport aircraft. Do you want to order a brand new transport aircraft from us?”

Mr. Lin’s eyes lit up.

Mr. Lin was really interested. The total number Qin Tao got back last time was only ten. The navy and air force were divided into single digits. After using them for the past few years, the aircraft are really good. This kind of strategic transportation capability It is urgently needed in the country.

“What production model do you plan to use?” Qin Tao interrupted.

“We, the Ilyushin Design Bureau, serve as the general contractor. We receive the order from you, then produce the design drawings, and then transfer them to the Chkalov Aircraft Factory for production.” Novozhlov said.

 It is indeed a trap!

 Qin Tao felt emotional in his heart.

“What’s the price of your plane?” Mr. Lin was really tempted.

“Each aircraft only costs 30 million US dollars, which is definitely cheap enough.” Novozhlov said.

“Ahem, cough.” Qin Tao interrupted Mr. Lin: “Mr. Lin, let’s come this time to see what’s on the production line first.”

Mr. Lin nodded: "That's right, let's go to the production line and have a look first."

“The final assembly of the last aircraft on our production line has been completed,” Sergey said.

In 1996, the Chkalov Aircraft Factory completed the assembly of the last aircraft, and then stopped working. A large number of engineering and technical personnel have been lost, and the production lines are gradually aging. If you want to restart the production lines, you will need a large amount of funds.

Now, although the aircraft has been produced, no one wants it, so it is left alone in the factory. The factory and even the government are looking forward to selling it for money as soon as possible.

The workshop had all stopped working, and there were not many people in sight. It seemed a bit deserted. When everyone walked in, Qin Tao could only feel his heart pounding.

Whatever comes to mind, the last aircraft is actually the A-50 body that we came to see last time, which has completed 95% of the assembly task!

“The aircraft Mr. Qin saw last time is the body of an A-50 early warning aircraft. We used the funds from the last sale of the aircraft to purchase a batch of spare parts and assembled it.”

Sergey said.

 If they want to sell aircraft, of course they will give priority to those with a high degree of assembly. Only 5% of this aircraft is left to be completed, so they worked hard to assemble the aircraft.

Qin Tao shook his head helplessly: "You made a wrong choice. You should assemble more ordinary IL-76s. No one wants this kind of aircraft."

 No one wants it? We are here just to get this kind of early warning aircraft platform! The people around him were a little curious, but they soon understood that Qin Tao was a way of negotiating business.

“You in the East also need early warning aircraft.” Sergey became anxious.

After Mikhail left, he became the top leader. However, the factory has begun to go downhill. These days are becoming more and more difficult. Now, the hope of the factory is pinned on this completed aircraft. Hope it can be sold at a good price.

Now, if the Easterners don’t want it, who will they sell it to? Ah San was originally a good partner, but after the last incident, Ah San never came again.

"We need early warning aircraft. We can purchase them directly from Damao." Qin Tao said: "DaMao has already mothballed dozens of A-50 early warning aircraft. We can just rent a few. Many of them are 70% to 80% full. new."

 Purchase from Damao! This sentence made Sergey feel very sad. Could it be that this aircraft really cannot be sold?

“Mr. Qin, what is the difference between this kind of airplane and ordinary airplanes?” Mr. Lin asked curiously.

"This aircraft is the platform of an early warning aircraft. It has undergone a lot of changes. It is heavier and has higher fuel consumption. Even if our Air Force has the idea to purchase it, the operating cost will be very high in the future, which is not cost-effective." Qin Tao said here , thought for a while: "Unless..."

 “Unless what?” Sergey was anxious.

"Unless the purchase cost is low enough to make the whole life cost calculation similar to that of ordinary aircraft, then there is a need to purchase it." Qin Tao said: "This kind of aircraft costs an extra five thousand US dollars per flight, and one flight per year. A hundred times, it’s half a million, and if it’s twenty years, it’s ten million, so if this aircraft is sold for five million, it can still be considered.”

five million?

Those ordinary models of IL-76 can sell for 15 million US dollars. Later, after an accident and being struck by lightning, the price was reduced to 10 million US dollars. Now, this brand-new early warning aircraft platform is only sold for 5 million US dollars. ?

Sergey found it hard to accept.

“Well, let’s just see this aircraft here, Mr. Novozhlov, how about we talk about the new Ilyushin 476 aircraft?”

Novozhlov was overjoyed.

 In the conference room of the aircraft factory, Novozhlov began to explain non-stop.

 He ​​was originally the chief designer of the IL-76, and of course he personally presided over this modification. Now, when he met his first big customer, he explained it in detail and answered every question seriously.

Although Mr. Lin had some doubts at this time, he didn't need to ask too many questions. He just needed to cooperate with Qin Tao.

"If this is the case, then we can purchase a batch domestically. The air force and navy will need about forty aircraft. Mr. Lin, what do you think?"

Mr. Lin nodded: "That's right."

Novozhlov was overjoyed, forty! It’s enough to bring their Ilyushin Design Bureau back to its former glory!

Sergey’s eyes were also brightened. If there were orders for forty aircraft, then their factory would be alive!

"By the way, the Chkalov Aircraft Factory has stopped working. If you want to resume production, you will need start-up funds, right?" Qin Tao said: "We have to agree first. The deposit we pay in advance will not be much. We are worried You can’t produce it, so you have to find a way to raise the start-up capital for the production line yourself.”

Sergey's face turned slightly ugly, and then he thought of something again, with determination on his face: "Of course it's no problem, as long as there are orders, we will start production, and we will definitely not delay the construction period. As for the start-up funds..."

 Sergey gritted his teeth: "Five million dollars, I'll sell you the A-50 body, so that we have start-up capital, and you can rest assured!"

 Five million dollars, buy the A-50 airframe and take it home! Mr. Lin was extremely satisfied, this time his goal was achieved!

The meeting was very efficient. The sale of the A-50 airframe and the subsequent export intention of the Il-476 were agreed on the spot. Everyone was happy!

The A-50 airframe is the fastest to be sold. After all, it is ready-made. On the second day, a group of flight and maintenance personnel from the Air Force came to conduct on-site inspection. On the third day, the airframe was flown back to the east. .

The trip was successful, and Mr. Lin and others returned. On the way back, Mr. Lin also sighed with emotion: "Taozi, you have saved our Air Force a lot of money."

“Mr. Lin, don’t forget that when the Air Force’s early warning aircraft is developed, the Navy will also have to make use of existing technology, but don’t ask the Navy to provide research and development funds at that time.”

"You kid, you are facing the navy like this." Mr. Lin was a little dissatisfied.

“It’s not just for the carrier-based early warning aircraft.” Qin Tao said: “An aircraft carrier without an early warning aircraft is imperfect and cannot cope with high-intensity wars. The navy cannot have any regrets.”

"But we just got one airframe." Mr. Lin was a little regretful. He signed a contract for three early warning aircraft. What about the other two airframes?

“Let’s get this one ready first.” Qin Tao said: “In a few years, the Air Force’s procurement budget will be sufficient. Wouldn’t it be enough to buy a few more second-hand ones?”

"Second-hand? Taozi, are you not optimistic about purchasing transport aircraft produced by the Chkalov Aircraft Factory?" Mr. Lin asked curiously.

 (End of this chapter)