Great warships

Chapter 270 An Important History of Aircraft Carrier Development: The 2003 Project
In the past, Qin Tao talked with Wu Shengli about the issue of carrier-based aircraft, but it was not a professional occasion after all. , In front of these aircraft carrier engineering demonstrators, if this argument is thrown out, it is considered to be officially raised.

"We can look at the United States. Whether it is F-14 or F-18, all of them are twin-engined. Let's look at Lao Maozi. When we were testing, we chose MiG-29 and Su-27. Twin-engine, although the French are currently still a single-engine super flag, the Charles de Gaulle currently under construction is planning to be equipped with twin-engine Rafale fighter jets. These countries that operate medium and large aircraft carriers have chosen dual-engine aircraft without exception. This is accumulated over the years of experience, and if one of the engines fails, at least it can still fly.”

Twin-engine fighter jets are all high-performance. After all, they have a large power reserve and a strong thrust-to-weight ratio, so they can better take the lead in air combat. At the same time, twin-engine aircraft also have power backup. One can still fly, but if it is a single engine, it will be completely useless.

On land, a single-engine plane can still make an emergency landing if it stalls, but it can't be done at sea. Once it falls into the sea, it may be glorious.

"However, in our existing aircraft, there are too few twin-engines, which cannot meet the demand."

"Why not? Isn't our air force planning to purchase the second batch of Su-27?" Qin Tao said: "The Su-27 is improved, it is the Su-33 used by the Lao Maozi Navy."

The people present immediately started whispering.

None of these experts, scholars and researchers engaged in the 8*91 project thought about the Su-27!

The first batch of Su-27s flew back to China a month ago, and immediately attracted countless eyes. The smooth shape, the huge body, and the dozens of external pylons are all showing this kind of aircraft powerful.

They are all feeling that the air force of the motherland finally has a third-generation aircraft that can rival the West!When faced with the threat of the enemy, you can finally shake off your arms and do it!
They just never thought that this kind of aircraft could still be used by the navy as a carrier-based aircraft!
"This kind of aircraft is too big. Even if we can get it, it will lead to a serious decline in the number of aircraft carried on the aircraft carrier." An expert said below: "If the number of carrier-based aircraft is too small, then it will It will not be able to form an effective combat capability."

If divided according to the size of the airframe, the Su-33 and F-14 are the only two heavy fighters in the world, and their maximum take-off weight exceeds [-] tons.

As for the F-18, Rafale, the maximum take-off weight of this fighter is about [-] tons, which is considered a medium fighter.

The Jacques-38 and Sea Harrier, which weigh more than ten tons, are considered light.

The larger the aircraft, the fewer the number of aircraft that can be carried on the aircraft carrier. If there is not enough number, it will not be able to form an effective combat capability. The combat effectiveness of twenty or thirty aircraft is obviously different from that of forty or fifty aircraft.

Qin Tao smiled: "The quantity of the aircraft dispatched is important, but the quality is also very important. Let's take a simple example and compare the Su-33 with the Rafale."

Qin Tao didn't want to engage in verbal confrontation, especially since Zhang Yang was left alone, but these basic things must be determined, so that the thinking can be unified so that detours can be avoided. After all, scientific research funds are so expensive. Points, can not be apportioned.

"The Su-33 has a self-weight of 18.5 tons. It takes off from an apogee of 195 meters and can achieve a maximum take-off weight of 33 tons. Subtracting these two figures means that the Su-33 can carry 14.5 tons of fuel and ammunition. We For comparison, the Rafale M carrier-based fighter has an empty weight of about 10.2 tons. According to the French plan, a larger thrust engine is used to achieve a maximum take-off weight of about 22 tons, which means less than 12 tons of fuel and ammunition. Compared with the two, there is a difference of about three tons."

Qin Tao looked at the people present: "In the eyes of aircraft designers, they know what the three tons mean. Under the same circumstances, the Su-33 can carry three more one-ton anti-ship missiles and precision-guided bombs. Or mount more fuel to increase the endurance of 1000 kilometers or 5 minutes of air combat time."

No better than not knowing, one is scared.

"Moreover, if we produce our own carrier-based aircraft in the future, we can make various improvements, increase the thrust of the engine, and reduce the weight of the aircraft. Similar to the Su-33 carrier-based aircraft, it can eventually achieve a load carrying capacity of more than 16 tons. Once it takes off, the flying time in the sky will be twice that of the medium-sized aircraft!" Qin Tao continued to promote his point of view: "Moreover, the huge body of the medium-sized aircraft can carry more weapons, and the future modification potential is greater For example, after our flat-panel slot radar technology matures, it can be easily replaced on the nose of the Su-27, which will at least reduce the weight of the Su-27 by half a ton."

"President Qin, you are very familiar with this kind of aircraft! It even surpasses the air force that just received the Su-27 fighter jet." Someone finally sighed.

"Of course, when the old Maozi separated, I drove the Kuznetsov aircraft carrier back with the old Maozi. I often drank and chatted with their captain. These data, of course Know it perfectly."

"Now, the Air Force is discussing the introduction of the second batch of Su-27 fighters and the production line. If all goes well, we will produce the Su-27 series fighters in China." Wu Shengli said: "For now, the ship-borne The aircraft project is pinned on the illusory J-13 and so on, it is better to wait for the Su-27 produced by ourselves. What do you think?"

The Su-33 is ready-made, what about the J-13?The moon in the water, the flower in the mirror!
Apart from the huge body, there are no other disadvantages, so why hesitate?

"However, in this way, the number of aircraft carried by our aircraft carrier will be reduced."

"The quantity is small, so you can expand the displacement. If 36 tons is not enough, then it will be 33 tons. If 12 tons is not enough, then it will be [-], [-]. Counting the hangar and deck together, it can carry [-] aircraft A fighter jet similar to the Su-[-], plus [-] helicopters, is it almost the same?"

When Qin Tao said the number [-], everyone present became thoughtful.

Isn't this the displacement of the Varyag?
Wu Shengli nodded: "In my opinion, the figure of 8 to 91 is about the same. For our [-]*[-] project, we can modify the initial design parameters and study it based on this displacement. What do you think?"

Hey, is my father-in-law serious?
Qin Tao already had a premonition that the things he fooled before are slowly becoming reality. If so, then Qin Tao can save a lot of tongue!

"Ski-jump take-off, intercepted landing, using a modified version of the Su-27 as a carrier-based aircraft." Zhang Yang stood there, chanting these, and then said: "If you want to consider the feasibility, this is obviously higher. From now on, the whole team will be permanently stationed at the second institute."

Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group No. [-] Design Institute, referred to as the No. [-] Institute, everyone goes there every day, saying that the full name is too tiring, so it is referred to as the No. [-] Institute.

When Zhang Yang said this, he was still joking, but Wu Shengli took over: "That's right, this is also what the navy meant. Our 8*91 project can be relocated there in the future." Going to study. This project can also be led by Mao Gengxin. According to the rules there, it is called the 2003 project."

what?
The people present became agitated again.

An aircraft carrier demonstration project conducted by our navy itself is set up in a non-state-owned research institution, which is already against the sky. Now, a foreigner is actually in charge?
"How is this possible? What if the secret is leaked?"

"That's right, although that old man Mao is very powerful, he is a foreigner after all!"

"No, absolutely not."

"He is the chief designer of Lao Maozi's aircraft carrier." Wu Shengli said: "Now, his wife and children have come to our country and will not leave again."

What?
The chief designer of Lao Maozi's aircraft carrier?

No one objected anymore.

No matter how many aircraft carrier demonstrations have been conducted in China, they have not really fiddled with the aircraft carrier. The completed Varyag…

When they were working on the 2001 project, they could already feel Mao Gengxin's professionalism. They had guessed at that time, but now, the guess has finally been confirmed.

Wu Shengli hasn't said Babbage's real name yet, but just told everyone that he is the chief designer of Lao Maozi's aircraft carrier, and his wife and children are here. Next, what else can I say?
Who dares to disagree?

"Can we get the support of the state for this project?" Zhang Yang continued to ask.

"Not yet, that's why we have to move the project to the second institute, where the equipment is the most advanced, and the navy's scientific research funding is simply not enough to purchase an advanced computer." Wu Shengli smiled. Then, he looked at Qin Tao: "Does President Qin have any objections to this arrangement?"

"That is to say, the second base will become a classified unit in the future. There will be soldiers standing guard at the gate, and inspections will be carried out when entering and exiting. Even if people from our group want to visit, they have to report to the navy for approval?"

Listening to Qin Tao's plaintive words, Wu Shengli nodded: "Of course, but you have the privilege to come and go at any time."

"Does Babbage know that he will be entrusted with such an important mission?"

"This is your mission. You need to convey the navy's arrangement. I believe that he will be willing to dedicate his youth and life to this glorious and sacred mission."

My father-in-law is shrewd enough, so I don't mind scheming myself, and even scheming the old man. However, he is right, for Babbage, he will definitely be very willing to participate in this project!
"So, will the navy allocate funds to us?" Qin Tao asked the most critical question.

With that little money, the navy has sent people to Qin Tao, will they think he is free?

"I remember that the entire 8*91 project has been allocated a total of 4000 million yuan. How much is left?" Wu Shengli looked at Zhang Yang.

"There are... about 300 million left."

"Okay, all the money will be transferred to the account of the second institute, and it may last for a year or two." Wu Shengli said: "The navy is no longer supervised, so you can spend it as you want."

Qin Tao was speechless, how generous is this money?Salary is not enough!
"We don't care about the salaries of these people at the scene. This small amount of money is just enough to save the salaries of the current staff in the office and the utility bills. We have to pay for the wear and tear of the machinery and equipment." Qin Tao squinted his eyes. He glanced at his father-in-law: "Okay, just treat us as selfless."

After getting rid of the old man in his own family, he fell into the trap of the old man again!
However, this is actually what Qin Tao thought on the way here.

He dug back Babbage and set up a special design institute, which was actually for the development of aircraft carriers. Even if the father-in-law didn't mention it, Qin Tao had to find a way to bring it up.

The 8*91 project is a research conducted by the navy with the money saved. If you continue to demonstrate the original [-]-ton aircraft carrier project that ejected and took off, it will be a waste!It's better to be practical and design a brand new aircraft carrier according to the Varyag standard.

Originally, after the end of the 2002 project, Qin Tao should start this Varyag-like aircraft carrier project. Babich can’t always be a teacher. After a long time, what should I do if I get irritable and emotional?
Now the old man is doing this to help Qin Tao.

In this way, whether it is to modify Varyag in the future or build a new aircraft carrier, the theoretical foundation has been made. When the state allocates funds, then roll up your sleeves and do it!
This meeting unified the thinking, determined the future goals, and wrote an important stroke in the development history of China's aircraft carrier!

Thinking of this, Qin Tao couldn't help but feel complacent.

As for the issue of cost, it is not a big problem. It doesn’t cost much to do blueprint design, and it will only burn money in the hands-on stage. Next year, with some stimulation, the country may pay more attention to the role of aircraft carriers.

At the end of the meeting, Qin Tao looked at the father-in-law: "Dad, come and meet Babbage with me. With you here, he will definitely believe him more."

Wu Shengli nodded: "If Babich has been notified in advance, he can be called to come over for this meeting. It will take a lot of back and forth, but it will be fine in the future. All the meetings about the aircraft carrier will be held in the second institute." .”

dong dong!

The door of Babbage's office rang, and while he lowered his head to work, he said, "Come in, the door is unlocked."

All the work has been arranged, and Babbage is still very busy. He is writing the block diagram stroke by stroke on the blueprint.

As the chief engineer of the aircraft carrier who stayed at the shipyard, he has a deep understanding of how to construct the aircraft carrier. It is difficult to transform an aircraft carrier, and it is easy to cause risks. He must take these risks into consideration and control them.

"Mr. Babbage, you are such a workaholic."

"Those of us who are engaged in design don't understand engineering matters. There may be problems. I have to think carefully."

Qin Tao is the only one who can call him Babiqi and communicate in Russian. Babiqi and Qin Tao are considered familiar. When talking, they still don't look up and are still busy.

"People like you should do more work. Now, I have invited the relevant leaders of the navy to you. Our navy's aircraft carrier project will also be handed over to you."

Babbage's hand stopped, and his breathing became short of breath.

Babbage had met Wu Shengli when he first came here, but he didn't talk too much at that time, and Babbage also knew that it was impossible to gain the absolute trust of the navy when he just came here, and he had been waiting all this time.

And now, the opportunity has finally come!

"The new project, named the 2003 plan, is a design plan for a medium-sized aircraft carrier with a displacement between 27 and 2002. It will take off with a ski jump and land in an interception, and it will be carried on a modified version of the Su-[-]. Qin Tao said from the side: "You will be appointed as the chief engineer of this project. After the end of the [-] project, a new project will start. Mr. Babbage, are you willing to accept this task?"

"Varyag?" Babich muttered the name.

"It's similar to Varyag, but not exactly the same. What we want is an aircraft carrier, not a heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser. It will not carry a large number of offensive weapons, and it will mainly carry aircraft." Qin Tao continued: "As long as we want to It is equipped with 36 Su-27 modified carrier-based aircraft and 12 helicopters."

"This project is my favorite. For this project, I am willing to dedicate the rest of my life!" Babich's tone was very excited.

They didn't like the heavy aircraft-carrying cruisers of the past, but there was no way. After all, Moscow had a large group of missile factions, and they had to meet the needs of these people, and the things they finally produced were nondescript.Now, it is finally time to build an aircraft carrier similar to the West!

"Mr. Babich, I assure you that our blueprint will definitely become a reality." Wu Shengli said.

"Yes, it will definitely become a reality, and I also firmly believe in this." Babiqi is full of confidence. During this period, he occasionally went out and saw the development of Huating, and he was also full of confidence in this country.

"Why did you choose the modified version of the Su-27 as the carrier-based aircraft?" After getting excited, Babbage began to think about practical issues.

"We are talking with Da Mao about the introduction of the Su-27 production line, so we can produce and improve the Su-27 ourselves in the future."

"If this is the case, the T-10K prototypes in the Nitka base are very important." Babich said: "I know the people there very well, if needed..."

"We will deal with this kind of thing." Qin Tao said: "For us, you are very important, and you can't go anywhere. If something happens, it will be a major loss for our navy's aircraft carrier project."

Qin Tao is also an aircraft carrier designer, but he also knows that the power of one person is small, and it takes a lot of people, a lot of experts, especially Babbage, which is very important.

The current Qin Tao often runs around and cannot stay here all day to do research. Babbage is very important, so no accidents can happen.

Babbage nodded.

"Your choice of ski jump takeoff is correct. This is the safest choice. However, if you want the aircraft carrier to have sufficient combat effectiveness, especially if it can carry early warning aircraft, then the catapult is also necessary." Babich continued. : "If the Red Empire hadn't collapsed, there would definitely be catapults on our nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, you guys..."

"In the future, we will definitely have catapults. However, steam catapults are already behind. We may consider pre-researching a new generation of catapults."

Babbage addressed a key issue: the catapult.

Speaking of dispatch efficiency, the Kuznetsov is not slow, the deck is large enough, and there are two take-off positions, so if you take turns queuing up, you can also fly quickly, and one aircraft can reach it in one minute.

The steam catapult looks awesome, but it actually has flaws. Each ejection consumes a lot of steam. Therefore, after more than a dozen ejections, there is not much steam in the boiler of the aircraft carrier. The speed has dropped, and the carrier-based aircraft is released It has to be suspended.

However, a catapult is a must if you want the carrier-based early warning aircraft to board the ship.

The power of the carrier-based early warning aircraft is very weak, and it is also carrying a large plate, so it is difficult to have enough power to take off from the ski jump. Even if there have been experiments on the ski jump, even the model of the Yak-44 has been used by Kuznetsov No. is also doomed to not be able to safely take off by ski jumping, and it is better to use the ejection method to be safe.

"A new generation of catapult?" Babbage was very curious.

"That's right, it's electromagnetic ejection." Qin Tao said: "We no longer need to follow the path that others have taken. In this regard, we need to innovate. By the way, our 2003 project can be reserved on the inclined deck. The location of this catapult is convenient for future modification."

Speaking of electromagnetic ejection, Qin Tao thought of a technical expert. He had wanted to meet this person for a long time, but he had no time. Now, it was almost time to find him.

After all, in addition to electromagnetic ejection, the all-electric drive of warships, etc., all have to rely on this person to take the lead. Qin Tao is an aircraft carrier expert, not an electric power expert. Such professional things must be left to professional people. deal with.

As for Qin Tao himself, the most important task is to make money!

"Electromagnetic ejection? It sounds a bit like the content of the Star Wars era." Babbage seriously considered: "Is it possible for this technology to be realized?"

At the Nitka base in Ermao, they have already built related steam catapults, which are intended to be used on that nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. I never thought about using electromagnetic ejection.

"Yes." Qin Tao is sure: "Steam catapults will soon become obsolete. In the future, electromagnetic catapults will be the world. We don't have the energy to develop steam catapults that Americans have polished for decades. In terms of electromagnetic catapults , we stand directly on the same starting line as the Americans!"

As for the catapult, it was the first time Qin Tao brought it up, and Wu Shengli didn't think there was anything unreliable. Anyway, it's a matter of the future. It's too early to talk about it now.

It's just that he didn't expect that after the communication with Babiqi was over, Qin Tao would immediately go to the relevant professional personnel, and even specially found a young man.

(End of this chapter)