Great warships

Chapter 830 Snow Dragon II Nuclear Powered Icebreaker
Yellow House, conference room.

"Over the years, our Mingzhou Group has built many different types of ships. Although this icebreaker is the first time, we also have sufficient design experience to ensure the maturity and reliability of the project." Qin Tao said to the leaders: "Now, I will personally introduce our design plan to you."

In this world, Qin Tao is indeed building for the first time, but before the crossing, when the motherland is building an aircraft carrier and preparing for the next generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, the motherland has also begun to plan for big guys like nuclear-powered icebreakers.

Around 2015, Dongfang Nuclear Industry Corporation established a special subsidiary: Eastern Nuclear Group Marine Nuclear Power Development Company. The goal of this company is to promote the development of "nuclear energy in surface warships, offshore platforms and other engineering fields" and "support the military-civilian integration of nuclear-powered ships."

Of course, the final design was handed over to the 701 Institute. After all, this institute has designed nuclear submarines and is the only unit with a mature nuclear power system design and shipment. Of course, this project has to be handed over to them.

Qin Tao has not been in touch with this project in detail, but he has never seen a pig running, so he has eaten pork, right?Coupled with some references to Lao Maozi's nuclear-powered icebreaker, Qin Tao made this design plan, and after reporting it to the naval leaders, the Mingzhou Group's aircraft carrier design office refined the plan.

"We know that the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker in Damao currently has 2.5 tons. After our icebreaker is built, it will become the largest icebreaker in the world, which will have a profound impact on the Arctic route. We set the tonnage of the icebreaker at [-] tons, which is also determined by the power of our nuclear reactor."

Lao Maozi’s largest nuclear-powered icebreaker is the 10510 leader-class icebreaker. The first one is the Da Mao. The displacement of this icebreaker exceeds [-] tons. Although Lao Maozi is not capable of building an aircraft carrier, he still builds nuclear-powered icebreakers one after another. This shows the important role of this type of ship in Lao Maozi.

However, it will be 2020 when the keel of this ship is laid. Later, for some reason, there is no movement after just laying the keel. It is not known whether it will be completed.

One level below it is the 22220-type nuclear-powered icebreaker with a full-load displacement of 3.3 tons. This icebreaker was also delivered after the 21st century, and it is still missing.

What Lao Maozi is currently using is the Arctic-class icebreaker, which was built in 75 and has a full-load displacement of 2.5 tons. It is also the first water ship in the world to reach the North Pole.The icebreaker is still under construction, and the latest one, the 50 Years of Victory, was launched in 2007.

Therefore, Dongfang is now building an icebreaker with a displacement of [-] tons, which will definitely become the largest icebreaker in the world.

As for this displacement, it is only because its nuclear reactor is too big!

There is a big difference in power between nuclear reactors used on aircraft carriers and nuclear reactors used on submarines. The 150-megawatt nuclear reactor used by domestic submarines is already very strong, enough to reach the world-class underwater speed of domestic nuclear submarines.

Therefore, under the leadership of Krasnopolsky, Mingzhou Group is researching a brand-new nuclear reactor for aircraft carriers. Its maximum thermal power has reached 700 megawatts. Even if the output power is reduced for insurance, it can also have a thermal power of 550 megawatts. One is equivalent to four nuclear reactors for submarines.

In the end, it can be converted into a steam turbine, or even turned into electricity, which can produce 120 megawatts, fully twice that of Lao Maozi’s Arctic-class nuclear-powered icebreaker. Of course, the displacement can also be doubled, reaching a terrifying figure of [-] tons, the number one in the world.

"We plan to use the Linglong No. 1 nuclear reactor and directly adopt the electric propulsion scheme, which can output 120 megawatts of electricity. At the same time, we also plan to use a [-] megawatt gas turbine as an auxiliary engine."

When they heard this, everyone was stunned.

"Boss Qin, do our auxiliary machines need such a large power?"

"Yeah, it's just an auxiliary engine. A diesel engine will do."

"Of course this is for the sake of safety. We don't know if there will be any problems with the use of nuclear reactors in high-intensity collision situations. If something happens, we can still use gas turbines as power to bring our nuclear-powered icebreakers back." After Qin Tao finished speaking, he looked at the crowd: "Don't worry, the navy's funds only need to cover the nuclear reactors, and we will pay for the gas turbines."

The big guy immediately felt relieved.

Lao Maozi's nuclear-powered icebreakers all have two nuclear reactors, mainly because their nuclear reactors are not powerful enough, but at the same time, this forms a backup. In case one of them fails, there will be another one. As for both of them failing?The chances of that are too low.

However, the East only uses one nuclear reactor, and one has excess power, and there is no need to use two at all. So, what should we do if something goes wrong?
If only a 1 megawatt diesel engine is installed, it is no problem to supply power to the ship at ordinary times, but if there is a problem with the nuclear power system, it will be completely out of business.

If this happens, the [-]-megawatt gas turbine can come in handy. Although it is only one-third of the output power of a nuclear reactor, it is definitely enough for a huge nuclear-powered icebreaker to get out of trouble.

The only problem is that this thing is expensive!
Of course, it is expensive for outsiders, but for Mingzhou Group itself, it is an internal purchase, and of course it is an internal price.

In fact, this is also a test for the gas turbine to see if the gas turbine can remain intact in the event of multiple collisions.

"If the power output of the gas turbine and the nuclear reactor is shared, will the speed of our nuclear-powered icebreaker be faster?" Someone wondered.

"If all of them are used, the speed of the nuclear-powered icebreaker will exceed 30 knots, but there is no need. For an icebreaker, a speed of 21 knots is already very good. The design speed of our nuclear-powered icebreaker is 18 knots. However, walking on the ice can also reach a maximum speed of [-] knots. This is its most dazzling place."

If the power of the icebreaker is low, it can only reverse, speed up and hit the ice, then reverse again, and so on.

However, if the icebreaker has a large power and a large displacement, it should be driven forward at full power, so that the icebreaker can continue to break the ice and reach a very high speed.

The task of the icebreaker is to open a passage for the cargo ship, and the speed of the cargo ship is generally not fast, a dozen knots is normal, and it is rare to exceed 21 knots, so a nuclear-powered icebreaker with a speed of [-] knots is enough.There is no need for a gas turbine to work together.

"The gas turbine is only used as a backup, and we hope that we will never use it." Qin Tao said: "When the icebreaker is decommissioned, the gas turbine can be removed and used on other warships."

The crowd nodded.

Once the nuclear reactor is started, it has to run non-stop. Even if it is docked, the heat of the nuclear reactor is enough to drive the auxiliary engine to run and provide a stable power supply for the entire ship, so there is no need for an auxiliary power system. Once the backup gas turbine is turned on, it needs to consume fuel.

"Boss Qin is very considerate!" The people present began to agree, the navy doesn't cost money, so you can pretend to be whatever you want!

"For the 120 megawatts of power, only [-] megawatts output to the propeller is enough, so we plan to use two propellers, arranged on both sides of the tail. The stern of our ship is the same as the bow. It has a V-shaped structure, so that it can break the ice not only in front, but also in reverse." Qin Tao talked about the comprehensive design of the hull from the power system.

"At the same time, in order to increase the safety of the icebreaker, we adopt a double-layer hull structure."

Speaking of the double-layer structure, the most likely thing to think of is the submarine. In order to be able to float on the ice in the Arctic, Lao Maozi's nuclear submarine adopts a double-hull structure, so that even if the outer shell is damaged, there will be no problem with the internal pressure-resistant shell.

In fact, not only submarines, but also many surface vessels will adopt double-hull structures, especially oil tankers. After the accident of the Exxon-Valdez tanker in 89, the International Maritime Organization stipulated that all oil tankers with a capacity of more than 96 tons built after 5000 must have a double-hull structure.After another tanker accident in 01, the International Maritime Organization decided that only double-hull tankers could operate on the ocean from 2015.In this way, in case of an accident, the outer shell of the tanker is damaged, but the interior is still intact, and no oil leakage will be caused.

As for icebreakers, which specialize in collision work, the double hull can better guarantee its safety.

"In order to improve the impact resistance, we will make the bow and stern of the ship with high-strength steel. At the same time, the partitions between the double hulls will be denser and filled with ballast water, which can better improve the impact resistance of the icebreaker and improve the safety of the hull." Qin Tao added: "These design experiences come from the mature old Maozi's icebreaker."

There are a large number of Lao Maozi technicians in the Mingzhou Group, and some of them are familiar with the construction of nuclear-powered icebreakers, which is also normal.

Of course, the blue is better than the blue, and the Eastern construction is more advanced, and the use of all-electric propulsion is one of them. Otherwise, once the nuclear reactor goes on strike, how the gas turbine will take over the job is really a big problem.

"Okay, let's go on to talk about other designs of the hull. These are all for increasing the ice-breaking capability." Qin Tao continued: "First of all, we are going to introduce the rotary ice-breaking machine."

Wu Shengli opened his eyes wide. When he talked to Qin Tao, he was refuted by Qin Tao, but now, he obviously accepted it.

"This device is equipped on both sides of the bow and has two large rotating blades, which can clear the ice on both sides of the front of the ship when needed."

"Why isn't it arranged directly in front?"

"Is it because of fear of causing navigational resistance?"

Listening to these questions, Qin Tao shook his head: "Of course not. At the bow of the ship, we will install a throwing ice-breaking hammer. You can think of it as a pile driver."

Since we want to build a professional icebreaker, of course we need to install some professional equipment. What Qin Tao said is not out of his imagination, but something that is actually equipped on the icebreaker of later generations.

There are reamers on both sides of the bow of the icebreaker, which can rotate to cut the ice. In front of the bow, an icebreaker is installed. If you encounter ice where the icebreaker cannot move, you can directly use this icebreaker to smash the ice open!

"Well, this design is good. By the way, didn't you still say that you want to use jet engines to grill the ice surface?" Wu Shengli asked with a smile. You kid didn't take my plan seriously at the time, so don't you still use it now?
What about your own plan?Why not?
"Well, I think the plan of directly using jet engines is not very good, so I modified it." Qin Tao said.

"How did you modify it?"

"Our icebreaker will store a certain amount of explosives. If we encounter difficult ice, we can directly throw explosives and blast the ice!"

The above are all physical methods, which will not cause environmental pollution, but if the icebreaker is really trapped inside, who cares whether it will pollute the environment!The last resort is to use explosives!
When the Yellow River freezes, the Air Force will take off bombers and drop bombs to blow up the ice. Now that the icebreakers have arrived at the North Pole, once they encounter ice that is difficult to break, they will of course use explosives in the end.

The shock wave generated by the explosion can directly shatter the ice surface, no matter how thick the ice surface is, it will not block its impact.

"By the way, after talking for a long time, we still don't know the icebreaking capability of this icebreaker." A leader said.

"The icebreaker we designed has a maximum icebreaking capacity of four meters, and can continue to advance at a speed of 18 knots on three-meter-thick ice," Qin Tao said.

Everyone's eyes widened, what?
At present, the most advanced icebreaker in China is a semi-finished product that Qin Tao purchased from the shipyard when he went to Lao Maozi to pick up junk. This kind of icebreaker has a maximum icebreaking capacity of 1.5 meters, and can also continuously break through 0.5 meters thick ice at a speed of 1.2 knots. With its strong icebreaking ability, it has become the most advanced polar research ship in China and was named Xuelong.

What now?The nuclear-powered icebreaker built by our own side already has this kind of ice-breaking capability. The thickest ice in the North Pole is only three or four meters. That is to say, it can sail freely on the North Pole!
Not in Antarctica, because there is a convention that nuclear-powered icebreakers cannot be used in Antarctica.

Of course, the icebreaker with the largest tonnage in the world must also have the strongest icebreaking ability in the world. Qin Tao looked at everyone's surprised eyes. Is there anything strange about this?Produced by Mingzhou Group, it must be a high-quality product.

"We have finished talking about the hull, and finally let's talk about the top." Qin Tao continued: "The main task of the icebreaker is to break through the ice and open the way for our cargo ships, but at the same time, it must also have other capabilities, such as scientific research, such as sightseeing, so the icebreaker needs to carry enough passengers. Its upper deck is similar to a cruise ship. It has multiple cabins, which can meet the living needs of hundreds of people. It has a large-capacity cold storage for food, a restaurant, and an activity area."

Ordinary icebreakers are also designed in this way. The front is a living area, and there is a helicopter deck at the back, which can allow helicopters to take off and land.

"Yes, the overall design of this nuclear-powered icebreaker is very good. Our navy has no objections. We just wait for Mingzhou Group to start construction. By the way, what is the name of this icebreaker?"

The last item: Naming. Naming is not easy, and many people will have a headache.

However, it is very simple for Qin Tao.

"How about Xuelong No. [-]?"

What?
Xuelong No. [-]?

The big guys stared at each other, isn't that too straightforward?

"Our icebreakers will be called Xuelong in the future, and we will build Xuelong [-] and Xuelong [-] in the future." Wu Shengli waved his hand: "Just do it like this!"

As a result, the name of the ship was determined, and the name of the ship in the future was also determined. After the decision was made, the project was officially on the right track!

The East started building a nuclear-powered icebreaker, which is a new signal!The whole world knows that the East has paid more attention to the Arctic route!
Just as the news spread all over the world, the formation heading to Europe also sailed through the Arctic waters and appeared in the Barents Sea.

For Lao Maozi, he has always regarded this sea area as his own territorial waters, so when the formation appeared, it was normal for Lao Maozi to be accompanied by a modern-class destroyer.

Destroyer No. 167 is sailing at the front, with a beautiful hull and an inwardly inclined upper deck. The four-sided phased array radar on the top of the main mast is particularly dazzling. Above the hangar behind it, the flat-panel long-range radar is still rotating to search the sky for normal alert.

On its port side, the rusty Hyundai class looks like a product of the last era, with thick black smoke rising from the chimney, as if it is struggling to start.

On its starboard side is the huge nanny-like comprehensive supply ship No. 615. Three warships form a formation, which is full of sense of disobedience.

A helicopter appeared in the sky ahead. In the cockpit, the camera was pointed down, and a voice was excited: "Everyone, our Norwegian national television station has captured the warship from the East for the first time. This is the first time that the warship from the East has appeared in Europe. The last time, it should have been when the East was purchasing an ironclad ship from Germany. We can see that the warship of the East is full of modernity, especially the four-sided phased array radar on the top of its bridge mast, which is a symbol of a modern warship!"

By radio waves, the image was transmitted throughout Europe.

Eastern warships are too strong!

The four-sided phased array radar on the top mast has attracted countless people's eyes.

Germany, somewhere.

"This warship belongs to our motherland?" A voice said excitedly.

"Yes, Dad, it's from our country."

"Are you going to visit Germany?"

"Yes, it is planned to call at Wilhelmshaven."

"take me."

"Dad, you are already 80 years old, and you can't stand the bumps of the journey." The 60-year-old son looked at his father Zhong Chuhua and said helplessly, "How about I go see it for you?"

"No, I want to go in person." Zhong Chuhua said: "I traveled across the ocean when I was a teenager, came to Europe, and never went back. Over the years, I have missed the motherland day and night. Now that the warships of the motherland have returned, of course I have to go and see them in person! Even though we have joined the German nationality, we are still yellow-skinned and black-eyed orientals, and the blood of Chinese descendants is still flowing in our bodies! I must see the warships of the motherland!"

"Okay, Dad, I'll take you there."

"Grandpa, I want to go too!"

A family of more than a dozen people embarked on the road to Wilhelmshaven, hundreds of kilometers, just to witness the elegance of the warships of the motherland!
There are still many old overseas Chinese like Zhong Chuhua in Europe. The arrival of the Oriental warship has brought a huge shock to the overseas Chinese living in Europe. I don’t know how many people are full of expectations.

But there are also many people who are unhappy.

"Hmph, why are they here to visit us in Europe? They were delayed for a long time along the way. They came to find Da Mao to connect with each other and visit us by the way." Schroeder said angrily.

"Yes, the Orientals are too much, but we still have to receive them, and we have to welcome them warmly, otherwise, we will definitely be criticized. Now, we have to send warships to meet them. Which warship should we send?"

Da Mao escorted the whole journey with a modern class. This kind of warship has a displacement of seven to eight thousand tons, which is larger than No. 167. Although it is old, it still does not fall behind. But, what about Germany?

Germany's most advanced frigate is the Brandenburg class, which is the F123 class. This kind of frigate has a full-load displacement of less than [-] tons, which is one size smaller than that of Dongfang. It also has no stealth layout and four-sided phased array radar. Putting it together, it must be embarrassing.

Blame the damn NFR-90 program, which turned out to be a mess and seriously delayed the German Navy refit!

In 85, Germany participated in this cheating NFR-90 plan. It originally planned to buy eight ships, but who would have thought that this plan would become a mess. Therefore, in 89, they couldn't bear to withdraw from this plan, developed it together with the Netherlands, and built the F-123.
However, although this NFR-90 deceived everyone, all countries already have a certain research and development foundation after all, so their respective progress is not slow. Germany even skipped the design stage and directly entered the construction of F-123.

Eight ships were reduced to four ships, and all were delivered in 96. This is the most modern frigate in Germany.

"Send the Mecklenburg there." Schroeder said: "We must show the demeanor of our German Navy. It cannot be compared. We will welcome them in the northern part of the North Sea. As for the road ahead, let the Norwegian Navy visit it."

The Mecklenburg was the last of the four F-123s, and this frigate was in the best condition and most suitable for the reception mission.

After finishing speaking, Schroeder continued to glance at the photos taken in the air. No matter how he looked at it, he felt that the No. 168 warship was beautiful. When his own F124 frigate entered service, it would definitely be more beautiful than this warship!Hmph, the four-sided phased array of the mainmast, and the phased array of the mizzen mast are clearly imitating ours!

(End of this chapter)