Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

Emerging from the petroleum department, Qin Yang returned to the engine institute and headed straight for the test stand, hearing rhythmic roars from afar.

"It really is a fuel problem!" Guo Liming said excitedly upon seeing Qin Yang, "We replaced the brand-new high-pressure oil pump and all the fuel injectors, cleaned the oil lines, and used the best quality Mao oil. It has been running stably for over half an hour now!"

"Has the power reached the standard?"

"Yes, it is currently running at the rated speed, with an output of 1,200 horsepower. We are conducting a 500-hour lifespan test," Guo Liming said.

"The test run seems fine, but procuring the fuel will be difficult," Zhang Baozhong worried from the side. "We can use Mao oil for the bench test, but if the military equips in large quantities in the future, and they must use Mao oil, it will be a big trouble."

The diesel provided by other domestic refineries is not up to standard, only Mao oil can be used. But how much Mao oil is produced? How many units across the country are waiting to use it? When the tanks reach the troops, will they have to specifically purchase Mao oil? The engine troops don't like engines that are picky about oil.

"In the future, once it is finalized and in service, any domestic refinery will be able to reach the quality of Mao oil," Qin Yang said.

"What? How much money will it cost to upgrade and transform?"

"That's not our concern. We only need to worry about this diesel engine," Qin Yang said. "By the way, the petroleum department compensated us two million. I had them directly deposit it into our third-generation tank account."

Two million!

Old Zhu sighed with emotion, "Director Qin, you really dare to ask for money."

"It's not going into my own pocket, so what's there to be afraid of? This engine is on the verge of being ready for vehicle installation. Shouldn't we go to Factory 617 next to arrange the production of the tank prototype?"

"That's right, we plan to go to Factory 617 in the next few days. We also need to bring a large number of design drawings and live at Factory 617 from then on."

Institute 201 is just a research and development institution. The products developed must be handed over to the tank factory for production. Either they travel back and forth between the two places, or they live at 617 permanently.

"Director Qin, do you have time to go with us?"

Looking at Old Zhu's expectant eyes, Qin Yang nodded, "Of course, I am the assistant to the chief designer of our third-generation tank, so of course I have to go together to coordinate the production of the prototype."

Qin Yang didn't want to stay in the capital recently. The civil aviation system's affairs were still ongoing, and it was better for him, an amateur, not to get too involved, lest he cause dissatisfaction. It was better to go to Factory 617 to participate in the prototype production of the third-generation tank, which was his old profession.

The time had reached the end of April, and the grassland was lush green, full of spring.

The production workshop of Factory 617 was bustling with activity, producing tanks for the "Two Garments" day and night. With these orders, Factory 617 was doing very well. You could tell from the cafeteria: the vegetable basins were full of mixed dishes, half of which was meat!

"Now that everyone has come to Factory 617, our factory will be responsible for the meals. No need to hand in meal tickets, eat as much as you want!" Deputy Director Liu Qing led the group to the cafeteria, to eat their fill before discussing work.

"Where's Lao Fang?" Old Zhu asked curiously, "Why haven't I seen him?"

"A group of guests came yesterday and are inspecting our Type 80 tank. We may usher in our third major customer."

Clang!

Qin Yang put down his chopsticks. "Director Liu, what you're doing is not right. All foreign trade is now conducted through our Fangbei Company. You found a third major customer, but you didn't go through our Fangbei Company?"

Why did Director Qin change his face so quickly?

"Don't worry, as long as our Fangbei Company participates, we guarantee to close the deal. Which country is the customer from?"

"Old Ba." Liu Qing sighed inwardly: This Director Qin changes his face faster than flipping a book.

"Old Ba? You plan to sell the Type 80 tank to Old Ba?"

"Yes, Old Ba requires this tank to be capable of confronting the T-72. Our Type 80 tank is designed to combat the T-72, so we think it can meet Old Ba's needs."

Old Ba's sudden visit was for a reason.

Old Ba's main battle tanks are the 59 and 69 tanks, which played an important role in previous conflicts, but as time goes by, these tanks are also slowly becoming outdated, especially when the opposite side, A San, is equipped with T-72 tanks, the disadvantage immediately becomes apparent.

In 1972, A San became somewhat inflated and decided to independently develop a main battle tank. It wasn't until 1977 that they finally realized that they were overestimating their abilities and that it was impossible to develop a modern tank in a short period of time. Therefore, they turned their attention to the outside world, hoping to purchase a batch to fill the gap before their independently developed tank entered service.

They still had some self-awareness. After tinkering with the tank for decades, only a dozen were finally put into service in a hurry. This is the Arjun tank that military enthusiasts are most familiar with.

France smelled the business opportunity and promoted its AMX-40. The British Royal Ordnance Factory launched the Chieftain 800. Both have their own merits. Just when A San was dazzled and didn't know which one to choose, Lao Maozi threw out an olive branch and offered their famous T-72 tank.

As a traditional user of Lao Maozi's weapons, A San quickly chose the T-72. In 1981, the T-72M was sent to A San for a long test. Not long ago, A San announced its decision: to purchase 2,418 T-72Ms!

Now Old Ba is anxious. Relying on the existing tanks, they will definitely not be able to compete with A San. Old Ba needs a brand new tank! Under this pressure, they rushed to the East, wanting to obtain an advanced tank.

Is the Type 80 good enough for Old Ba?

Qin Yang shook his head: "No, Old Ba doesn't like the Type 80 tank. I have to go and help."

Now Old Ba is not only having the Eastern option. Because of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the relationship between the United States and Old Ba is very close. They have to use Old Ba to provide weapons to the Afghan guerrillas, so as to cause trouble for Lao Maozi.

What if Old Ba doesn't like our tank and runs to the West to purchase it? Although this has not happened in history, Qin Yang has to be wary.

"Aren't you eating? Director Qin, eat your fill before going…" Liu Qing watched Qin Yang leave in a hurry, feeling a burst of emotion in his heart.

Qin Yang didn't answer, and ran out in a puff of smoke, riding a bicycle outside, heading straight for the shooting range.

At the shooting range, a large group of people in khaki military uniforms surrounded a Type 80 tank with a spherical turret. They all... shook their heads at this tank.

"This tank does not widen the gap with the 69-2 tank." The leading officer said: "We believe that if we were to purchase it, it would not be much different from purchasing the 69-2, and its price is even more expensive."

Factory Director Wang Lin and tank designer Old Fang were both beside him, listening to Nie Xiaoqian's translation, their faces were very ugly.

After just a performance, the Old Bas were obviously moved, but now they are dissatisfied after hearing the price? What do you mean no difference? This is six pairs of road wheels!