Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

Although the engine only has 1200 horsepower, it is still a step behind the 1500 horsepower engines in the West. However, the tonnage of domestic tanks is also lower. Compared to the sixty or seventy tons of Western tanks, our own tanks only weigh about fifty tons. The power-to-weight ratio is sufficient, but the transmission is not strong enough.

The West uses hydraulic transmissions with automatic gear shifting, while domestic tanks use manual mechanical planetary transmissions. Accelerating to 32 kilometers per hour requires shifting from first to third gear, with a momentary interruption of power in between. Therefore, the final result is only nine seconds.

However, as long as it can run within ten seconds, it is very impressive.

The roar of the engine continued as the tank continued to accelerate and gradually move away. The tank was soon beyond naked-eye visibility, and all that could be seen was the dust it kicked up.

"We have now sprinted to the maximum speed of seventy kilometers per hour," Qin Yang continued to introduce. "Next, we will reduce the speed to fifty kilometers per hour for an off-road demonstration. Leaders, please use binoculars to observe."

Previously, domestic tanks could only reach a maximum speed of fifty kilometers per hour due to the engine's limitations. But now, with the advanced engine, the tank can finally go faster.

Of course, compared to the maximum speed of seventy kilometers per hour, the off-road speed of fifty kilometers per hour is more practical.

All the leaders raised their high-powered military binoculars. Looking through the binoculars at the tank gradually moving away, they saw it slow down slightly and then charge into a shell crater. It then began to twist left and right. When it rushed onto a mound, even the tracks were completely suspended in the air, flying one or two meters in front of the mound before landing heavily and continuing forward amidst the dust.

"Good, very impressive! The chassis of our tank is very good!"

This dynamic demonstration requires not only a powerful engine but also an excellent chassis, which is the suspension system!

If the suspension is not strong enough, all the suspensions would break after flying up and then crashing down. Now the tank is still speeding like the wind, which is enough to show the excellence of the suspension system.

"Yes, we did not use hydropneumatic suspension. For tanks, torsion bars are still the most suitable. We are not pursuing high-end performance, but a balance between reliability and advancement."

Tanks appeared in World War I, and after a long period of development, many technologies were fixed after the end of World War II: single turret, rear engine, etc. Torsion bar suspension is also widely used in suspension systems.

The suspension is responsible for connecting the wheels and the body. For tanks, it connects the road wheels and the body.

The torsion bar suspension has a torsion bar inserted horizontally into the bottom of the vehicle body, with each end bent into a rocker shape and then fixed to the road wheel. When the road wheel swings upward, it drives the torsion bar to twist, thereby providing a cushioning effect.

Torsion bar suspension is simple, does not take up space in the vehicle body, and has a large cushioning force. Therefore, both the Leopard 2 and the M1 use torsion bars.

The chassis suspension of the 59 tank, the horizontal one is the torsion bar.

"Back then, our development of the three-liquid tank was ultimately proven to be technically immature. This torsion bar is still the most suitable," Old Zhu said. "In the future, as technology develops further, it may be replaced with hydropneumatic suspension, which can provide a more comfortable interior space for the crew."

While speaking, the tank had already rushed through the shell crater and was driving at high speed on the corrugated road. This tests the performance of the tracks.

"The tracks give the tank a perpetually smooth road, allowing them to rampage across the wilderness. However, the tracks also have their weaknesses. Without solid research and production experience, the tracks may also be damaged."

This is not a joke. In later generations, the tanks of an island nation once broke their tracks on a smooth road, becoming a joke.

"We are using double-pin tracks, and we can also attach rubber blocks as needed," Qin Yang continued to introduce. "Even if it passes in front of Tiananmen Square, it will not damage the road surface."

"Do you want this tank to participate in the military parade?" Leader Han asked.

"Yes, leaders, we hope that this brand-new third-generation tank can appear in the military parade to strengthen our national prestige and military power!" Old Zhu's voice trembled slightly.

After working on it for so long, isn't it all for the purpose of being reviewed by the motherland and the people?

"I think it's feasible," Leader Fang said. "The mobility of this tank is very good. I am very satisfied with it."

"Old Fang, you can't joke about this. What if the tank breaks down and fails during the parade? That would be a disgrace in front of the whole world."

"I can issue a military order!" Old Zhu suddenly became excited. "We guarantee that this tank will pass the reviewing stand on time!"

"I can also sign. If there is a failure, I am willing to be dealt with by the higher authorities," Qin Yang said.

"Okay, since General Manager Qin is guaranteeing it, then we don't have to worry about anything," Leader Han said. "You submit a detailed report to our parade headquarters."

"Yes."

Forward, forward!

The speed became slower and slower, and the dust behind became less and less. The engine emitted black smoke and continued to exert force.

The tank passed the sign and continued forward, rushing about twenty meters further before finally stopping.

"Amazing!" Jiang Zhenguo said with emotion, "We have to put the new sign there. It represents a new record. By the way, how should we write the tank number on our sign?"

The numbering of domestic tanks has always been based on the year, starting from 59. However, it gradually became chaotic later.

For example, the Type 85 tank has been designated as an export tank and has received a large number of orders, but it is only 83 years old this year.

The performance of the domestic third-generation tank is stronger than that of the Type 85 tank, so the number must be earlier than the Type 85. How should it be named?

At this time, the third-generation tank rumbled back, and everyone was worried about this number.

"General Manager Qin, what number do you think is best?" Leader Fang's eyes turned to Qin Yang.

Find Qin Yang when you encounter problems! General Manager Qin will definitely be able to solve the problem!

"Me? I think Type 99 is good."

Type 99? It's only 83 years old, and 99 is still a long way off!

"Our tank is designed for the new century! Even in the new century, its various indicators will not be outdated!" Qin Yang said, "We have this confidence and this ability!"

Hearing this, it seemed to make sense.

While speaking, the roar of the tank became closer and closer. The tank that had completed the test mission drove back!

With the sound of braking, the tank stopped steadily in front of everyone, turned off the engine, and opened the engine compartment.

"Leaders, please see, our tank has undergone a dynamic demonstration, and the power compartment is in good condition, without any leaks!"