Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

Now, the third-generation tanks have already been delivered to the parade formations for use. Although there might still be some minor issues with the engine and transmission system, they have generally passed the test. Next, we should consider further development.

The 1,200 horsepower engine is decent for now, especially since the British Challenger tank also has similar power. However, the transmission system hasn't been improved and still relies on levers on both sides for steering. It must be upgraded to a steering wheel.

Next, the hydraulic transmission system will be a key research focus. If it can be matched with a 1,200 horsepower tank, it can certainly be downgraded for use in heavy trucks.

Who says the East doesn't have advanced transmissions? In the field of tank transmissions, we will also catch up and surpass!

Initial research and development won't be easy, as there will be many difficulties waiting. But as long as we overcome these difficulties, we will eventually reap the rewards, and in the future, it will blossom and bear fruit everywhere.

In later generations, the domestic tank's power system will become mature and reliable, with endless variations. If powerful power is needed, it can be increased to 1,700 or even 1,800 horsepower! If longevity is needed, it can be reduced to 1,300 or 1,400 horsepower. If you want to save space, there is also a small-displacement 132 engine. Whatever you need, you can have it. The same goes for the transmission system; hydraulic transmission systems can be freely matched to unleash the tank's maximum potential.

Now, it's just the beginning, and we can consider development in multiple directions.

Domestic heavy vehicles also need advanced hydraulic torque converters. We might as well directly transplant them over. Leave this matter to us!

Zhao Zhiqiang was overjoyed: "Thank you, Chief Qin!"

As long as Chief Qin said that, there was nothing to worry about.

However... Thinking of something, Zhao Zhiqiang was a little embarrassed again: "Chief Qin, we still haven't been able to help with upgrading the 59 tank's engine."

"There's no need to worry about that. We have suitable engines," Qin Yang said. "For example, the 730 horsepower engine on our 80 tank can be squeezed in. We just don't have the demand. If we have the demand, we can modify it at any time."

The ultimate modification of the 59 tank is probably the batch of VT-3 tanks modified for the African brothers. These tanks have been fitted with 125mm guns and have added shells on the outside. From a distance, the turret is terrifying, but up close, you can see the five pairs of road wheels. At the same time, the original engine is not powerful enough, so they simply transplanted the 730 horsepower engine from the 80 tank.

This engine is made by adding a supercharger to the original engine, and it is a mature and reliable product. The engine's size hasn't increased too much; as long as the original engine compartment's height is slightly increased, it will be enough.

This type of tank in later generations is still very cool. All the technologies are available now, and they can be used at any time.

"In addition to this engine, we also have brand new tank engines," Qin Yang continued. "Our current V12 tank diesel engine can output 1,200 horsepower. If we change it to a V8, it will output 800 horsepower, which is just right for our 59 tanks. This takes up less space and is easier to modify."

With advanced tank diesel engine technology, it is even easier to improve old tanks.

The current 150HB diesel engine has 1,200 horsepower and a V12 structure. Cutting off four cylinders and turning it into a V8 structure can reduce the power to 800 horsepower. It would be the best power output for modifying the 59 tank!

It's just that the price is a bit high, and the cost-effectiveness is not high enough. If the military needs it, it can be modified at any time.

And in later generations, the engine's power was increased to 1,500 horsepower. Twelve cylinders were changed to eight cylinders, and the power was reduced to 1,000 horsepower. The former was used on the 99 tank, and the latter was used on the 96 tank, which was a perfect match.

Every time we go to the old Maozi's place to participate in tank competitions, the 96 tanks are sent out. The old Maozi often comes up with tricks, otherwise, they won't be able to win against the 96 tank. This is still an eight-cylinder engine. If we were to replace it with the 99 tank, then the old Maozi would have even less chance of winning.

"That's right, Chief Qin is right. We can just cut off four cylinders from our own engine and use it on the 59 tank. We can even cut off six cylinders and use it on your armored vehicles. Why didn't you propose this plan in the first place?" Chief Zhu reacted.

Cutting off six cylinders would leave only 600 horsepower. Qin Yang has always advocated high power, wanting to give wheeled infantry fighting vehicles strong mobility. Now it seems that using our own products directly is very good!

A 600 horsepower engine is definitely more powerful than a 490 horsepower engine.

Qin Yang shook his head: "Too big."

Too big!

Hearing this answer, everyone smiled helplessly.

The V-shaped engine is indeed larger than the inline engine, but this has to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. The V-shaped engine is wider but narrower in the front and rear. After all, if they are both six-cylinder engines, then the length of the V-shaped engine is the distance of three cylinders, while the inline engine is the length of six cylinders. Therefore, the overall volume of the V-shaped engine may not necessarily be larger.

So, it depends on how the engine compartment is reserved.

After decades of development, the layouts of various vehicles are very complete. For tanks, the engine compartment is generally placed at the rear, while armored vehicles are generally placed at the front. Wheeled infantry fighting vehicles are no exception. The engine is usually placed to the right of the driver.

Of course, there are exceptions. For example, the old Maozi's BTR armored vehicle has the engine placed at the rear, which results in no rear door, and the occupants can only enter and exit from the side door. What's even more interesting is that the previous engine was still two, arranged symmetrically left and right. By the time of the BTR-80, the factory used a 260 horsepower diesel engine.

However, these are special circumstances. Normally, the engine is still placed on the right side of the driver. This way, the space at the rear can be left out, the turret can be placed in the middle, and the soldiers can sit in the back, exiting from the rear, which is safer.

Since it is on the right side of the driver, the width of the engine has an impact. The greater its width, the smaller the width of the driver. As for the length, it is not very important. After all, when the driver is driving, the front and rear width must be more than one meter, and the engine can definitely be squeezed in.

Therefore, Qin Yang didn't split the tank engine in half for use, and there is a reason for it. Of course, factors such as service life also need to be considered. After all, even if the tank engine's service life is extended, it is only one or two thousand hours, which is still incomparable to the engine of a civilian truck.

"Listen to Chief Qin. Whatever he says is what it is. Now, let's look forward to Chief Qin installing this engine in the wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. By the way, how is your vehicle development going?" Chief Zhu asked.

"I don't know," Qin Yang said very irresponsibly.