Chapter 297: Hongqi 16 Succeeds, Frigate Bidding Begins

Chapter 297: HQ-16 succeeds, frigate bidding begins

The 382 radar on the top of the mast is rotating at a maximum speed of 12 revolutions per minute, so that it can get a target refresh frequency of 2.5 seconds each time, which is twice as fast as the usual six minutes per revolution.

The radar antenna is like a gyroscope, and the people in the compass bridge are also busy and nervous.

"Attention, from now on, we will not receive any prompts from the target ship when we enter the actual combat state." Zhao Ling shouted: "Everyone be vigilant!"

I don't know when it started, even this kind of test is required to be in line with actual combat. In the past, when they tested the HQ-61, they had close contact with all parties. If you put it more bluntly, it's almost like a rehearsal. All kinds of heights, speeds, routes, etc. are fully informed, and then intercepted. Even so, they often miss the target and often have problems.

The requirements of HQ-16 are very high, which also reflects the navy's confidence in the urgent need for a mature and reliable weapon.

"Of course there is no problem. Our 382 radar can clearly search for the target." A technician shouted.

"What target?" Qin Tao finally couldn't help it.

"Of course it's the warship that launched the target missile."

The 382 radar is an air-to-sea search radar that can not only scan the sky, but also the sea surface. The target missile they tested, the Sea Eagle No. 8, has a maximum range of 40 kilometers, which means that the opponent must be within 40 kilometers of them, so the 382 radar can steadily capture the target.

Although the Aerospace Institute has continued to work hard and has developed a C802 missile with a range of 120 kilometers, this missile has not been favored by the Navy. Once it starts to be exported, it will become a special foreign trade missile. In the future, with the development of technology, the Eagle Strike-83 with a longer range will be favored by the Navy.

Therefore, the Navy now uses the Eagle Strike-81 (also known as the Sea Eagle No. 8). The range of this missile is too short, so it must be approached.

First discover the warship, keep a close eye on it, wait until the warship launches a missile, and then calmly intercept it. This routine should be perfect.

Qin Tao shook his head helplessly: "I'm sorry, I want to say something, the one who launched the target missile for you is a 022."

If it was other destroyers or frigates that launched the target missile, they could indeed scan the sea target, but what if it was a 022? That's not necessarily the case!

The warship began to shake, indicating that the waves were gradually getting bigger. The 022 missile boat, hiding in the waves, was even more difficult to be discovered by ordinary sea search radars.

"Fifty kilometers away, there is a suspicious echo on the sea!"

The radar operator had already discovered something and shouted loudly.

If it was a frigate of the same model, then their 382 radar could ensure accurate discovery and clear visibility at a distance of sixty to seventy kilometers, but now, at fifty kilometers, only a vague suspicious echo was seen. It seems that it is indeed a 022 high-speed missile boat.

Thanks to Qin Tao's reminder, if they were still waiting for the clear target echo of the large warship, there would be a big problem.

"Attention, the launch device is ready at any time!"

Following the order, the revolver-like launch device poked behind the chimney made a creaking sound. The difference from the old Russian device is that the cover on each of its launch tubes has been opened, so that if necessary, it can all be launched at the same time. Speaking of anti-saturation strike capability, it is definitely not a lie.

This is just a launch unit, with eight launch tubes installed in it. After all are opened, it looks majestic.

"The target is 40 kilometers away!"

"Report, there is a flame on the sea in the distance!"

On the tall mast, the lookout shouted loudly.

Qin Tao looked up with satisfaction. Through the transparent ceiling of the compass bridge, he could see the excited lookout above.

This kind of profession has been around since the emergence of navigation. With the development of technology, they can use high-magnification optical telescopes to see the outline of ships ten nautical miles away. It would be difficult to see farther.

However, if you only see the flames on the sea in the distance, you can also see them 40 kilometers away.

"Target found!" Almost at the same time, the radar operator shouted.

At this moment, everyone held their breath.

"Altitude 50, speed 0.8, flying towards us!"

"Distance 30, accelerated to 0.9!"

"Target data has been injected!"

"Target illumination radar has been turned on!"

Only the sound of commands was left. This method inherited from the Hongqi-2 missile has not changed. Qin Tao was speechless. He looked at Zhang Zhen, who was excited at this time.

"Distance 25 kilometers!"

"Missile launch! The second missile is ready to be fired at any time!"

As this order was issued, everyone held their breath, and the shooter pressed his thumb on the launch button.

Bang!

The first Hongqi-16 missile broke open the fragile sealing cover on the top, revealing its milky white body. At this time, just below it, the gas generator has started to work, and the high-pressure gas pushes the bottom bomb holder. Flying upward, the bullet holder pushes the movement of the projectile above. Under this force, the entire missile rushes upward, just like a carp jumping over a dragon's gate.

The projectile flew out of the launcher and continued to jump upward, but the speed began to slow down. Just when it flew to a height of about twenty meters, a ball of flame and billowing white smoke suddenly appeared from the bottom of the missile. It spread rapidly and completely enveloped the launching device below.

The projectile seemed to be on stimulants. It suddenly accelerated and flew, and then began to deflect, heading towards the direction of the target.

In the billowing white smoke, the lookout looked at the flying missile and was extremely excited. This was the first time that an anti-aircraft missile was launched vertically from a warship of the motherland navy!

The Hongqi-61, which has been developed for decades, has been abandoned. The Haihongqi-7 originally felt very advanced, but in front of this missile, it immediately showed its disadvantages!

This is not from the same era at all!

The missile can be launched to intercept the target more than 20 kilometers away. If the first missile fails to intercept, the second missile can be re-launched. The success rate of such interception is definitely not low!

In the compass bridge, everyone was still looking nervously at the radar screen.

The target illumination radar has fired dense radar waves at the missile flying at an ultra-low altitude. Under the guidance of the radar waves, the Hongqi-16 interceptor accurately pounced on the target!

"Ten, nine, eight..."

Someone started counting down.

"Three, two, one!"

When the count reaches one, the two bright spots have overlapped and then disappeared.

"The target has been intercepted!"

"We made it!"

Everyone was excited. The successful interception also meant that their Hongqi-16 missile successfully completed the finalization requirements after only one test launch!

This is of course due to the mapping and imitation. If no changes are made and it is just imitation, it only takes one test launch to prove the actual interception capability of this missile!

Everyone is cheering for victory.

Zhao Ling's face showed a smile.

"Comrades, our interception experiment has been a complete success. For us, this is just the first step in a long march of thousands of miles. Next, we will increase its range to more than 40 kilometers, and we will use its backward circuits to Improved to the international advanced level!”

The Navy is in urgent need of anti-aircraft missiles. Therefore, what is most needed at the moment is to complete the imitation first, solve the problem of availability first, and then gradually improve it later.

From the beginning, Zhao Ling wanted to improve. The original missile was just the beginning. Now, she can finally do what she wants to do!

With the successful test-firing of the Hongqi-16 missile, the navy's bidding for new frigates has officially begun.

Wang Hongmin, the person in charge of Huatingdong Shipyard, has been in the capital for a week and has been reporting work to various leaders. However, as he moves, he feels more and more disappointed. The leaders do not relent and do not give any information. Any of his promises, obviously, the leaders are not optimistic about their projects.

However, he has no choice but to fight with his last resort!

After all, their Huatingdong Shipyard is an old factory with a long history. In terms of qualifications, Mingzhou Shipyard cannot be compared. Moreover, they have been building frigates since they started building warships. Now, if the frigate business is lost, it will be them. Absolutely unbearable.

In the 13th year of Tongzhi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, the British businessman Eric Mahler founded "Lai Ci Foreign Company" to engage in import and export trade, shipping agency, etc. In the 17th year of the Republic of China, in order to expand the business scope, the Mahle Machinery Shipyard was opened.

In the beginning, it was just a manual workshop, using electric welding machines for repair work. Later, in the 22nd year of the Republic of China, factories began to be built, mainly for repairs and supplemented by shipbuilding.

In this way, after many wars, the islanders once occupied the factory, and the British moved the main body of the factory to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Finally, in 1952, the factory was nationalized. In terms of seniority, even the Huating Shipyard Not as good as them, they are the first shipbuilding company in Huating!

After that, they successively merged with nearby small factories such as Huaxing Iron Works, Huayi Shipyard, Jianzhong Shipyard, Dehe Shipyard, Hengyuanfu Cotton Ginning Factory and all their real estate, and grew rapidly.

Among the many production factories, they can build ships, diesel engines, and various accessories. They can be self-sufficient without even having to be matched by other brother units. This is absolutely awesome.

However, things are changing!

Arriving in the conference room of Huanglou, Wang Hongmin felt mixed emotions in his heart.

He looked towards the door, where several people were walking over.

Qin Tao is definitely a celebrity in the industry now. He can build aircraft carriers and natural gas ships, which is enviable.

Following Qin Tao is Yang Dawei. Yang Dawei is very happy that Qin Tao has time to participate in this bidding. This bidding is of great importance, but he must not be allowed to mess it up!

With Qin Tao here, he would be completely at ease.

"Mr. Qin, Mr. Yang, how are you?" Seeing Qin Tao and the others walking in front of him, Wang Hongmin greeted him: "You, Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group, are so powerful that your meat has to go into your mouths. ”

"Director Wang, what are you talking about? If you say this now, isn't it boosting other people's ambitions and destroying your own prestige? After a while, maybe you will succeed in bidding. After all, you have a price advantage."

This can be regarded as the biggest trump card of Huatingdong Shipyard: low price. After all, everything is mature and the displacement is still small, so their solution is very cheap. Under the current situation, saving money is the last word.

Wang Hongmin thought so before setting off, but after a week in the capital, his confidence had long been shaken.

Does it work cheaply?

"For your good advice, even if we succeed in bidding in the end, you don't have to be discouraged. There is a market for cheap frigates no matter where they are. They can't be used for personal use, but they can also be exported. Director Wang, if you have any ideas, wait until The meeting is over and we can have a chat.”

exit? Wang Hongmin's heart suddenly felt hot.

Domestic frigates are cheap, so they have been exported several times. Therefore, it is possible for this frigate to be exported. Moreover, Mr. Qin in front of me is the best at doing business abroad. If he helps, sell it Going out is no big problem.

However, putting all these aside for now, the most important thing for him is still the bidding!

"Everyone is here, let's have a meeting. First of all, before the meeting, let us warmly congratulate you on the Hongqi-16 missile's live-fire target shooting at sea, which was a complete success!" The leader who presided over the meeting said: "This missile has a range of 25 kilometers. The missile will become the most important air defense weapon of our navy, and the development project of an extended-range missile with a range of 40 kilometers is about to be launched. "

When he heard this, Wang Hongmin was poured cold water on him. Isn't the meaning too obvious? After a while, do you still want to speak on your own?

Qin Tao was also a little embarrassed. Leader, are you trying to trick my father-in-law? When word spread, they thought my father-in-law was operating behind closed doors! Is this guy going to have a problem with his father-in-law?

"Back then, we spent decades working out the barely usable Hongqi-61. Now, we already have two anti-aircraft missiles, the Hongqi-16 and the Haihongqi-7, and we are developing them around these two missiles. The frigate is the focus of our choice today." After everyone's applause passed, Wu Shengli spoke, putting justice first.

Speaking of the two currently competing frigate designs, in fact, the focus is on air defense missiles.

The Hongqi-16 has just been successfully developed, and its advanced nature goes without saying. However, the Haihongqi-7 is also good, and it was imported and copied by the country at a huge cost. If this project is abandoned directly, it will be equivalent to It's a waste of time and a bit inappropriate.

Therefore, Haihongqi-7 also has a chance!

"First of all, let's listen to the design plans of the old frigate shipyards." The person presiding over the meeting continued.

Anyway, there has to be a sequence, and it is normal for established companies to come on stage first.

"Hello everyone, our Huatingdong Shipyard has entrusted the Ship Design Institute to design an upgrade and improvement plan for this 053H2G." Wang Hongmin came to the stage, opened the slides, and introduced it.

However, this sentence made him feel a little sad. In the past, they had no control over the design. After the ship design institute designed it, they handed over the design drawings to them, and then they just built according to the drawings, but they had never done the design.

Now, they have to spend money on the design, otherwise they won’t be able to bid!

Wang Hongmin took a deep breath and continued: "In terms of weapon configuration, our frigate with a displacement of only 2,250 tons is similar to the 052 destroyer currently undergoing sea trials, but the price is very high. Cheap."

He must constantly emphasize the price, because in terms of performance, it really cannot be compared with Mingzhou's plan.

"We look from front to back. At the front are twin 100mm naval guns. This naval gun is matched with the 343G radar and can carry out air and sea strikes. It is the most effective weapon in low-intensity confrontations."

"Behind the naval gun, on the second deck, is the Haihongqi-7 air defense missile launcher. There are four anti-ship missile launchers at the front and rear of the chimney, so eight advanced Eagle Strike missiles can be installed."

"On the top of the hangar, there are two twin 37mm anti-aircraft guns. They were moved from the sides of the 053H2G hangar to the top of the hangar, freeing up more space for our hangar. At the rear is the deck for helicopters to take off and land."

It is indeed correct to say that it is a smaller version of the 052. Except for the lack of anti-submarine torpedo launchers, the other weapon systems are almost the same as the 052.

"According to this year's currency value, our initial quotation for the Navy will not exceed 200 million yuan for each frigate." Wang Hongmin revealed his trump card: "In this way, with only one-third of the price of the 052 destroyer, we can achieve the same goal." Yu 052’s combat strength.”

The navy burns money, and the construction of warships is quite expensive.

Back then, when the first 051 destroyer was built, the cost was only more than 30 million, but by the time it was built in the eighth phase, it had increased to more than 60 million. By the time the last two ships were equipped with a full set of advanced radars and eagles introduced from the West, After destroying the 81A anti-ship missile, the cost was close to 150 million yuan.

Of course, this is nothing compared to the 052 destroyer. Due to the purchase of a large amount of Western equipment, the cost of this warship reached 600 million!

What about frigates? Let’s not talk about the early ones. The 053H frigate in the 1970s was only equipped with two 100mm naval guns and four upstream anti-ship missiles, and the cost was only more than 10 million yuan, so the navy liked it very much and built 14 ships in five years.

In the 1980s, the improved 053H1 frigate upgraded its weapons and electronic equipment, and the price also rose to 20 million, but the price was still very touching, so 10 more ships were built in the next five years.

The later 053H2 frigate, the displacement increased from about 1,000 tons to 2,000 tons, and a large number of equipment were replaced, but it still maintained the original low price feature, only 15 million yuan.

However, at this time, the navy was no longer so fond of it. Although this type of frigate was cheap, its air defense and anti-submarine capabilities were very weak. Therefore, only three ships were built before the Navy turned to building the 053H2G frigate equipped with the Hongqi-61B ship-to-air missile and helicopter hangar. As the Navy's first frigate with air defense and anti-submarine combat capabilities, the price soared to 150 million yuan.

The current 053H3 frigate is actually equivalent to replacing the Hongqi-61 with the Haihongqi-7, and then slightly improving the model, so the offer is also very pleasing. After their careful calculation, 200 million can be achieved. As for combat performance, it is equivalent to the 052 destroyer built at 600 million now. (There is also a saying that the cost of a single ship is more than 470 million, but that was in the late 1990s. It is only 1993 now, and 200 million is definitely not a small amount.)

In comparison, it should be recognized by the Navy!

Wang Hongmin talked nonstop for half an hour, introducing all the performance of this frigate. At the end, he was more and more confident.

Wang Hongmin walked down, Qin Tao walked to his position, looked at the people present, and said: "Today's bidding, let me talk about the price first. Excluding the air defense missile system, our offer is also 200 million."

Other costs can be calculated, such as anti-ship missiles. After all, the warships currently under construction at the Mingzhou Shipyard are also equipped with these systems.

Only the cost of the Hongqi-16 is unknown to him, but it doesn't matter. Just quote the same price as the 053H3!

What can you buy with this money?

"The displacement of our entire warship is about 3,700 tons, close to 4,000 tons. The hull will be made of 500 MPa high-strength steel produced by our Mingzhou Steel Plant. For the power system, we will use four 16PA6V-280STC diesel engines with a localization rate of more than 80%, with a total power of 25,600 kilowatts, and adopt our self-developed parallel system..."

"This kind of power system has never existed in the world. Can you guarantee its reliability?" Someone asked.

"Regarding this issue, the Laoqu Diesel Engine Factory has conducted 400 hours of continuous test runs without any problems. The specific data will be introduced in detail in my next explanation. Let me first give a brief introduction to the general situation."

The displacement is almost doubled, the weapon system is fully upgraded, and the price is the same without counting the air defense missile system! Wang Hongmin's confidence disappeared again. Even if he was asked to choose, he would choose the Mingzhou Group's project!

This quotation is also cunning enough. For a frigate dedicated to air defense missions, the most expensive thing is the air defense missile system! They excluded this system and let the navy negotiate the price themselves. They were really cunning.

"In order to make this frigate play its greatest power, we decided to transplant the command system we developed successfully and used on 051C to this frigate." Qin Tao threw out his own trump card!

For an advanced warship, in addition to having a variety of missiles, it also needs a powerful command system!

When Wang Hongmin introduced it just now, he didn't mention this at all, because this is not something they can get involved in, but Mingzhou Shipbuilding Industry Group is different, they have strong innovation capabilities!