Chapter 593 This Tu-22M Is Great! No, This Is a Tu-160!

Chapter 593 This Tu-22M is good! No, this is a Tu-160!

Originally, Qin Tao didn't have many ideas about purchasing Tu-22M, but now, with the promotion of various forces, the project has gradually come into fruition.

In March 1997, an inspection team from the Navy and Air Force took a special plane to the Kazan Aircraft Manufacturing Plant. This is a supporting factory of the Tupolev Design Bureau. In the future, it will also form the Tupolev together with the Aerostar Factory and so on. Lev Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex.

After the collapse of the Red Empire, in the aviation industry of the entire Red Empire, only the Sukhoi Design Bureau relied on the export of Su-27. Other units were struggling, and the Tupolev Design Bureau was certainly no exception.

In Lao Maozi's aviation system, Tupolev Design Bureau has always been responsible for large aircraft. They are responsible for bombers in military aircraft and large passenger aircraft in civil aviation.

When everyone walked down, the current designer of the Tupolev Design Bureau, Valentin Briznuko, and the head of the Kazan factory, Vitaly Kobilov, took their subordinates, as well as those who had worked in the military sales before. Grishin, an old acquaintance from China, came to greet him.

"Mr. Qin, welcome to Kazan." Grishin said: "Let me introduce to you, this is Mr. Valentin Briznukko, the current chief designer of Tupolev Design Bureau."

Holding the other person's extended hand, Qin Tao asked curiously: "Excuse me, what is the relationship between this gentleman and Tupolev?"

In Lao Maozi's design bureaus, sons often follow their father's footsteps. The man in front of me looks nothing like old Tupolev!

"Mr. Qin, I am Mr. Polev's student." Briznuko introduced: "You should know that the founder of our Tupolev Design Bureau is the famous Mr. Andrei Tupolev. His son, Mr. Alexei Tupolev, took over his duties. Our most proud Tu-160 bomber is the masterpiece of Mr. Alexei. I was his assistant at the time. Later, Alexei When my husband retired, I became the head of the design bureau.”

Qin Tao nodded. It turned out that both my son and I had retired, so it was the outsider's turn.

"Mr. Qin, this Mr. Vitaly Kobilov is the person in charge of the Kazan factory. If our agreement can be reached, the Tu-22M bombers purchased by you will be refurbished here and then delivered to you. ”

Renovation?

Qin Tao immediately realized that Lao Maozi had learned it badly, but he was still the one who taught him! I just want to come here to purchase a batch of junk. I can count how many of them I can use when I go back. What about the other party? Not only do you have to sell the aircraft at a high price, but you also have to renovate it. After paying the money and dismantling it in the factory, the maintenance funds will be insufficient. Do you want to add more money?

Thinking of this, he was quite speechless.

At this moment, the roar of cars sounded in the distance, and a beautiful large airplane was being towed out of the factory workshop. When he saw the airplane, Qin Tao opened his eyes wide.

The pointed nose, the side strips extend backward from the cockpit to the wings, integrating with the wing box. The variable sweep wings are in a swept state. It seems that the wingspan is not large, but after unfolding , he is a big guy.

Under the fuselage are the nacelles for the four engines, and behind it is the retracted tail.

Figure-160!

For Lao Maozi, it has always been the Americans who want what they have. When the American B-1B bomber enters service, Lao Maozi will also develop a similar bomber. The design of the wing-body fusion will make this bomber look good. It looks very modern, but the variable sweep wing is a feature of the second-generation aircraft. In terms of the overall layout, it embodies the solution to the bomber problem:

How to combine the bomber's long range, long endurance and large weapons load with low-altitude, high-subsonic and high-altitude hypersonic penetration capabilities.

Although the Tu-160 is similar in appearance to the B-1B, there are also big differences. It is larger in size, 20% larger than the latter, and its engine is in a nacelle layout and is not integrated into the body. The wing roots are thick and can carry more fuel, etc.

Overall, Tu-22M and Tu-160 are one generation apart! At this time, Qin Tao's eyes almost fell out when he saw the Tu-160. He held back his saliva and said: "This Tu-22M is good, we will buy this one, even if we try to sell it!"

Hearing what he said, Briznuko and Kobilov looked at each other helplessly.

This aircraft is a Tu-160. Mr. Qin’s ability to mistake a deer for a horse is too high! How could our side sell the Tu-160? This aircraft is just for display to show off our strength!

A skinny camel is bigger than a horse. The glory of Tupolev Design Bureau in those days is still there. What they are most proud of is the Tu-160 strategic bomber. It is a pity that this aircraft caught up with the collapse of the Red Empire and only a total of them were produced. 25, 19 of which are still with Ermao.

Due to the economic downturn, the Tu-160 production line has long been closed. This aircraft is just an unfinished product on the production line. It only has a shell. I dragged it out to show off. As a result, Mr. Qin fell in love with it. ?

"This aircraft has variable sweep wings and wing-body fusion, which simply pushes the aerodynamic design capabilities to the limit." Qin Tao talked gushingly: "Similar to the American B-1B bomber, if we If we purchase this kind of bomber, it will definitely enhance our long-range combat capabilities.”

"Boss Qin, this is a Tu-1." Bliznuko said, "This is our domestic strategic bomber. We have not obtained export license yet. You can only watch from a distance, not get close."

In fact, if it is a real plane, it doesn't matter if you climb up to observe it. It won't hurt to take a few glances. But now, this plane is just a shell, nothing is installed inside, and it will be exposed if you go over.

"It's Tu-1. Qin Tao was a little surprised: "What does the Tu-22M look like?"

"Boss Qin, we have a Tu-22M under renovation in the workshop. You can follow us to take a look." Kobilov said.

"Okay." Qin Tao nodded: "Then let's go in and take a look. "

The production line of Tu-22M has been closed for a long time, but it has been 20 years since the aircraft was produced and delivered to the troops in 1974. Some bombers are sealed, and some are refurbished and then become the backbone of the Russian bomber force. The Tupolev Design Bureau is barely able to survive by this kind of work.

On the artificially built scaffolding, a Tu-22M bomber is being refurbished. Since it was just dragged in, it has not been completely disassembled, and the appearance remains intact. Qin Tao just took a look and became a little impatient: "This plane is too backward, isn't it just a large MiG-25?"

The huge rectangular air intakes on both sides and the layout of the two engines at the tail are very similar to the MiG-25 except for the single vertical tail and variable swept wings.

"Mr. Qin, this is not a MiG-25. This is one of the most advanced bombers in our country. It has a range of 5,000 kilometers and a bomb load of more than 20 tons. If necessary, it can carry 42 FAB-500 bombs at a time for carpet bombing, and it can also carry long-range anti-ship missiles for sea strikes..."

Although the Sukhoi Design Bureau is trying hard to promote the Su-30, saying that this aircraft can be comparable to the Tu-22M, but both sides are not at the same level in terms of range and bomb load.

When Qin Tao heard the figure of 5,000 kilometers of range, he secretly sighed in his heart that the Russians were too insincere. Even if they provided a bomber from 20 years ago, the data would have to be reduced a lot!

The Tu-22M is also divided into many versions. The latest Tu-22M3 is equipped with the brand new NK-3 The 21-type engine is said to be 50% more fuel-efficient than the NK-22, so its range has been greatly increased to 7,000 kilometers. The Russian Tu-22M will definitely be equipped with this engine after the overhaul, but the aircraft provided to the East are still old models!

Even with a range of 7,000 kilometers, it is not enough for a round trip to Moscow. Is it necessary to be so stingy?

"If you need it, we can export 20 Tu-22Ms to you, which can just form an aviation regiment. This size of bomber force can also perfectly break through the anti-aircraft firepower network of the US Navy's aircraft carrier formation and destroy their aircraft carrier formation." Grishin said.

"Then how much do you plan to sell it for? "

Although Qin Tao also brought officers from the navy and air force, they all remained silent. As long as President Qin was present, they didn't need to speak, and they could just hand it over to President Qin.

"For the aircraft, we offer a preferential price, only 20 million US dollars per aircraft. After all, these are second-hand goods. However, due to the poor condition of the aircraft, they need to be placed in our Kazan factory for repair. Each aircraft only needs 80 million US dollars for repair, and it can be repaired into a brand new one. In your army, it can serve for at least 20 years." Grishin said.

A Su-27 can still sell for 30 to 40 million US dollars. This batch of Tu-22M is a strategic bomber, and it only sells for 100 million US dollars per aircraft. It is definitely a very friendly price. Moreover, the Tupolev Design Bureau can also survive through this contract, and it may even restart the production line of Tu-160.

"We don't repair it." Qin Tao said: "We only need 20 aircraft. "

"No, President Qin, those aircraft are too old. If they are not repaired, they may not be able to fly back into the sky. "Grishen gave a good reason: "You can't take the aircraft back either. "We will fly back those that can fly, and we will take off the wings of those that can't fly and transport them back with the An-225 transport plane." Qin Tao said, "We will repair them ourselves after we go back." Everyone present was stunned. Selling planes doesn't make money, but repairing them makes money! "I'm sorry, Mr. Qin, this contract is indivisible. If you want to buy it, you have to add repairs." Grishin said, "This is not the first time we have done business. If you have any concerns, Mr. Qin, you can tell me directly." "Okay, since we are old friends, I won't be polite." Qin Tao said, "In recent years, your reputation in arms exports has not been good. Especially the aircraft carrier purchased by India, the final transaction price is several times the original agreed price, and the aircraft brought back is still a semi-finished product. If we sign the contract and put the fighter here for repair, let alone 80 million US dollars, I'm afraid it will not be repaired even if it doubles. "

Hearing this, all the Russians felt ashamed. The Red Star Shipyard had no moral principles. They made money with the Pacific Fleet, but left a bad reputation behind!

"Boss Qin, please rest assured. I can guarantee that nothing like this will happen. The price we agreed on will not change." Grishin said.

"Grishen, my friend, I believe you, but this is useless. If an accident occurs and a price increase is required, can you personally make up for the extra maintenance fee for each aircraft?"

Grishin had nothing to say.

I really can’t say for sure about this kind of thing! Some people are greedy and some situations are unpredictable. When the maintenance fee is really not enough, who will make up for it?

"As long as we only pay a deposit of 100 million US dollars, we will be trapped by you, and then you will endlessly ask for more money." Qin Tao said: "At that time, if we want to give money, it will exceed the limit. Budget, if you don’t give money, the plane won’t be taken away.”

"No, we will never do that." Kobilov shouted.

"Mr. Kobilov, please calm down. This kind of thing will not be changed by one person's will. How long have the workers in your factory not been paid? How much equipment is aging and needs to be replaced? And the people behind you also If you want to spend money, have you considered this? At that time, it doesn’t matter what you say.”

"Mr. Qin, how can you trust us?" Briznuko was very calm.

"Pay with one hand and deliver with the other." Qin Tao said: "Either it is second-hand junk goods, we will trade them on the spot. If you want to repair them, you can also wait until you complete the repairs and put twenty intact aircraft here. After we inspect it, we will pay the money directly and fly the plane away.”

"Then what if you don't want it anymore?"

General business requires a deposit, and even if the deposit is less, the risk will increase. Now, Dongfang doesn't give you a penny, just waiting for the final flight. This is too risky.

"How could we not want it? The Tu-22M is a super bomber!" Qin Tao said: "We got your invitation and came over immediately. After the purchase is returned, we can fill our gaps. Don't worry, I, Qin Tao, can use it. Our reputation guarantees that as long as you provide it, we will definitely purchase it and we will never break your promise.”

"But, we...can't advance maintenance funds to you." Kobilov was embarrassed.

If they weren't poor, how could bombers like the Tu-22M be exported? They want to make money now, and they don't have the money to invest in it, no matter how big the benefits will be in the end.

"Don't pay in advance? Then don't repair it, just sell it to us as a second-hand old aircraft." Qin Tao said: "Actually, even if you have modified it, we still have to continue to modify it. After all, your avionics The equipment is already outdated. Just leave it to us for renovation. Your Tupolev Design Bureau and Kazan Factory can still make money. You can send people to us for technical guidance!"

How much money can you make then!

Both Briznuko and Kobilov were a little dissatisfied, and they planned to make a fortune from this project! As a result, the conditions became like this?

"There's nothing interesting about this plane. Let's call it a day. I brought some fine wine. Let's go find a place to have a good drink?"

Countless people get excited when they hear about drinking. No matter whether the deal can be completed or not, they want to have a good drink first!

After a while of drinking and drinking, it was evening. Grishen was careful not to drink too much. For some reason, he saw that Qin Tao and others were obviously not sincere enough when they came this time. Did the other party have other plans?

Kazan is located on the left bank of the middle reaches of the Volga River, the longest river in Europe. The Volga River and the Kazan River meet in the east of Kazan City. The entire city is surrounded by green mountains and looks very good.

The guest house of the Kazan Factory stands on the bank of the Kazan River. When you open the window, you can see the slowly flowing river, which is very spectacular.

Facing the slowly flowing river, several people were discussing.

"Mr. Qin, we can't be fooled by Lao Maozi. They must be deceiving us by asking for renovations here." Zheng Ming spoke, and as the person in charge of equipment, he also followed.

"That's for sure. We didn't see many workers when we went to the factory. The factory is semi-abandoned and relies on our funds to maintain it. If they want us to purchase, they have to follow my plan. Either sell the old plane directly, or we can pay for it after they renovate it. "We can't be fooled," Qin Tao said.

"Yeah, we can't be fooled." Zheng Ming nodded: "If Lao Maozi doesn't agree, then let's leave. It's better not to buy it than to be tricked."

"Yes, the inspection here has been completed. Now it's time to leave. Let's go to Ermao's place to have a look."

"Er Mao? Aren't we going back?"

"Why are you in a hurry to go back? The White Swan we saw today is really good!"

White Swan?

What is a white swan?

In another room, Grishin listened to the conversation on the bug and was very curious. He didn't understand Chinese and this was translated. He even asked if the translation was wrong.

"Could it be our Tu-160?" Briznuko suddenly thought of something. This name is really good. It sounds much better than the pirate flag codename given by NATO. The aircraft is painted white. It's really Like a white swan spreading its wings and flying!

"Ermao, White Swan, no, they are going to buy Tu-160 from Ermao!" Grishen reacted.

In the era of the Red Empire, the Tu-160 produced was distributed according to demand, and most of the Tu-160s were in Ermao! For Ermao, this kind of strategic bomber is not needed at all, and it is a waste of money to keep it. Damao negotiated several times to get the plane back, but the price could not be negotiated. It was not until 1999 that Ermao had to hand over these white swans to Damao in order to repay Damao's debt.

If the Orientals go there, they will definitely be able to offer a higher price than them and buy this bomber back!

No, we must not let the Orientals succeed!

The Tu-160 is a strategic bomber with a range of over 10,000 kilometers. If the Orientals get this bomber, it will be easy to go back and forth to Moscow!

"The Easterners have limited funds for purchasing. If they purchase the Tu-22M bomber from us, they will not have extra funds to purchase the Tu-160." Grishin immediately made a decision: "We must keep the Easterners and let them purchase our Tu-22M bombers!"

"They proposed two plans. The second plan is unacceptable to us unless the superiors allocate funds to us to complete the modification of the aircraft." Kobilov spoke.

It is absolutely impossible for their Kazan factory to advance funds for the modification. They simply don't have the money. The only way is to allocate funds from the superiors, but they also know in their hearts that the superiors are unlikely to allocate funds because they don't have money.

"It seems that only the first option can be used." Grishin said: "We will directly sell them second-hand Tu-22M, 20 million US dollars each."

"Then what do we earn?" Bliznuko frowned. According to their original plan, this transaction was mainly to earn the modification fee!

"We can sell them the Tu-22M that is about to be scrapped. After they buy it back, if they fail to modify it themselves, they will have to come to us for modification." Grishin said.

The Tu-22M that is about to be scrapped? This is really a good way! Moreover, those who oppose it can no longer oppose it. After the Orientals fail to modify it, they will have to come to us to continue to modify it. At that time, they can even ask for a higher price!

Kobilov nodded: "Okay, we can accept this plan."

"It can only be like this. If the Orientals buy back the Tu-160, even if there is only one, it is unacceptable to us." Bliznuko was worried.

The Tu-160 is the most advanced strategic bomber of the Russians. This kind of bomber, except for the Russians and the Americans, must not be owned by a third country, not even the Orientals!

In order to prevent the Orientals from buying the Tu-160, it is still a good deal to export a batch of Tu-22M that are about to be scrapped.

The next day, Qin Tao and others had just finished breakfast when Grishin came.

"Boss Qin, after careful discussion, we decided to follow the first option you mentioned, and sell you 20 Tu-22Ms at a price of 20 million US dollars per plane."

Hearing Grishin's words, the navy and air force personnel who came all the way here were excited.

Great, so great! After Boss Qin's trickery last night, these people actually changed their attitudes.

The addition of the Tu-22M will greatly enhance the country's long-range bombing force! These 20 planes, 10 each for the navy and air force, will all gain strategic bombing capabilities!

"Okay, where are the planes?" Qin Tao asked.

"Zavitinsk." Grishin said.

"Isn't that base closed? Is there a Tu-22M in it?" Qin Tao was very curious.

Once, the old Russians were also very generous. The number of Tu-22M bombers was hundreds at its peak, but after the collapse of the Red Empire, many planes were lost to other republics. The big Russians looked helplessly at the rapidly shrinking strategic air force and began to reorganize.

The most important base is Engels Air Force Base, where a strategic bomber regiment was specially formed, equipped with 6 Tu-160s, dozens of Tu-95MS and 1 Il-78 tanker regiment. The second is Ukrainka, where 2 Tu-95MS regiments are stationed. As for the remaining 130 Tu-22M3s of the long-range aviation, equipped with 6 regiments, they are stationed in Solich, Shayikov, Belaya (2 regiments), Vozdvizhenka and Zavitinsk.

By 1994, this scale could no longer be maintained. The two air force groups that originally belonged to the long-range aviation and the 37th Strategic Air Force Army of the Supreme Command were disbanded, and all the troops were organized into only 5 heavy bomber aviation divisions, stationed in Engels, Solich, Belaya, Ukrainka and Vozdvizhenka.

The Zavitinsk base was directly closed.