Great warships

Chapter 1197: Aircraft Carrier in Name
Everyone was so stunned that they failed to put out the small fire in time. As a result, the small fire soon turned into a big fire. The thick smoke coming out of the dock made people think that the entire aircraft carrier was on fire.

This is of course impossible. After all, the material used to build an aircraft carrier is steel, which is impossible to burn.

After realizing what was happening, Bartz immediately shouted, "Quick, drive the fire truck over here immediately!"

If it really doesn't work, then just release water. Once the water is released in the dock, the fire in the aircraft carrier under construction will of course be extinguished. However, doing so will have catastrophic consequences. If a half-built hull floats up, it will not be easy to pump water back into place, and the rust on many welds is no joke.

The fire truck's sirens sounded, and soon the fire hoses began spraying fire water into the dock.

Twenty minutes later, the fire was finally put out.

Rand and Bartz walked onto the aircraft carrier under construction with trembling legs, hoping that the fire would not cause too much impact.

But how did the fire start? This is incredible.

Generally speaking, it is easy to catch fire when repairing an aircraft carrier. After all, it is done in a closed space and there may be various flammable materials piled up. As for the aircraft carrier under construction? Generally speaking, it is made of steel.

It wasn't until they got closer to the fire that they finally understood.

"Damn it, who told you to pile composite materials and aluminum alloys here?" Barthes's face was extremely ugly: "How many times have I repeated it, safety, safety first, why don't you listen?"

Aircraft carriers are mainly built with steel. High-strength steel is needed in some key places, such as the deck. However, in order to reduce the weight of the aircraft carrier, other materials can still be used in many places, such as elevators.

Where Barthes is standing now is the ammunition elevator on the aircraft carrier. In order to reduce the weight, the elevator is made of aluminum alloy and part of it is composite material.

During the welding process of the hull, these materials were simply thrown aside, and then... they were ignited by the sparks of electric welding. It is very likely that the composite material was ignited first, and then the composite material ignited the aluminum alloy, thus starting a fire.

Although the fire was put out, who can guarantee that the area burned by the flames will not be affected and whether it has the same strength as before? Does the nearby steel also need to be replaced?
More importantly, if this matter gets out...

"Investigate these people working here immediately to see if anyone has any connection with Dongfang. If so, even if they are just distant relatives in Dongfang, then this matter is not simple. Maybe the Mingzhou Group is behind this!" Rand said.

Barthes was stunned at first. What a joke! Wasn't this just a production accident? How could it be related to the East? But he reacted later: "Yes, that's it. It must be the Orientals who are causing trouble. They are afraid that our Ford-class aircraft carriers will surpass them, so they deliberately bribed our workers to start the fire!"

It really makes people sigh at their shamelessness that such theories can be put forward so openly. However, they not only doubt it, but also speak it out loudly!

After all, the fire cannot be hidden and will eventually spread. When that time comes, they will have to explain it to the public.

Sure enough, the fire at the aircraft carrier shipyard soon spread throughout the world, and news about the arson by the Minnesota Group also began to spread.

At this time, Qin Tao had already arrived in Guinea, where he was warmly welcomed by Americo.

"Mr. Qin, welcome to Guinea, you are our best friend!"

If it weren't for Vitalia, Americo would have died long ago. As long as Vitalia said that she was asked by Qin Tao to help rescue him, Americo would of course be grateful to Qin Tao. Besides, Americo's men were all assigned instructors from Wana. His men might not necessarily listen to him, but they would definitely listen to Vitalia.

It can be said that Vitalia's words are the most important here.

"Thanks to your help last time, I was able to return to the center of power. Unfortunately, the aircraft carrier was burned, and I only have a few frigates on hand now." Americo said: "Boss Qin, we still hope to purchase an aircraft carrier."

"Ahem." Qin Tao thought of something: "Although the aircraft carrier was burned, the money for the aircraft carrier has not been paid off yet."

If the house collapses due to an earthquake, do I need to pay back the loan? If the aircraft carrier burns down, do I need to pay back the money I owed?

Americo nodded: "Boss Qin, of course we have to return it. Although we no longer have our aircraft carrier, we still have to fulfill the agreement. Humph, there must be Americans behind this."

"Yes, they just want to cause trouble all over the world." Qin Tao said, "Moreover, they have to pretend to be harmless. This time when their shipyard caught fire, they can put the blame on me."

Talking about this matter, Qin Tao was somewhat helpless. At the beginning, the 001 aircraft carrier concealed the truth by pretending to be on fire. At that time, Qin Tao put the blame on the Americans without hesitation. Now, they are using the same trick in return.

But, just say it, I have a big heart and don’t care about these things.

"Yes, they never do good things." Americo said, "Boss Qin, we believe in you. Only you and Mingzhou Group are our true friends."

"According to the previous agreement, the debt for the aircraft carrier still needs to be repaid. As a result, you don't have any extra funds to order a new aircraft carrier." Qin Tao sighed.

Americo also frowned: "How about we explore again and see if there are any valuable minerals in our land?"

"We can't move on to the next agreement before this one is completed. Otherwise, the risk will be too great." Qin Tao shook his head.

I can't say this explicitly, but the meaning is obvious: What if there's another turmoil and you go down again? By then, won't all my money be wasted?
"Yeah, this..."

At this moment, Vitalia spoke up: "In that case, we at Wana are willing to help."

"How can I help?" Americo immediately became excited. Vitalia had once saved his life, and now she came to help him again. She was truly an angel.

"We in Vana can pay to order a 40,000-ton aircraft carrier and matching carrier-based aircraft from the East," said Vitalia.

Wana has so much money? Qin Tao was also a little surprised. It seems that the resources in Africa are very powerful when integrated!
However, although Vana has money, it cannot directly order aircraft carriers because they have no status. They are just mercenaries. If mercenaries also have aircraft carriers, how will others view it? The United States is still okay, but what about Britain and France? Even the Russians?

At this time, Guinea is needed!
"Really? That's great!" Americo immediately became excited: "Sir Vitalia, you are the angel sent by the earth to save us."

"Ahem, this aircraft carrier and its carrier-based aircraft can be registered under the name of your Guinea, but the operation of the aircraft carrier needs to be carried out by us in Vana, and the carrier-based aircraft must also be controlled by us. The aircraft carrier and carrier-based aircraft will not be transferred to you until you pay off the debt owed for the previous aircraft carrier and have more minerals to pay off the debt."

Vitalia told Qin Tao several times that she wanted advanced and powerful equipment, but Qin Tao thought it was too difficult and did not agree. However, smart people are always smart, and Vitalia still found a way to crack it!
Register the aircraft carrier under Guinea’s name!
What do you mean by giving it to Guinea later? Based on Guinea’s financial situation, forget it within ten years. After ten years, all the people on the aircraft carrier will belong to Vana. Even if Vitalia does not fulfill her promise, would Americo dare to object?
Besides, what Americo wants is a reputation. Now, if the aircraft carrier is registered under the name of Guinea, Americo will have a reputation!
Sure enough, Americo did not hesitate: "Sir Vitalia, let's do as you say. If we need anything in the future, we will always ask for your help. I hope the aircraft carrier can come out to help immediately."

"Of course. After all, we still have to stay in the port of Guinea, so we don't have to pay rent. We will go out as soon as you need us."

It is normal not to pay rent. You know, when the Americans station troops in foreign countries, foreigners have to pay. If they think the rent is too little, the Americans will be unhappy and will leave. At that time, other countries will have to beg for mercy and invite the American troops back.

Now, Vitalia wants to buy an aircraft carrier and register it under the name of Guinea. That is the pride of Guinea. If they encounter any problems in the future, as long as they say hello, Wana will definitely help.

After the matter was settled, Vitalia looked at Qin Tao again: "Boss Qin, we have decided to purchase aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft. When can your Mingzhou Group start production?"

This is not asking about production, but asking whether Qin Tao agrees.

After all, before, when Vitalia wanted to improve her strength, Qin Tao shook his head to refuse, thinking that the Wana organization did not need to develop too powerful. Now that it has become a natural thing, how can Qin Tao not agree?
"After we get back, we will arrange production. However, we still need to have a detailed discussion about the type of aircraft carrier you need, its displacement, etc."

"Okay." Vitalia nodded: "Then let's find a room and talk in detail?"

Americo certainly understood: "Ms. Vitalia, Mr. Qin, you can talk here. It's very quiet here. You guys talk, I'll leave first."

"it is good."

Americo went out, and Vitalia sat down on Americo's large chair and waved her hand. Then Ivan carefully checked the entire room to make sure there were no bugs.

If there had been any, the words just now would have been leaked. Now that we can ensure safety, we can communicate normally next.

Vitalia turned on the phonograph beside her. This Americo was a nostalgic guy. He still liked to listen to records, and he always listened to very elegant music. Then, Vitalia opened the cabinet beside her. Sure enough, it was full of red wine. Vitalia poured two glasses of red wine and handed them to Qin Tao: "Come on, let's drink and talk."

"Vina, I can't quite figure you out. What exactly do you want to do?"

"Nothing, just self-protection. Our power is getting stronger and stronger, which will definitely cause dissatisfaction among certain forces." Vitalia said: "They will take action sooner or later, so we must be able to protect ourselves before they take action. With an aircraft carrier, it will be enough to make many people hesitate."

"If you have an aircraft carrier, it might alert some people and make them take action in advance."

"No, no, the aircraft carrier belongs to the Guinean Navy. They have had aircraft carriers before and did not cause resentment from others, so this time, they will continue to have aircraft carriers without too much trouble." Vitalia said: "This is the best opportunity."

"Okay, then let's determine the specific plan for the aircraft carrier. The Guinean Navy once ordered the 075, which is an amphibious assault ship in our country. I think this type of warship is very suitable for you."

Vitalia shook her head: "No, this type of amphibious assault ship is too useless. It does not carry enough fighters to compete with a real aircraft carrier formation. It is not in line with our future strategy of Vana."

Vitalia actually looks down on 075. You know, many countries don’t even have 075. If they have such a warship, they will wake up laughing in the middle of the night. Vitalia’s ambition is really big!
"Then what do you want?"

"The displacement must be over 50,000 tons, and the length of the warship must be over 250 meters. Only such a warship can meet our needs. Oh, and it would be best if it has an angled deck that can take off and land fixed-wing early warning aircraft."

"However, we do need amphibious combat capabilities, which means we need a dock below. After all, there are many islands here and we need to control them. In addition, amphibious assault ships can also reduce sensitivity, which is a level lower than aircraft carriers."

Qin Tao's brows furrowed deeper and deeper. Vitalia, your request is a bit too high!

"The freeboard of an amphibious assault ship is higher, after all, it has an extra dock, so it is difficult for this kind of deck to float outward, otherwise it will be dangerous."

"That's because the displacement is not enough. If 50,000 tons can't float, then 60,000 tons will do."

A 40,000-ton amphibious assault ship dare not float outside, because it is top-heavy and easy to capsize, but what if the displacement is increased to 50,000 tons, or even 60,000 tons? Such a high displacement will definitely be more stable!
On this basis, it is still possible to float out.

"With the angled deck, you will probably need to install catapults and arresting cables?"

"Yes, without carrier-based fixed-wing early warning aircraft, the combat capability will always be greatly reduced." Vitalia said: "Since we are going to purchase, we must purchase the most advanced ones. Anyway, your Mingzhou Group will not make money from us. When the time comes, just give us the cost price. We will pay whatever you say."

Vitalia looks so wealthy and powerful. I wonder what Britain and France would think when they see her?

Look at the French. They built one Charles de Gaulle, but could not afford any more. It was grounded most of the time and only spent a little time wandering around in the Mediterranean. The British tightened their belts and built two Queen-class ships, but they did not have enough carrier-based aircraft!

How would they feel if they knew that a mercenary group actually had the money to buy an aircraft carrier?
Of course, they can't compare. On the one hand, Vana is indeed rich. It has integrated African resources. How can it be poor? On the other hand, they can get aircraft carriers from Mingzhou Group at the lowest price. The price is low. The same 60,000 tons is estimated to be only one-third or even one-quarter of the Queen class.

"It is impossible to export the electromagnetic catapult and electromagnetic arresting system." Qin Tao decided to reject Vitalia from a technical perspective: "So, the angled deck plan you envisioned is completely unnecessary."

"That's someone else's, can't you do the same? After all, these things were developed by your Mingzhou Group." Vitalia looked at Qin Tao: "Qin, isn't what your Mingzhou Group has equivalent to what we have in Wana?"

Qin Tao shook his head: "This technology really cannot be exported. After all, we are the only one in the world who has mastered it. We can only use it for ourselves and will not install it on any export-oriented warships."

Vitalia sighed.

"However, I can guarantee that you can still achieve powerful performance even without catapults and arresting cables." Qin Tao said, "First of all, let's talk about the issue of carrier-based early warning aircraft. We are currently developing tilt-rotor aircraft, including a modified version of the early warning aircraft. By the time this amphibious assault ship is built, this aircraft should be mature, and the amphibious assault ship will be able to obtain a carrier-based early warning aircraft with vertical take-off and landing."

Tilt-rotor aircraft! After years of research, this aircraft has finally reached maturity. This tilt-rotor aircraft can take off and land vertically and fly at the same high speed as ordinary fixed-wing aircraft. It is the most suitable aircraft for amphibious assault ships!

Helicopters will definitely be eliminated in the future, and this type of aircraft will become popular. There will not only be transport and ground attack types, but also early warning types!
With a take-off weight of 20 to 30 tons, it is the same as the carrier-based early warning aircraft. It can completely carry the large plate of the carrier-based early warning aircraft and turn it into a carrier-based vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing early warning aircraft! Such an early warning aircraft will become a versatile one. The amphibious assault ships of the East will be equipped with a large number of them. At the same time, it can also be exported for use by other aircraft carriers that do not have this capability.

Of course, it can now be used to fool Vitalia.

After hearing what Qin Tao said, Vitalia thought for a moment, then nodded: "Qin, since you say it's okay, then let's choose this early warning aircraft as the main force, as for the other aircraft..."

"If the displacement is increased to 60,000 tons, it can easily carry 20 J-31As, 20 vertical take-off and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, and 20 drones. This is powerful enough. We shouldn't need to provide the air-cushion landing craft below, right?"

The Russians have first-class amphibious combat equipment, and Vitalia can probably handle the things in the dock below by herself.

"Well, you don't need to provide this. With this, we have almost finished talking about our aircraft carriers. Next is the escort warships. We only have 054s here, which is definitely not enough. We need 052s, the type purchased by the big dog, at least four. It would be even better if they can be equipped with S-300 missiles."

Missiles are consumables. If they are purchased from the East, they will need to be purchased in continuous quantities in the future. If they are mixed with S-300, they can be smuggled in large quantities.

"Of course they can be mixed, but the performance of this type of missile is not very good."

When modifying warships for the Russians, all of these can be accessed, not to mention the previous versions, even the latest versions can be integrated.

"It doesn't matter. It's already very strong. The key is that it's cheap. By the way, how much are these?"

"I won't count the cost. I'll accept the loss. How about three billion dollars?"

(End of this chapter)