Great warships

Chapter 1211: The Nuclear Reactor of the Indian Aircraft Carrier

When the Russians were building heavy aircraft carrier cruisers, they actually used the slipway construction method. This slipway was called Slipway No. 0, and it was equipped with a crane from Northern Europe that could lift sections weighing thousands of tons. Makarov relied on this method to speed up the construction progress. It can be said that they were the first to use the section-by-section method to build aircraft carriers.

So now, after Qin Tao said this, everyone had to believe it. Mr. Qin was right, Asan was mentally ill, otherwise how could he build that kind of dock? Wouldn't it be better to use a slipway to build it?

"Of course, it may also be that India knows that their own construction level is very poor, so the aircraft carrier will likely be reworked after it is launched, and this is when the aircraft carrier will be needed."

"That's right. Their previous aircraft carrier went back and forth into the dock several times, and there were also several strange launches." Liu Dashan said.

There are not many restrictions during construction, and a slipway is fine. However, after the ship is launched into the water, if any problems are found and rework is required, it is impossible to return to the slipway and the ship can only be driven to the dock. Later repairs must also be made in the dock. The Indians built this dock because they knew they would have to rework many times.

Everyone present laughed.

"Moreover, India is bragging about building a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which is even more ridiculous. India does not have the technical reserves for nuclear power at all. Our Glorious Years has been launched and put into service, but their aircraft carrier cannot possibly leave the dock, and construction may not even have started yet." Qin Tao continued.

Can India handle a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier? Or should we go to the Russians?
When it comes to warship reactors, the Russians are also quite capable. After all, as early as the 1950s and 1960s, they began using nuclear reactors as power on icebreakers. After that, the Russians built a large number of nuclear submarines and the Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruisers. If the Red Empire had not collapsed, the Russians would have been able to come up with advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

In terms of naval equipment, India has always had a history of cooperating with the Russians, so it is reasonable to seek cooperation with the Russians this time.

The Russians also thought so. However, after waiting for a few days, they did not see India come. Later they found out that India had actually gone to Britain for cooperation!

It turned out that there was something wrong with Asan's brain. He actually started flirting with the British. Even if Asan was looking for the French, it would be more acceptable than the British. After all, the British nuclear reactor was built by the Aviation Engine Company, which was simply not doing its job.

Rolls-Royce.

"We at Rolls-Royce have strong nuclear power production capabilities. The PWR2 nuclear reactors we produce are used on the main submarines of the Royal Navy, not to mention the Astute-class attack nuclear submarines. Even our Vanguard-class strategic nuclear submarines use this type of nuclear reactor." Engineer Thomas introduced: "This reactor not only has a thermal power of 140 megawatts, but also has the benefit of not having to replace nuclear fuel throughout its life cycle."

The use of enriched nuclear fuel eliminated the problem of replacing nuclear fuel midway, and it was indeed the British who first came up with the idea. Of course, this nuclear reactor, which was invented more than a decade ago, used such advanced technology and was very risky. The main idea of ​​the British at the time was to save money. After building it, they did not have to cut open the nuclear reactor to change fuel, which saved a lot of trouble. In later generations, this nuclear reactor was considered to have many defects, and even British submarine soldiers had to operate it with caution, as a major accident could occur if they were not careful.

The Indians listened carefully. After they finished listening, Alex spoke carefully: "For us, 140 megawatts of thermal power is a bit small. It's okay for nuclear submarines, but it's too low for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The new generation of Ford-class aircraft carriers in the United States has a core power of 140 megawatts. Eastern aircraft carriers are probably of this order of magnitude. Two units are enough, but this -megawatt nuclear reactor requires ten units."

The Indians are not stupid. They have certainly summarized the international experience in the research and development of nuclear reactors for aircraft carriers, especially France’s failed experience. They also know that it is not cost-effective to directly transplant nuclear reactors from nuclear submarines.

"Of course. We are just introducing our advanced technology in the field of nuclear reactors. If you want to build a 2-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, you will need a nuclear reactor with a thermal power of at least 3 megawatts. But now you are only planning to build a -ton aircraft carrier. Therefore, a core thermal power of megawatts will be enough. We have the PWR nuclear reactor, which is an upgrade of the PWR nuclear reactor technology. This nuclear reactor is planned to output megawatts of thermal power." Thomas introduced.

According to the original plan, if India agrees with the PWR2 nuclear reactor, that would be the best. If India disagrees, they will introduce the PWR3 nuclear reactor. In short, India must not be allowed to leave empty-handed. Once it comes, it must place an order here!
"Yes, 500 megawatts of thermal power is enough. Installing two nuclear reactors will not only provide enough power for the aircraft carrier to reach a speed of 30 knots, but also provide enough electricity for our electromagnetic catapults and electromagnetic arresting cables and other devices." Alex nodded: "So, how far have you developed this nuclear reactor?"

"Computer simulations have been completed and construction can begin at any time," Thomas said.

The so-called computer simulation is nothing more than inputting relevant data into the computer and performing calculations. As long as the thermal power can reach 500 megawatts, in fact, no calculations are performed at all. The size of the core and how to build the external protective device all require a lot of design work. However, these are not important as long as the Indians invest money.

"Can you give us the information about this nuclear reactor?" Alex asked. "We also have extensive experience in nuclear reactor research and development, and we would like to learn from your technology."

Ah San actually wanted to ask for information? The British people present found it a little funny. You are too self-righteous, aren't you? How can we give you the information? Because we don't have it!
"Of course not." Thomas said, "Even if I gave you the information, you still wouldn't be able to build it. Shipboard nuclear reactors are very complicated. Just processing the outer shell requires advanced technology, which you don't have. During the construction process, if there is a slight problem, it could lead to catastrophic consequences."

India does not have the technology to produce nuclear reactors. Even if they built a nuclear reactor on the ground, it would be a commercial nuclear reactor, which is very different from the one on a warship.

The nuclear reactor of a warship is required to be small in size, have high thermal power, and have an internal pressure much higher than that of a commercial reactor. It must also withstand the shaking of the warship.

"Well, if you build it, how much will it cost?"

"Two billion dollars."

"So expensive?"

"Yes, do you dare to use the cheap ones? The nuclear reactors of Russia have never been mature. Later, the cruisers improved by the East removed the nuclear reactors and adopted conventional power."

If India doesn't turn to the British, it can only turn to Russia, and Russia's surface ships use nuclear reactors, which are not mature! The nuclear reactors of the Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruisers all have problems, causing them to break down and finally have to rely on boilers to operate. Thanks to the help of the East, the nuclear reactor power was removed and replaced with a gas turbine, and now it has regained its vitality.

So, don’t look for Damao, Damao is unreliable!
The Indians nodded: "Okay, but this investment is too big, we need to study it carefully."

This contract will definitely not be signed immediately. After all, India's shipyard has just begun construction, and the subsequent aircraft carrier is still a long way off. It is only preliminary research now, and they cannot pay the money immediately.

Moreover, no one in the world is optimistic about India's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Zhang Zhong said that the program immediately released a new episode commenting on India's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

"We believe that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is a manifestation of India's unrealistic ambitions. At present, they do not have any technical reserves. It will take them at least 20 years. We can look at the development path of the Russians in nuclear-powered surface ships."

"On the Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruiser, they used the KH-3 nuclear reactor. Later, for the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, they developed the KN-3-43 nuclear reactor based on this nuclear reactor. It passed the acceptance in 1988. The thermal power of this nuclear reactor is only 305 megawatts..."

Zhang Zhong once again advised Ah San to turn back from his wrong path, but Ah San would definitely not listen.

Qin Tao, who was far away in the Rainbow Country, was visiting the joint maritime exercises of both sides.

Since all the warships are produced in the East, the electronic equipment on the 054 foreign trade warships can communicate with other warships without any obstacles, and the 055 warships can easily command any warship in the formation.

"Qin, the warships you produce are really good. We can always unite when needed in the future." Vitalia's voice sounded on the observation ship.

"Not only us, but also several other African countries have ordered warships. In the future, we can also organize joint military exercises frequently with the warship with the largest displacement as the flagship," said Qin Tao.

"Yes, we are also looking forward to that day." Vitalia said: "We in Vana will truly have the strength to face any threat."

"Vina, I remember when we first met, you were just an ordinary girl. I didn't expect that you would grow up to be the person you are today. I was a little scared." Zhao Ling said from the side.

"Really? I just did it because I knew Qin needed it." Vitalia said, "However, this is not enough. Rainbow Country has a complete aviation industry. We also plan to focus on the production of drones in the future. Qin, what do you think?"

"Of course you can. You can get the same technology that the big dog owners can get."

Times are slowly changing, and drones will become more common and more important in the future. Vitalia has a good vision.

"Mr. Qin, I just received news that Asan has found Rolls-Royce and wants to use their strength to develop a nuclear reactor for the next generation of aircraft carriers." Xu Zhengyang walked up.

"Asan asked Rolls-Royce for help? Don't they know that Rolls-Royce doesn't have any nuclear reactor R&D technology at all? They are just copying the US nuclear reactor technology?"

"Yes, but this makes Russia very unhappy. So Russia hopes we can help Ah San give up cooperating with Rolls-Royce and cooperate with Russia's design bureau. Russia needs this investment."

Russia also wants to produce nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Although they have long lost this ability, people always have ideals, and now there is this opportunity. If they can obtain funds from India, Russia will be able to develop the nuclear reactor of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which can be regarded as a technical reserve for the future.

"It's not easy, but there is a way." Qin Tao said, "The Indians will listen to our words the other way around. We just need to praise Rolls-Royce's technology and the Indians will become suspicious. It would be best if the British nuclear submarines had another accident to expose their unreliability."

"I can help with this." Vitalia said.

Qin Tao was stunned: "Your Wana business has already reached Europe?"

Vitalia smiled and said, "That's not the case. It's just that one of my subordinates happened to be from the same hometown. He settled in the UK a few years ago and found a job in the navy. He happened to be on their submarine."

How can this be called just right? This is clearly a deliberate insertion! How big is Vitalia's ambition? Qin Tao secretly thought in his heart, will he regret having built up Wana with his own hands in the future?
"Qin, what's wrong with you?"

"It's okay." Qin Tao smiled and said, "Vina, you really enjoy playing this game of life."

"That is."

After the exercise, the fleet set out on its return journey, sailing northwards to join the fleet that had completed its mission in the Red Sea. The fleet's flagship was transferred from 055 to 075, and Qin Tao also moved from the freighter to 075.
"Boss Qin, welcome to the 075 warship!" Captain Zhang Yu said with a smile: "Last time you came, we provided protection for you. This time when you return, we will go together again."

"Well, how many months has it been since the last time? You guys were out on this mission for quite a while."

"We are a surface ship, so it doesn't matter how long it takes. Mr. Qin, according to the arrangement of our superiors, we will take you aboard when we get to the vicinity of Gwadar Port, and then return through Pakistan's airspace."

"Okay." Qin Tao nodded, and then thought of something: "After we return, you should hold the induction ceremony, right?"

"Yes, Mr. Qin, will you attend then?"

“You must attend.”

That night, a peculiarly shaped plane flew over. It had wings, engines and propellers on the wingtips, and a fuselage similar to an elongated helicopter. It was the latest tilt-rotor aircraft from the East.

The biggest advantage of this type of aircraft is its fast flying speed and long endurance distance. Qin Tao took Zhao Ling, Xu Zhengyang and others, boarded the tilt-rotor aircraft and flew to land. During the flight, there were two J-31A accompanying them.

This is also the reason for riding on a tilt-rotor aircraft. If it were an ordinary helicopter, it would be impossible to form a formation with a fighter jet. The maximum speed of a tilt-rotor aircraft is more than 500 kilometers per hour, while a helicopter generally has a maximum speed of more than 300 kilometers per hour.

"It's really not easy to come out, but there haven't been any accidents along the way." Qin Tao sighed.

"Boss Qin, you are just being unappreciative of your blessings. Do you know how much force we have deployed to protect your safety? In secret, we have fought with at least twenty groups of people. Wana on Vitalia's side should have also come into contact with more than a dozen groups of people. The other side has no chance to take advantage of us."

"Okay, we'll just fly back this time. Is there something big going on in the country?"

"Well, our artificial sun has been built. At this critical moment, you should be present on site and give a speech."

"Artificial sun? Nuclear fusion?"

"Yes, this project was invested and built by our Mingzhou Group. It is a project that Mr. Krasnopolsky strongly supports. It also represents the progress of our Mingzhou Group in the field of high technology."

In the use of nuclear energy, the first breakthrough was nuclear fission. As long as the atomic nucleus is bombarded with neutrons and split into two or more, mass loss will occur, accompanied by the release of energy. This principle is used in both atomic bombs and reactors.

Fusion, on the other hand, involves pressing two light nuclei together to form a new nucleus, which also releases energy in the process. However, the nucleus is positively charged, so if you want to squeeze two light nuclei into one, you need to overcome the Coulomb repulsion.

This makes it difficult for nuclear fusion to occur, unless it is detonated by an atomic bomb, allowing light nuclei to collide with each other with great kinetic energy, but this is uncontrollable. Now, the whole world is studying nuclear fusion technology. The most common one is the tokamak device, which was proposed by Russian scientists in the 1950s. It is a group of annular containers with coils on the outside to generate a strong magnetic field and a vacuum inside. When nuclear fusion occurs in plasma state matter, even if the temperature reaches hundreds of millions of degrees, it will not melt the external confinement device.

This method is used by mainstream nuclear fusion devices in the world.

However, the device funded and built by Mingzhou Group did not use the tokamak device.

"The national team is researching the tokamak device, and we are researching the laser nuclear fusion device. We are taking two routes, which will be safer, just like Starship Corporation." In the Sichuan Basin, Krasnopolsky looked at the newly built device and said to the people around him.

The mainstream nuclear fusion device is the tokamak, which is equivalent to building a large boiler, adding fuel into it, constraining the fuel to run, and allowing them to rise to a very high temperature, thereby igniting the fuel. Another idea is to use lasers. Hundreds of laser beams hit the target containing nuclear fusion fuel. Under the impact of these lasers, the nuclear fusion fuel on the target can collapse and be ignited.

The former is magnetic confinement, while this one is inertial confinement.

"Yes, if we do both together, one of them will succeed. We will strive to achieve the commercialization of nuclear fusion in ten or twenty years!"

"What did I hear? Has our technology become so advanced?" At this moment, a familiar voice came from outside.

President Qin is here!
(End of this chapter)