What the hell is a private enterprise?

Chapter 601 Killing someone with a borrowed knife

In fact, the demand for helicopters has always been strong for the army, which is also an evolutionary trend of armies around the world.

From infantry to mule and horse-drawn infantry, then to motorized infantry and mechanized infantry, the advent of helicopters in the mid-Cold War ushered in the era of air assault.

The Empire and the Polar Bear put all their effort into developing the helicopter industry, reaching a scale of thousands by the 60s, while domestically... it only started about ten years ago.

This includes importing "Super Hornet" and "Gazelle" helicopters from the United States, as well as purchasing a number of helicopters from the north after relations improved.

However, the limitations of purchasing from abroad have always restricted the further development of the Army Aviation. Only the European Union is willing to sell medium-sized helicopters, and the prices are extremely high. The Mi-8 and Mi-17 from our northern neighbor are cheaper, but their avionics are outdated... In short, they can only be used as a makeshift solution.

However, for the high-altitude region, only two helicopters truly appealed to Lao Lu:

CH47 "Chinook" and SH60 "Black Hawk".

The Black Hawk is technologically advanced and has excellent performance. Its convenient deployment makes it very suitable for small-scale covert advances.

While the Chinook was more cumbersome, it had an outstanding carrying capacity, with a 10-ton payload that could carry quite good armored vehicles and heavy artillery firepower.

The two army aviation regiments were just an appetizer for the high-altitude region; their strong demand for supplies made their desire for helicopters almost inexhaustible.

The moment they saw the GZ20, they already knew that several light armored vehicle projects under development in China needed to change their design parameters to prioritize adapting to the cargo compartment size and weight of the GZ20.

"This GZ20 is truly remarkable; you guys actually managed to take down the T-55!"

The inspection team brought together personnel from almost every helicopter design and power research institute in China. The one they were most interested in was the "Dongjiang WZ2800" turboshaft engine, which was a copy of the T55L11.

正在仿制的直8使用的是仿制自髪鸡特博梅卡IIIC的涡轴6C发动机，重量380公斤可输出1400千瓦功率，而东江WZ2800以620公斤重量输出2800千瓦，后者的功重比要高出27%。

More importantly, the Dongjiang WZ2800 inherits the advantages of the T55, with much less power at high altitudes than the T6C turboshaft engine. Furthermore, based on the test data of the prototype, its reliability is basically not a problem. It may even reach the level of the original T55, which is almost double that of the Bomeca IIIC.

The successful replication of the T55 engine by Gaijin means that other domestic research institutes will soon be able to design new heavy-duty helicopters based on this engine.

现在的直8需要3台涡轴6C才能提供4200千瓦，起飞重量13吨。

However, if we take two Dongjiang WZ2800 helicopters and learn from the Empire's CH-53 to develop a new conventional layout transport helicopter, we can basically reach the level of the early CH-53A.

毕竟除了CH53K“种马王”，早期型CH53A也是20吨级直升机，只是使用的T64涡轴发动机性能要比T55高8%左右，完全有仿制个青春版的希望。

The researchers from Harbin Aircraft Industry Group and Changfei were initially envious when they saw the GZ20, but after hearing Tang Wen say that 15 billion yuan had already been invested, they felt no envy at all.
Over a year, 15 billion yuan was invested, and the final total budget is expected to be at least 25 to 30 billion yuan.

It took more than a decade and a half to spend just over 10 billion yuan to replicate the Z-8 helicopter!

Their minds were focused on designing a new helicopter based on the Dongjiang WZ2800, and they were completely unaware that one of the people in the team was still looking miserable.

The latter looked as if he had lost his parents, staring blankly at the core machine next to the test stand, which even Tang Wen noticed.

Changbus whispered in his ear:

"That's Factory 331, the Zhuzhou Factory. They were the ones working on the WZ-6C turboshaft. I didn't expect them to come here too."

Tang Wen asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why does he look so unhappy?"

Changbus: "Probably because they're worried that the WZ-6C turboshaft engine will be affected..."

Tang Wen immediately understood that at this time, the military was a bit "scumbag" when dealing with research institutes because of a lack of money, and often abandoned projects without hesitation.

Later generations of military enthusiasts often criticize the fact that many pieces of equipment and engines were ruthlessly canceled and failed to be developed, even though they were just one step away from being completed.

But from the perspective of the present history, how could the already financially constrained military dare to gamble on an unfinished bottomless pit?
This is the greatest regret in history. Changbusi could especially understand how the people at Factory 331 felt, and he was also a little down.

However, Tang Wen suddenly smiled and said to him:
"If the WZ-6C project is canceled and the team is disbanded, we will poach all the members."

Changbusi: "..."

Old Zhang, who was eavesdropping nearby: "..."

"No, no, the WZ-6C turboshaft engine will not be cancelled. The Z-8 helicopter and the Chinook helicopter have different niches and do not conflict with each other. In addition, the Z-8 helicopter also has the need to be deployed on ships."

Old Zhang deliberately raised his voice, which brought back the spirits to the eyes of the representative from Factory 331.

Tang Wen: "What if I bring out CH53 as well?"

"..."

Let's leave some hope for our own industrial development...

Old Zhang wiped the sweat from his forehead. If the CH53 is also developed, then the Z-8 helicopter will really be in trouble!

……

On the third day after the inspection team arrived, Gaijin made no attempt to hide his advocacy for the GZ20 in the media, acting as if the domestically produced Chinook was just around the corner.

Meanwhile, Prism Building was also rapidly compiling and analyzing relevant intelligence.

"Gaijin's speed is too fast! Tang has shown us an impossible speed!"

Tom didn't even need to look at any information before he immediately raised a question.

The aviation machinery factory has only been here for a year. Could it have been earlier than this?
Let alone imitation, even if Boeing had authorized Gagkin to provide all the necessary documents a year ago, helped build the factory, and provided hands-on training, it would have taken about the same amount of time.

"No, we shouldn't just look at the present."

Brest pinned a large headshot of Hampshire to the blackboard:
"This person was one of the former designers of the Y-10. He may have conceived the idea of ​​copying the early CH-47 based on what Tang had obtained. There is ample evidence that he brought many former researchers from the institute, including those who had participated in the Z-17 and the copying of the B-234."

This wasn't starting from scratch; the starting point was at least 50%. Tang simply used massive amounts of funding as a catalyst to accelerate the relaunch of the Z-17. The GZ-20 is essentially the Z-17!

Brest's guess was almost the truth: without the researchers involved in the Z-17 mission, even with all the data, it would have been impossible to achieve such a rapid response.

The mystery of the speed of imitation was solved, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff did not care after the report was submitted.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff summoned Boeing COO Harry Stoneford, whose conclusion was:
"The GZ20 is on the right track. If all goes well, it will be finalized and small-batch trial production will begin in 2000."

Rams:
"Is it possible to sell some CH47s like we strangled the Y10, thus abandoning the need for in-house development..."

“That’s impossible.” Kazimirz immediately rejected the idea:

"Tang is not short of money at all. According to the IAA's profile of him, even if he has nothing better to do, he will continue to invest money to keep GZ20 going."

Moreover, if we release the CH47 in order to terminate the GZ20 program, it won't affect the final outcome.

Hariti Kazimirz, who was standing nearby, explained:

"The CH47's primary use is in high-altitude areas, and the required number is much smaller compared to civilian aircraft. Even if the Northeast Army buys a few dozen at a high price, it would be enough to achieve its strategic objectives, and the premium is acceptable."

We could even make some extra profit if we sell a batch.

"What's the point of this?"

"Because mass production and delivery of the GZ20 will not begin for at least three years, but our sales period is only one year, we can sell dozens of aircraft before the GZ20 goes into mass production."

If we don't sell, this demand will double and feed back into the GZ20.

Harry analyzed the situation very seriously from an objective perspective, but he also had some thoughts in his mind:
Despite Boeing's harsh words to Tang Wen in China, it was only to distance itself from Prism Tower and demonstrate that the GZ20's technology was unrelated to Boeing.

But who in the empire doesn't know the name of Tang? This tycoon really buys airplanes by the ton!

Tang Wen's suggestion of buying dozens of CH-47s and offering patent licenses was something Boeing had seriously discussed internally.
Firstly, if GZ20 continues to be developed, it means that Gekin has already mastered the technology of CH47. The so-called authorization is nothing more than a formality. Even if it is not authorized, Tang Wen will 100% ignore the patent and produce it.

At worst, we can just sign an agreement to prohibit the sale of the authorized GZ20 to other markets, which will not affect other markets outside of Tokyo University.

As for Dongda Market?

Anyway, the CH47 couldn't be sold before, but now it's given Boeing an opportunity to make extra money!

Even if they sell 30 CH-47Ds, that's still a $7.5 million order. With the licensing price, it would be a $10 billion deal for Gaijin without any pressure. And don't forget that Tang Wen also has X Company, the internet cash cow!
Rams knew Harry's little scheme perfectly well. He knew all too well the true colors of these military-industrial complexes. If there were no regulations, what couldn't be sold?
When the 011 Guang Sheng appeared last year, Grumman was in a hurry to try to sell the F-14 again. He even knew that McDonnell Douglas had offered to sell the F-18 to Tokyo University!
Kazimirz understood this, but his considerations were slightly different.

He first asked Harry to leave, and only after leaving the key figures did he tap the table and whisper:
"Gentlemen, do you recall our last topic?"

The crowd was puzzled. The Joint Chiefs of Staff had been focused on how to teach India a lesson and ultimately did not intend to intervene personally. Instead, they decided to exert pressure by providing military aid to Pakistan, such as by selling another batch of refurbished F-16s.

At this point, Kazimirz's re-mention was certainly not meant to dredge up the memories; someone immediately guessed his intention:

"You mean we're selling CH47s to Dongda University to pressure India?"

"Not only that, we also want McDonnell Douglas to negotiate the sale of F-18C and E-2C carrier-based aircraft."

"!!"

Rams was so shocked by those words that he almost jumped up, and everyone else looked at him with strange eyes.

If the CH47 is barely under consideration, then the F-18C and E-2C are far too outrageous; those are privileges reserved for highly trusting allies who would never be adversaries.

And what do the F-18C and E-2C mean? They mean a significant leap in the combat capability of the Type 011 aircraft carrier, almost turning it into a mini-Gaole!

If these two types of aircraft were actually sold, Japan might even doubt whether it had fallen out of favor.

However, Rams quickly realized what was happening:

"The F18C and E2C are just a gimmick, right? CH47 could really consider selling and accelerating delivery to increase the credibility of our sale of the F18C and E2C, but ultimately it's all about putting maximum pressure on India."

The other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also suddenly realized the brilliance of the plan:

If it were simply a claim that they wanted to sell F-18C and E-2C aircraft, I doubt even the University of Tokyo would believe it, let alone India.

However, if it is discussed together with CH47, it is only half true and half false that makes it difficult to understand. At the very least, the University of Tokyo will definitely take a very serious approach to it.

The reason Third Brother is so arrogant now is that he's betting that if the Mushroom Egg explodes, he can buy some equipment afterward and the Empire will continue to pamper him. But if that "pampering" shifts...

Kazimirz's proposal was very feasible and was quickly refined and summarized into a specific plan for discussion and reported to the President.

The president only paid attention to the actual sale of CH47 in the plan. When he learned that selling it would result in a huge profit in the short term but a loss in the long term, while not selling it would be a pure loss, he decisively nodded in agreement.

After all, no matter what, the disastrous consequences of selling this batch of CH47s will take at least four or five years to become apparent, by which time President Jefferson will have long since stepped down and fled.

……

The appearance of the GZ20 was only a minor incident for Prism Building; their main focus was elsewhere.
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Summarize the lessons learned from the Christmas campaign and adjust the development plan accordingly;
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A new strategy for the Amazon rainforest: the president demands that Hans be completely expelled from the rainforest before next Christmas.
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The Antarctic expedition still faces massive shortages of supplies and the problem of selecting a site for the forward base.

Besides the troubles caused by the lost empire, the desert folks and the northeastern Mediterranean also have a lot of problems!
The Christmas campaign still had the biggest impact on the military-industrial complex. Regardless of how the weapons and equipment were adjusted, the Third Fleet's massive aircraft tactics proved that the Empire's AIM-120 inventory was simply not enough.

The Empire's original stockpile of over 5000 AIM-120s was reduced by 20% after resupply and support for allies. That was the entire Imperial Air Force's reserve!
怀恩回来后第一个要求就是把AIM120的常备数量提高到20000枚，在跟议会讨价还价后以12000枚的数字成交，雷神公司在除了原定计划外立即多了8000枚AIM120的订单。

Furthermore, 6000 of these 8000 are the more advanced AIM-120C, with a total order value of $80 billion!
Raytheon nearly went bankrupt as a result and is now busy expanding its production lines, working in three shifts to try and produce AIM-120 like it does with Spam cans.

General Atoms' RF100 unmanned wingman also achieved considerable success:
The coalition forces carefully inventoried the wreckage on land and discovered that more than 80% of the Third Fleet's fighters were pilots of the Black Box aircraft, with the final number of lost pilots estimated at around 350 to 400.

This number is staggering, but the coalition forces also lost a lot. The British lost 93 pilots, and the other parties lost about 60 in total, which means the personnel exchange ratio was basically 1:3.

We can't afford to wait this long, we really can't!
They didn't dare to reveal this fact, and they even kept it a secret from the pilots, otherwise no pilots might be willing to go into combat in the future!

None of the coalition's allies could afford a war of attrition, so apart from the ambitious Flying Chicken who planned to develop his own wingman, the other parties combined bought 500 RF100s. General Atomics suddenly had an order for 1000 aircraft, totaling $70 billion, and made a fortune including subsequent maintenance and upgrade costs.

The changes brought about by equipping the main fighter jets of the empire with unmanned wingmen, increasing the proportion of composite hardpoints, and increasing the deployment of early warning aircraft are even more significant, and the military-industrial complex is taking this opportunity to make a fortune.

Of course, in addition to these, the Prism Building also reorganized and split off a completely new department, with the weather warning department at its core:
Weather Operations Department.

The Empire had the authority to conduct a detailed on-site investigation, and thus gained a deeper understanding of just how destructive that Category 18 storm truly was.

Although the Third Fleet failed to be used successfully this time, what about next time?

In their internal assessment, meteorological experts concluded that the fastest and most convenient way to eliminate the threat of man-made storms would be to drop a mushroom bomb into the storm, otherwise conventional weapons would be largely ineffective.

If we don't use the mushroom bomb, the only way to counter it is to fight fire with fire, and to find countermeasures by researching weather weapons.

Although the Weather Operations Department has only recently been established, it has already become a key focus for Prism Building in its approach to the next generation of warfare.

(End of this chapter)