Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 273 Sea Dart? That's so outdated! Look at Northwestern Polytechnical University's new products!
The original Factory 202 has now become a university-run factory of the Eighth Department of Northwestern Polytechnical University. This factory specializes in producing missiles!
Full of anticipation, Mr. Liu and his colleagues drove to the missile factory.

The surrounding area was somewhat desolate. After all, producing missiles was risky; they could easily catch fire and explode. It was safer to stay away from residential areas.

When everyone went inside, they saw a bustling and lively scene.

"Currently, our missile factory mainly produces missiles with three different ranges: long-range, medium-range, and short-range. The longest-range missile, the Lightning-20, is a copy of the Phoenix missile and can reach over 100 kilometers away. The shortest-range missile, the Lightning-9, also known as the PL-9, is an improvement on the Python-3 missile, with significantly enhanced performance compared to the original..."

When Qin Liang mentioned coming here, Old Liu already guessed what was going on. Now, listening to Jin Gong's introduction, Old Liu nodded frequently. After the introduction, Old Liu asked, "Can these air-to-air missiles be converted into surface-to-air missiles and ship-to-air missiles?"

"Of course, just add an extra booster, and it can become a surface-to-air missile and a ship-to-air missile, since they're all for striking aerial targets anyway... By the way, these missiles of ours also have a very strong ultra-low-altitude interception capability..."

The threat at sea has shifted from high-altitude, high-speed targets to anti-ship missiles that fly at extremely low altitudes skimming the sea. Intercepting such targets is very difficult because they can hide in the clutter of the waves!

The British Sea Dart missile did not have this capability, with a minimum interception altitude of around 500 meters. Later, the East introduced the French Sea Crotale missile, which gave it a rudimentary point defense capability. In the 1980s and 1990s, it became the main air defense missile of the Eastern Navy.

From the Type 052 to the Type 053, all of them are equipped with such an air defense missile, which uses radio command and infrared guidance to avoid the problem of radar clutter on the sea surface.

Do we still need to buy from outside? Of course not, we have our own!
"Converting air-to-air missiles into ship-to-air missiles isn't unusual. The Americans modified the Sparrow missile into the Sea Sparrow and put it on their naval warships," Qin Liang said. "Currently, we have all kinds of air-to-air missiles for long, medium, and short ranges. We can easily add boosters, modify them, and then use them for the navy. We could even develop a universal vertical launch system to integrate various weapons, from large cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles to small short-range ship-to-air missiles..."

All the naval leaders stared wide-eyed.

Northwestern Polytechnical University has developed many projects, including long-range attack weapons such as cruise missiles with a range of thousands of kilometers! If these were all integrated into a single vertical launch system, it would be a game-changer for the navy! It could even bring them in sync with the rest of the world!
It's worth noting that the only universal vertical launch system in the world is the American MK-41, which began feasibility studies in 1974 and was officially developed in 1977. Although it conducted tests of the Standard Missile the following year, it wasn't until 1986 that it entered service on the Ticonderoga-class destroyers.

Northwestern Polytechnical University is really impressive when it comes to developing advanced weaponry!

"Comrade Qin Liang, could Northwestern Polytechnical University come up with a comprehensive plan as soon as possible? Next month, we will have another round of consultations with the British. At that time, Northwestern Polytechnical University will also participate in the review of the 051S using the Sea Dart, and report on your plan."

"of course can!"

The implication of having Northwestern Polytechnical University conduct the review is quite clear!
Qin Liang nodded: "Please rest assured, Navy leaders, we will definitely present a solution that will satisfy the Navy!"

"Alright, then we'll wait!"

Missiles were developed by the Aerospace Engineering Department of Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), radar and electronic equipment by the Electronic Engineering Department, ship hulls by the Navigation Department, and even the engines could be improved with the help of the Aeronautical Propulsion Department. Therefore, this project is definitely the result of the joint efforts and cooperation of multiple departments at NPU!
One month later, in the capital, at Princess Tomb, at the Yellow Tower.

To this day, Liu Lao is still not the top leader in charge of the Navy, but as the person in charge of military equipment in the General Staff, Liu Lao is more qualified to intervene in naval projects.

He sat in the main seat, listening to reports from relevant departments.

"Currently, our Type 051S destroyers will be upgraded in two batches. The first two ships will only be equipped with British-made Sea Dart surface-to-air missiles and supporting electronic equipment, occupying the original anti-ship missile positions to provide our navy with emergency air defense capabilities. Subsequent warships will undergo large-scale upgrades, including the YJ-8 anti-ship missile system, lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, helicopter platforms, and hangars, thus transforming the Type 051S into a multi-purpose area air defense destroyer..."

As he introduced himself, he showed slides, and many leaders nodded frequently.

This improvement will solve the navy's pressing problems! With regional air defense capabilities, they can stand tall when they go out, instead of... just running away after they've finished fighting.

"Distinguished leaders, that concludes my introduction."

"Yes, Engineer Pan, thank you for your hard work. We are very satisfied with the fact that you were able to coordinate with the British side and complete the Type 051S destroyer in such a short time... Next, there are still a few issues..."

"Please ask your questions."

Old Liu glanced around, then looked at the person in the corner: "Comrade Qin Liang, do you have any questions?"

"Well, I have a few questions. First, what is the weight of the entire Sea Dart missile system? I'm not asking about the weight of the missile alone, but the entire system."

"Well... including the launching device and automatic ammunition loading device, the weight is about 600 tons. If you include the radar and electronic equipment, it will be more than 700 tons."

"Hmm, such a heavy device, can our Type 051 destroyer withstand it?"

The Sea Dart missile weighs 550 kilograms. Two missiles are mounted on a twin-arm launcher, which adds up to a ton. This twin-arm launcher needs to be able to rotate rapidly and withstand the recoil of the launch, so this thing alone weighs hundreds of tons.

Moreover, it absolutely cannot have just these two spare rounds. There are 24 more spare rounds below this launcher, and there must also be a rapid reloading system. The battlefield is ever-changing. If it cannot quickly load and continuously fire, how can it deal with a group of incoming targets?
Therefore, the entire system weighs over 600 tons!

When the Sea Dart missile was first developed, it could only be installed on the 8,000-ton displacement Type 82 destroyer, which was the best platform for the Sea Dart. However, it was expensive! The British had to rack their brains to reduce the displacement and put it on the 4,000-ton Type 42 destroyer. They even went so far as to have the superstructure of the warship made of aluminum alloy, but the result was tragic.

Our own Type 051 destroyers are just solid iron lumps, and with a displacement of just over three thousand tons, how could they possibly carry sea darts?
"We chose the middle section of the hull, and we will reinforce this part during construction to ensure its strength. If there is an accident where it breaks in the middle, then all of us designers should be executed!" Engineer Pan said this with great conviction: "Moreover, after this improvement, the displacement of our 051S will be increased to 4100 tons, the same as the displacement of the Type 42."

Although it's called a refit, it's definitely not an improvement on existing old ships, but rather an improvement during the ongoing construction process; it will definitely be a new ship. It's worth noting that the last Type 051 destroyer began construction in 90.

Qin Liang nodded: "Well, the second question is, can the Sea Dart missile cope with the severe maritime situation in the next twenty years? Or, to put it simply, can it intercept our own YJ-8 anti-ship missile?"

"This……"

Engineer Pan hesitated.

"Our Sea Dart missiles have an altitude range of 10 to 22,000 meters, so why can't they intercept your Eastern anti-ship missiles?"

At this moment, Johnson, the British engineer present, looked at Qin Liang with dissatisfaction: "We have already given you, the East, our technical specifications. Last September, our warships even sailed to Shanghai for you to visit. Our cooperation has reached the point of project finalization and contract signing. What do you mean by raising this kind of opinion at this time?"

With the opening of the country, the Eastern Navy also saw its backwardness, so it hoped to upgrade its navy's technology through foreign imports. The British Type 42 destroyer was a brand-new warship that had only entered service in recent years. In order to make money, the British were willing to sell the entire Type 42 destroyer to the East, but... the expensive price was unaffordable for the East.

Therefore, the sale of the entire warship became the sale of related subsystems, especially shipborne weapons, fire control radar, command and countermeasures systems. The navy was very enthusiastic and submitted a "Request for Instructions on Importing Technology from the UK for the Refitting and Construction of New Destroyers" to its superiors. The British were also very cooperative. Last September, they sent four warships—the light cruiser HMS Antrim, the Type 42 destroyer HMS Coventry, and the frigates HMS Antelope and HMS Lively—to visit Shanghai. The navy personnel boarded the warships, toured the ships, and were very satisfied.

In June of this year, which is now, both sides finally finalized the details of the 051S destroyer. After today's meeting, the contract should have been signed and the ship officially introduced. Unexpectedly, the Easterners have pulled some unexpected tricks!
The British were very wise; they could tell at a glance that the Easterners had a new idea!

"Our YJ-8 anti-ship missile can fly at a minimum height of five meters, while the Sea Dart missile can only reach a minimum height of ten meters. How can we intercept it?" Qin Liang asked rhetorically.

In fact, the British were clearly lying. Their Sea Darts could hardly stop anything, not even at a distance of 100 meters or more. These missiles, which use a semi-active guidance system, simply cannot effectively filter out the clutter of the sea waves!
Even ten meters won't work, because our missiles fly even lower!
"What five meters in height? That's just an ideal scenario. In actual flight, it will definitely be more than ten meters."

"Are the data for your Sea Dart missiles also under ideal conditions?"

Johnson's expression changed. He wanted to say, "Of course not," but... things had already come to this point. What if the other party asked to try it if he said anything more?
In his mind, Easterners didn't boast; if they said they could fly five meters, they definitely could, while his side...

He took a deep breath: "If we encounter a target that continues to descend, then use the Sea Wolf short-range air defense missile!"

This is the planned configuration for the British Navy.

For long-range, high-altitude, high-speed targets, use the Sea Dart missile; once they get closer, use the Sea Wolf, a short-range air defense missile with a maximum range of only six kilometers, used to provide the last line of defense.

This equipment was installed on their Type 22 and Type 23 frigates, which fought alongside the Type 42 destroyers in the Falklands War. As it turned out, this combination was completely ineffective, as evidenced by the results.

Now, upon hearing him say this, the faces of the naval leaders present all changed.

Your British Navy can combine destroyers and frigates, but what about us in the East? Our frigates still have anti-aircraft guns on them. Are we going to bring in Seawolf destroyers? Wouldn't that cost us even more money?

"Our Seawolf air defense missile is an excellent short-range air defense missile..." Johnson began to boast again, but... the people present were clearly not in the mood to listen anymore.

"Can the Sea Wolf air defense missile counter anti-ship missiles that fly close by and perform S-maneuvers?"

"What? How is that possible? Anti-ship missiles can't do that!" Johnson shook his head repeatedly, as if he had heard a joke.

To reduce the probability of being intercepted, anti-ship missiles are also constantly being developed. Ultra-low altitude sea-skimming flight and terminal serpentine maneuvers are basic operations, but the British consider these operations trivial.

The naval leaders present shook their heads.

What do you mean it's impossible? Our YJ-8 is already undergoing improvements in this area! You actually think it's impossible? It seems that Britain's air defense weapon systems are really not up to par!

"Distinguished leaders, I have finished asking my questions." Qin Liang sat down, his mood calm. Even without his participation, 051S would have been abandoned anyway. Now that he was here, these questions were just an appetizer. He would close his eyes and rest now; the main event would be the report that followed.

"Welcome, British friends, to our meeting despite your busy schedules. Now, the meeting is adjourned. You may go and have lunch. Someone, please take our British friends to the dining hall!"

Johnson stood up, his face serious: "Gentlemen, your Eastern Navy is very backward. I hope you can seize this hard-won opportunity to improve your air defense capabilities by introducing our advanced British equipment. Once you miss this opportunity, it will cost you much more money to upgrade! Right now, the price for a Sea Dart air defense missile system is only 30 million pounds. If you continue to delay, the next time it may be 40 million pounds, or even 50 million pounds!"

He knew, of course, that this was something the Easterners wanted to discuss on their own, or even reassess, and that they were hoping to sign the contract as soon as possible. Since they were still hesitant, he would put some pressure on them!
After all, there are very few regional air defense systems available to people in the East! France doesn't have any, and the US has political requirements. Besides the UK, what other options do they have?
Thinking of this, he felt full of confidence again. Perhaps after having a meal, he would receive good news when he returned.

Watching the British leave, Engineer Pan's expression was complex: "Distinguished leaders, our Institute 701 has been working tirelessly for the 051S project for several years, and now..."

"Well, Engineer Pan, please sit down first. Let's hear about Northwestern Polytechnical University's introduction," said Professor Liu. "Qin Liang, you can go upstairs now!"

"Yes."

This is a collaborative project involving multiple departments at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Since no one is speaking out, Qin Liang, a student from the aeronautics department, can only make a cameo appearance.

The slideshow showed... a multi-barrel launcher?

"What you see is a short-range ship-to-air missile that we improved based on the PL-9 air-to-air missile. After some research, we believe that vertical launch would delay the interception of this missile, since its range is relatively short. Directly aiming at the target and launching would save time. Depending on the size of the warship, there are eight-cell, eleven-cell, twenty-four-cell, and other versions. Its purpose is to serve as the last line of defense for the warship and intercept anti-ship missiles that fly close to it."

Vertical launch is the trend, but it is not necessarily the optimal solution. Looking at later generations, the US's SeaRAM system and the East's HQ-10 continued to use inclined launch. The biggest advantage of this method is speed!
Vertical launch requires the missile to take off first and then dive down. This is fine for long-range interception, but for close-range interception, it is best to launch at an angle and fly the missile in a parabolic trajectory.
"In order to reduce the missile's weight, we abandoned the idea of ​​adding a booster, but instead adopted folding wings to reduce the volume of the launch tube. Although the maximum range is only five or six kilometers, it is still sufficient as the last line of defense."

The later SeaRAM missile was 2.82 meters long and 0.127 meters in diameter, with a maximum range of only 10 kilometers. The current short-range air defense missile of our side is 3 meters long and 160 millimeters in diameter. It is actually a replica of the PL-8 missile. Although it can reach a maximum range of 15 kilometers when mounted on an aircraft, that is due to the initial velocity given by the carrier aircraft and the advantage of thin air.

Currently, a maximum range of six kilometers on the sea surface is already quite good, but it's comparable to the British Seawolf missile.

"Compared to the Sea Wolf missile, our missile has a larger payload capacity, uses infrared imaging guidance, and can be launched first and then locked on for a precision strike through adjustments to the fire control system. With a minimum altitude of 1.5 meters, it should be able to handle all incoming targets..."

All the naval leaders were stunned.

With this, the navy can quickly gain close-range interception capabilities, which is much better than the previous ship gun air defense. Moreover, this thing is not big, and warships with a displacement of more than 1,000 tons can be installed. Even without rapid reloading capability, it can solve the urgent problem!
Why didn't we cooperate with Northwestern Polytechnical University sooner? We only did a preliminary study on an aircraft carrier before. What a miscalculation!

"Has this thing been made yet?"

"As long as the Navy allocates funds, a prototype can be built within a year."

“Okay, we’re willing to invest. Let’s call this project Red Flag 10!” Old Liu said with a big smile. “Comrade Qin Liang, please continue to introduce other research and development projects to us!”

The navy definitely needs to allocate funds. With this, frigates can serve as the main air defense weapon, and destroyers as close-in defense weapons... Next, shouldn't it be the weapon systems on the main air defense destroyers?

　PS: Sea Dart, HQ-10, and the SJ202 radar used on Kaishan.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)