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

Chapter 412 The Siam aircraft carrier was already decided before the bidding process even began!
The camel people left, and both Old Lin and Leader Zhang were excited.

"Liangzi, our air force has a large stockpile of HQ-2 missiles. We won't ask for more, just 500,000..."

"One hundred thousand, RMB." Qin Liang said, "If the Air Force doesn't give it, we'll ask the Navy for it. Leader Zhang, you should know that the profits from this are for the Navy to develop anti-ship ballistic missile technology."

"Yes, that's right. Our navy is giving strong support. One HQ-2 missile costs 100,000 RMB. Not to mention 100, we can provide 1,000."

Old Lin was dumbfounded: "Liangzi, our Air Force and Northwestern Polytechnical University are the closest, you can't..."

"Old Lin, we can't take advantage of familiar people. From now on, it'll be 100,000 RMB per missile. The missile bodies provided by the Navy and Air Force can be split equally. If the Air Force wants to sell them at a higher price, sorry, goodbye!"

"Sigh, our air force is poor too, we hope..."

"The navy is poorer now, and it has more projects to develop. By the way, how's the construction of the Navy's Type 052 warships going?"

"Construction is progressing rapidly. The hull is almost complete, and it should be launched in another month or so. Then comes outfitting, which, along with sea trials, is the most crucial..."

Qin Liang nodded: "Yes, these are indeed very important. Moreover, the Type 052 warship is quite expensive, and it will be difficult for the navy to equip it in large quantities. So, next, we still need to develop a 4,000-ton displacement frigate..."

With the Type 052 already developed, using the technology above to develop the Type 054 will be much easier!

Upon hearing Qin Liang's words, Leader Zhang's eyes lit up: "A 4,000-ton frigate? The export frigate that E-Tu purchased?"

"Yes, if we build them through foreign trade and get them ready, the navy won't have to worry about anything. We can just buy them directly. This type of frigate is for mass production; we don't need many. We'll build at least ten throughout the 1980s..."

"That's right, that's what we think too!"

Old Lin couldn't get a word in edgewise; it was clear Qin Liang was extremely unhappy with the Air Force's attempt to take advantage. This kid needed to be appeased!
In fact, Qin Liang was not deliberately trying to put down Elder Lin. He was long past that age. The reason he was doing this was because the Air Force's equipment had caught up with the world's best and was even surpassing it, but the Navy's equipment still lagged far behind.

Therefore, we need to further develop naval equipment!

"Speaking of which, using foreign orders to develop technology, and then building it in batches after it matures, is actually a pretty good approach. It is said that the Siamese will also come to our East to purchase warships soon, and they may even purchase aircraft carriers."

When this was mentioned, Leader Zhang's face lit up with excitement.

Aircraft carriers! The navy has always longed to have such modern warships, but unfortunately, the navy lacks funds. For many years, it has been in the feasibility study stage. Now, with the help of Northwestern Polytechnical University, one aircraft carrier can be built first. Regardless of its quality, this is still a huge step forward!

Qin Liang then remembered that he had already laid the groundwork for this. However, ordering warships was a major event, so it was quite normal that the Siamese came to make the purchases several months later.

"Yes, even a light aircraft carrier can provide us with experience in building aircraft carriers. If we have the opportunity in the future, it would be even better if we could go abroad and persuade customers to buy medium-sized aircraft carriers from us!"

If the Eastern military wanted to use aircraft carriers in the 1980s, it could only manage a medium-sized one. As for such a waste…

In Qin Liang's mind, a rebellious figure appeared, who always wore a long robe, lived in a tent, and even when he went to the United Nations for a meeting, he would set up a tent on the lawn outside. That's right, it was the colonel!

We'll probably have to wait a bit longer. After Operation Golden Canyon, he was almost killed in the bombing, so he'll definitely want to retaliate against the US Navy. When that time comes, we can trick him into building a medium-sized aircraft carrier, then refuse to deliver it and just give it to the Navy.

After all, that guy has offended all five major criminal organizations, and no one will speak up for him.

"Fooling customers? What kind of customers?"

"Let's talk about it later; the timing isn't right now," Qin Liang said. "By the way, next, I need to go to the aerospace department to arrange the HQ-2 missile modification project. You guys..."

"We've got nothing else to do, let's go take a look."

You guys are going too? Okay, whatever I'm about to say, you won't understand anyway.

Qin Liang could only take the leaders of the Navy and Air Force to the Aerospace Department.

Previously, the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University was relatively unknown. Even though they built some missiles, they were still not very famous. What made them famous was, of course, the launch of the Beidou navigation satellite!
Now, the BeiDou navigation satellite system has been extended to the Middle East, and it played a significant role in this bombing of the US aircraft carrier. However, this achievement cannot be publicized.

However, this also represents the strength of Northwestern Polytechnical University. After all, currently, the only navigation system in the world that is officially in use is BeiDou!

Inside the aerospace engineering building, a flurry of activity was underway. Some were attending classes, while others were conducting research.

However, upon learning that Qin Liang had come to assign tasks, the conference room quickly filled with people.

"Liangzi, just tell us what you need, and we'll take care of it perfectly."

"Yes, I've received a new order to upgrade our HQ-2 surface-to-air missiles into surface-to-surface missiles..."

"what?"

Professor Wang frowned: "Liangzi, this is no small undertaking! The warhead previously used a vacuum tube-type command receiving and control circuit, the warhead uses a fragmentation method, and the projectile itself might not be able to withstand the overload of the descending atmosphere. Also, the launch method..."

"The launch method will remain the same as before. The circuitry and warhead on the warhead will be removed and replaced with our product, which is also the most expensive part. The missile body can be easily modified, prioritizing cost. As for the specific modification plan, I have some ideas..."

The later Project 8610 modified the HQ-2 into the export version of the M-7 missile, and now, it's all following that pattern!
The only thing that needs to be added is the type of anti-ship attack weapon.

"Since the HQ-2 missile was originally designed as an air-to-air missile, it has good missile control capabilities. As long as a guidance device is added to the warhead, it can attack warships at sea. The biggest problem is that the missile falls at a high speed, so the reaction speed of the guidance device must also be fast..."

"This is no problem for us. We have the new generation of Loongson chips, and their computing speed is definitely fast enough!"

The Department of Aerospace Engineering and the Department of Electronic Engineering have close ties; if they acquire advanced chips, they will use them as soon as possible.

"Okay, then I'm relieved. Now, let's talk about the renovation plan in detail."

The ensuing conversation was indeed very tedious. Old Lin and the leaders listened carefully, even though they couldn't understand it, it sounded very impressive!

Moreover, with a range of 200 kilometers, it's not only suitable for export, but also great for domestic use. It can easily fly over ditches!
After the meeting ended late at night, Qin Liang returned home and saw Yang Duo'er.

"Hey, what brings you back?"

"I just received news from Siam that they have completed all the formalities and decided to tender for a light aircraft carrier. The specific requirements have been sent to our company, so I came here with these requirements. We have a week to prepare, and in a week, we will go to Siam to bid."

"Okay, let me see."

"Sigh, I think there are many unreasonable aspects to this requirement. For example, the offer cannot exceed three hundred million US dollars."

Compared to Siam's national strength, this price is already very low, but... compared to mainstream international warships, this price is not high.

It's worth noting that the British Invincible-class aircraft carriers cost £1.85 million, which is almost $400 million. And that was in the 1970s! By the 1980s, that price would have doubled!

However, these conditions were precisely tailor-made for the East.

After all, only the East can maximize its cost advantage; even with a $300 million offer, the East can still keep half of the profit!
"Okay, I understand. I need to send this information to the Third Department..." Qin Liang said, picking it up to leave. But when he reached the door, he remembered something, turned back, and hugged his wife.

"Duoduo, go take a shower first, get all clean, and wait for me in bed!" Nautical Engineering Department, Building, Conference Room.

"Liangzi, don't worry. When you came back from Siam last time, we went through a variety of design schemes, ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 tons in displacement, and from catapult launch to takeoff, we had it all! Based on the needs of our target customers and our existing technology, we think a displacement of around 20,000 tons is more suitable, and we'll take the Crying Nation Navy's ship as a reference, only changing the bow deck to a takeoff deck..."

This design scheme will inevitably lead to interference between takeoff and landing, but with a displacement of 20,000 tons, it is impossible to achieve perfection in every aspect!

"Regarding carrier-based aircraft, there are three options. One is the Super-7, which is already an existing carrier-based aircraft, and Siam has already equipped itself with a batch of them. The upgraded version of the Super-7 is the JF-17, which can be modified into a carrier-based aircraft in the same way as the Super-7. Another option is the Q-5, which has a new engine and is also very advanced. It can be modified into a carrier-based aircraft..."

The East's biggest advantage is that it not only provides aircraft carriers, but also carrier-based aircraft to choose from! Other competitors can only carry Sea Harriers, but this aircraft has already been infamous in the Falklands War and is considered by all military experts to be the most useless of all!
"Hmm, not bad. Refine the plan and submit it for bidding in a week!"

1983, April 11.

Siam's climate is very pleasant, much better than the hot and humid summer, and the capital of Siam is filled with a joyful atmosphere.

For the past few years, they have been threatened by monkeys on land. Since the last few battles, the Siamese people's confidence has soared, and they are no longer afraid of even the Indians' threats!

On the ground, with the arrival of a large number of Eastern tanks, they will be able to gain an overwhelming advantage.

Next, it's time to develop the navy! So that India won't keep using its dilapidated aircraft carriers to intimidate Siam!
Siam Airport.

When the Y-10 landed, Qin Liang saw a familiar figure.

"General Kandalak, what brings you here?"

Kandalak smiled and said, "Of course I have to come to pick up my best friend in person."

"Well... fine, since you're from the Air Force and not in charge of this naval aircraft carrier tender, this doesn't count as a violation."

"Ahem, I've been promoted. My current position is in the defense system, overseeing the army, navy, and air force. I'm in charge of this aircraft carrier tender."

What?
Come to think of it, he had made such great contributions before, and according to the reward system, he should have been promoted. Although the aircraft carrier is a naval asset, it also involves the air force, so it is normal for Kandalak to be in charge of it.

"As for avoiding suspicion... the bidding process will be open to the public. We will definitely choose the equipment that best suits our navy. It has nothing to do with our personal relationship, so there's no need to avoid suspicion. Come on, I'll take you to the best hotel here, and at the same time, I'll introduce you to the teams that came to bid this time."

Isn't this considered favoritism? The other bidding teams should have arrived much earlier, and by now, they've definitely started lobbying in Siam. Kandalak wants to get information about their competitors!
"Okay, let's get in the car!"

Yang Duo'er came along too. After all, it was also an overseas business of Northwestern Polytechnical University. Professor Wang from the Department of Navigation Engineering brought a bidding team composed of several teachers and students. This time, Northwestern Polytechnical University acted as the general contractor, took back the order, and then found a domestic shipyard to start construction.

On the bus, Kandalak began his introduction.

"The first to come was Spain. They are currently building a light aircraft carrier, so they are trying to sell us their light aircraft carrier design..."

Qin Liang nodded.

This was to be expected, after all, in the 1990s, Siam's first light aircraft carrier was built by Spain, making it the second country in Asia to have an aircraft carrier at the time. However, that miniature aircraft carrier did not play any significant role at all!
Now, the East has a better solution, so of course they are not afraid of their bidding.

"After the start of the Cold War, the Spanish Navy was tasked with anti-submarine warfare in the Atlantic. In the 1970s, the US Navy proposed the Sea Control Ship program, which consisted of a large number of light aircraft carriers that only provided aircraft take-off and landing and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Spain adopted the design concept of the Sea Control Ship and developed their Asturias aircraft carrier."

Qin Liang analyzed, "Let's not speak ill of the other party; let's stick to the facts."

"Therefore, the main mission of this aircraft carrier is anti-submarine warfare. It mainly carries shipborne anti-submarine helicopters. As for fixed-wing aircraft, they are only Harrier vertical takeoff and landing models. For Siam, the main purpose of using an aircraft carrier is to compete for air superiority at sea..."

Gandhart nodded: "Understood. Therefore, we are not optimistic about Spain's plan. Besides them, our other major competitor is France."

"France? Do they have experience building light aircraft carriers?"

"No, not really. However, France has two Clemenceau-class aircraft carriers, and they've been lobbying these past few days to sell their Clemenceau to us for $300 million. That way, we could suddenly have a medium-sized aircraft carrier..."

As expected, the French weren't up to any good either!

In terms of combat capability, medium-sized aircraft carriers far surpass light aircraft carriers. France's Clemenceau-class carriers, with a displacement of over 30,000 tons and equipped with catapults and arresting gear, can launch and recover aircraft weighing around ten tons without issue, even if they cannot launch or recover large fighter jets. This offensive capability is second only to the United States' supercarriers.

The Siamese were definitely tempted.

Upon hearing this, everyone else in the car was stunned. What did this mean? We were going to be disappointed?

"The Clemenceau was built in 1961 and underwent a major overhaul in 1977. Now, it's an old ship with over twenty years of service. There's something wrong with the French decommissioning it at this time!"

"According to the French, they are planning to develop the next generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, so they want to phase out conventional aircraft carriers."

"Yes, that's what they say, but... do you believe it?"

"Is there something else going on?" Kandalak frowned.

"As far as I know, they didn't consider environmental factors when they built it. They used a lot of asbestos materials on the aircraft carrier, and these materials have now aged to a certain extent. The interior of the carrier is filled with asbestos dust, which is impossible to deal with. Although the carrier can still be used now, no country will be willing to dismantle it in the future. If you want to buy it, that means..."

"What? There's such a thing?" Gandharva's expression turned serious. "Hmph, this Frenchman actually had this as his goal."

"It's said that the French are about to deliver another batch of Mirage 4000s to the Indians..."

"That's right, we will absolutely not do business with the French. When I get back, I'll get everyone on the same page!"

The bidding process hasn't even started yet, and all the competitors have already been eliminated!
On the bus, everyone was incredibly impressed.

"Qin, please tell us about your plan again."

"Yes, our plan is absolutely groundbreaking; it will usher in a new era for light aircraft carriers..."

Next, Qin Liang started boasting.

Somewhere in the capital of Siam.

"Our Clemenceau is absolutely the best choice for Siam! With a displacement of over 30,000 tons, it can carry fixed-wing fighter jets, and it has undergone more than 20 years of sea operations, its performance has been fully proven. This is exactly the kind of aircraft carrier your country needs!"

Rudit, the head of the Siamese Navy, looked at the person opposite him: "Mr. Leo, the bidding has not officially started yet, so we... cannot draw any conclusions at this time."

"Of course, we just hope that you will consider second-hand warships, rather than just building new ones... By the way, we have some small gifts here."

As Leo spoke, he handed over a thick envelope, the contents of which were immediately obvious.

“Okay, we can allow second-hand French warships to participate in the bidding, but... I can’t guarantee that you will win the bid.”

Offering money? Of course I'll accept it! It's just that I allow the other party to bid, and I can make the decision myself. As for who ultimately wins... well, that's hard to say!
Leo then took out another envelope: "I would appreciate it if you could say a few good words for me during the bidding process..."

(End of this chapter)