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

Chapter 414 Dongfang wins the bid, everyone else is just there for show!
"For carrier-based aircraft takeoffs, we are currently using a ski-jump takeoff system, with a ski-jump deck at the bow, an angled deck on the port side, and arresting cables at the rear..."

"Wait, you're using a ski-jump takeoff and arrested landing?" Old Henry's eyes widened.

As we all know, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighters are more commonly used on light aircraft carriers; ski-jump takeoff and vertical landing are the preferred methods!
In the main seat, Kandalak breathed a sigh of relief. He had originally wanted to be a shill, but unexpectedly, the British came first! That's even better; he'll make them lose face completely later!
“Yes, we believe that this is the only way to go, to carry a 10-ton class light carrier-based aircraft,” Qin Liang said. “After all, vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets are too impractical.”

"How is it useless? We believe that light aircraft carriers equipped with vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets are the way to go!"

"First, the range is too short. Even with a ski-jump takeoff, how far can a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fighter jet travel? Is it 300 kilometers? Second, the payload is too low. Even with a ski-jump takeoff, what is the maximum payload? What weapons can it carry? Can it carry anti-ship missiles? Finally, what are the avionics of a VTOL fighter jet like? Can it guide medium-range air-to-air missiles?"

The British can't answer any of these questions!

With its short range, small payload, and outdated avionics, the Harrier is a complete piece of crap!

"Then what advanced aircraft can you possibly produce?"

The Frenchman suddenly got excited: "Our Super Étendard is great! We can equip this aircraft carrier with Super Étendard fighters!"

Although the warships weren't sold, selling a batch of airplanes is still a good deal!

Qin Liang smiled.

"Well, that gives us a lot more options. First up is the Super-7. This aircraft has already been deployed on the May 25th aircraft carrier of the Crying Nation, where it has shone brightly on the battlefield..."

The Englishman's face darkened completely.

Super 7, their eternal nightmare!

"Secondly, we have developed a new JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, which is more advanced than the Super-7 and has already entered service with the Siamese Air Force. A naval version of this aircraft is currently being developed to meet the requirements of naval carrier-based aircraft. Siam has adopted this carrier-based aircraft, and many parts are interchangeable with those of the Air Force..."

"Now, I'd like to focus on introducing the JF-17 Thunder. It's a modern third-generation fighter jet. It has strakes running from the sides of the nose to the rear, which means it has good lift characteristics. In fact, it can easily take off from an aircraft carrier even without a ski-jump deck. The ski-jump deck is only added to allow it to take off fully loaded over a shorter distance."

"As for the avionics, they are even more advanced. They use the most advanced flat panel slotted radar antenna, which has an air search range of 80 kilometers and a sea search range of 150 kilometers. Whether it is air defense interception or sea attack, it is first-class. It can carry even more weapons, including all our mainstream weapons... Okay, let me continue to introduce the aircraft carrier."

After boasting about the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, let's move on to the aircraft carrier!
The Frenchmen's faces also turned pale. The Super Étendard was only a second-generation fighter jet and could not compare to the JF-17 Thunder at all. They were going to come here empty-handed this time.

On stage, Gandharva thought to himself, "Hmph, you're still delivering Mirage 4000s to the Indians, and you actually want to do business with us? You're dreaming!"

"In terms of power, we plan to use two 36-megawatt gas turbines. This way, normally only one needs to be running to propel the warship to a speed of over 20 knots, and both running together can propel the aircraft carrier to a speed of over 30 knots, making it easier to launch carrier-based aircraft..."

Thirty knots—that's the standard speed for modern main warships! However, many light aircraft carriers can't reach that.

The May 25th of the Weeping Kingdom had a maximum speed of 24 knots; the Prinz Asturias had a maximum speed of 27 knots; the historical Chakri-Naruebet had a maximum speed of 26 knots…

Now, the warship being developed for Siam can actually reach a maximum speed of thirty knots?
“That’s impossible, you don’t have that kind of gas turbine!” Old Henry shook his head.

“That’s right. Our Prince of Asturias uses two LM2500 gas turbines, with a total power of only 46,000 horsepower. What kind of gas turbines do you have that can produce more than 48,000 horsepower per unit?” Yamal protested.

“Yes, with two engines like that, it can reach at least 33 knots, let alone 30. Is such a high speed really necessary?” Leo shook his head. Now, it was the three of them who were going all out to attack the Eastern project.

Qin Liang smiled and said, "First of all, we have already started developing this kind of gas turbine. When the aircraft carrier is launched and the main engine is installed, we will definitely be able to catch up."

To begin research and development? What resources do Easterners have at their disposal?
and many more!

Old Henry suddenly realized something: "Are you planning to modify our Rolls-Royce RB211 aircraft engine into a gas turbine?"

The RB211 is the largest aircraft engine available. It could easily be converted into a gas turbine, just like the British Spey engine was. It is still the main power source for the navy today!

Based on the RB211, improving it to a power output of 36 megawatts is no problem at all!
But... isn't this going too far? Taking our British engines and modifying them?

"Yes, this is a collaborative project between us and Rolls-Royce. They are also very optimistic about the prospects of this gas turbine and believe that it can become the main power source for surface ships of various countries in the future!"

The Spey modification can only support use on warships of 6,000 tons. The Eastern Navy also needs more powerful marine gas turbines. Rolls-Royce is now eager to expand its profitability, so it will certainly agree to the plan to modify the RB211 into a marine gas turbine. This way, it can make more money and open up new profit directions!

The two sides hit it off immediately!

To be honest, that's a pretty high power output, but... we Easterners like it!
Future 10,000-ton destroyers will no longer need four gas turbines; two 36-megawatt gas turbines will suffice! Diesel engines will still be used for low-speed applications to save money!
Although acquiring this gas turbine would give the West an advanced gas turbine, ... we in the East have a cost advantage, so future production will definitely have to be done in the East. The more we sell, the more Rolls-Royce will rely on the East!

If they dare to sanction us in the future, we will cut off the supply. Then, the British aviation industry will be crippled, and we'll see how anxious they are!
"What, you want to go back to Rolls-Royce and cause us trouble, preventing us from developing this gas turbine? Sorry, Vickers Shipyard doesn't have that ability! You can't make money, so do you want to hinder Rolls-Royce's profits?"

One sentence shut him up!
That's right, Rolls-Royce won't back down; they want to make money! They will fully support the Asians in this project!

"As for the issue of excess power, I admit that this is something we have reserved for future use, and this flight deck is only temporary. In the future, when our electromagnetic catapult is fully developed, we will replace the bow with a flat deck and install electromagnetic catapults on it. This will further improve both sortie efficiency and the number of aircraft carried."

Electromagnetic catapult!
Everyone was stunned. This actually works?

During World War II, the United States developed the MK1 and MK2 hydraulic catapults, which could launch propeller-driven carrier-based aircraft. During the Cold War, the British pioneered the development of steam catapults, which were later used by the Americans on their supercarriers.

Even now, steam catapults remain the mainstream, but this catapult method requires a boiler!

When light aircraft carriers began using gas turbines, steam catapults became unusable. Therefore, the later Queen Elizabeth II, as the last pride of the British, was always considered for adding electromagnetic catapults to it, turning it into a conventional aircraft carrier.

However, a 60,000-ton aircraft carrier using only two gas turbines is not fast enough for normal operation, let alone enough electricity for the catapults. It remains a fantasy, after all, they are still living in the fantasy of the British Empire.

Now, a 20,000-ton aircraft carrier equipped with the same gas turbines has more than enough power! Therefore, there is ample power to generate electricity for the electromagnetic catapults!

"Electromagnetic catapult? Bullshit, that technology is far from mature!" Leo exclaimed.

"We're the world's best in airborne radar, are we bragging? We're the world's best in electronic computers, are we bragging? This electromagnetic catapult also belongs to the electronic category. Since we've designed it here, we can definitely make it!" Qin Liang said, "You French... if I remember correctly, you bought your steam catapults, right?"

Leo's face darkened.

Their current two aircraft carriers use catapults purchased from the UK, and the later Charles de Gaulle used catapults purchased from the US. For a country like theirs, developing their own is not cost-effective.

Now, Qin Liang's eyes were filled with contempt. You have no right to say that!

"The United States developed electromagnetic catapults in the 1940s, but abandoned the project because the technology was not mature at the time. However, with the rapid development of electronic technology in recent years, we believe that after more than a decade of research and development, there will definitely be an opportunity to use electromagnetic catapults during the mid-life upgrade of this aircraft carrier!"

"We are very much looking forward to it!" Kandalak declared.

The biggest drawback of ski-jump aircraft carriers is that because the bow is sloping, it is impossible to park carrier-based aircraft. As a result, the number of carrier-based aircraft that the entire carrier can carry is not enough. However, this is only temporary. We are using a modular design scheme. In the future, we will replace it with catapults and the bow will become flat.

So there's no need to use this flaw to criticize us!
"Now let's look at the island superstructure. Thanks to our advanced electronic technology, the various electronic devices used on the island can be significantly reduced in size..."

Even for a 40,000-ton design, Qin Liang would have proposed a twin-island configuration. But now, with a displacement of 20,000 tons, it's too small, so a single island design is the only option.

At this moment, the conference room was silent, with only Qin Liang giving his presentation.

"Because of the displacement, we designed external elevators, one on each side, so as not to affect the area of ​​the aircraft carrier deck itself."

Modern aircraft carriers use side elevators, leaving a trapezoidal opening on the deck. When the elevator is raised, it's flush with the deck. However, this isn't suitable for 20,000-ton carriers, as their deck area is already small. In later generations, amphibious assault ships commonly used external elevators. These are completely detached from the deck, looking like an extra protrusion. Although they look somewhat out of place, they don't affect the original deck and are considered a very good design.

Good design solutions should definitely be accepted!

"Let's take a look inside the aircraft carrier..."

Old Henry's eyes widened. He was very familiar with the interior of this aircraft carrier; it was definitely the design of the aircraft carrier from the Weeping Nation! Both were built in Britain back then!

Plagiarism, this is absolutely plagiarism! However... in the military industry, there is no such thing as patent rights. If they now claim infringement, they will only be laughed at, or even driven away!
after an hour.

"That concludes our presentation of the plan." Qin Liang looked at everyone present and said, "I know you're all still not convinced. Feel free to ask any questions you may have."

"Can you guarantee that such a complex warship can be built at a cost of three hundred million US dollars?" Yamal asked.

Their plans all had to adopt civilian ship standards; how could Easterners build them?
"Your construction costs are high, mainly because you need to purchase various components from outside. You only build the shell, while we produce everything ourselves, from the engine to the electronic equipment. Therefore, we can fully guarantee that the construction cost for military-standard equipment will be reduced to less than $300 million."

Actually... the most important point is the low cost of labor in the East. However, this point cannot be mentioned, otherwise... foreigners will find other reasons. Low labor costs are not something to be proud of; it means our labor is worthless.

The entire project will cost at least $300 million, and the profit margin isn't huge, but Dongfang doesn't care. You see, this is Dongfang's first time building an aircraft carrier, and they're willing to build it even if it means losing money, as it will help them gain valuable experience!
“You Easterners have never built an aircraft carrier before, so you have no relevant experience!” Old Henry said. “Your quote will definitely exceed the budget!”

"We're not afraid of overspending. Once the contract is signed, there will absolutely be no additional funding. If we really lose money, we'll pay out of our own pockets to make it happen to Siam!"

This is our promise; we will absolutely not play any tricks!
“Building an aircraft carrier is no easy task. I doubt you in the East even have enough steel for an aircraft carrier deck.” Leo said.

What is the yield strength of the steel used in the decks of your French aircraft carriers?

The Type 091 nuclear submarine uses the domestically developed Type 921 steel, with a yield strength of 590 MPa. Although it is not as good as Western steel, it is sufficient for building a light aircraft carrier!

"Our deck steel has a yield strength of up to 550 MPa!" Leo puffed out his chest.

"Hmm, that's not ideal. Let's use 590 MPa steel from the East!"

"Impossible! Where did you get this kind of steel?!"

"We've never built an aircraft carrier, but we have built submarines!"

The 921 steel used in the pressure hull of the Type 091 nuclear submarine is sufficient to meet the requirements of aircraft carrier decks. Later, we followed the US model and developed our own special steels with strengths exceeding 800 MPa; now, the steel used in nuclear submarines is sufficient!

The Frenchman was stunned.

"Everyone, are there any other questions?"

The minds of many Westerners were racing, hoping to find the flaws in Easterners.

Aside from the catapult, what about the arresting gear? With the experience of the May 25th, they will definitely be able to copy and replicate that arresting gear, which can handle the landing of carrier-based aircraft weighing over ten tons.

Fresnel's assistance in the surrender? It's also mentioned in the May 25th issue!

damn it!
What else could they possibly doubt?

"Gentlemen, even though the East has the technological reserves, it has never built an aircraft carrier. Our Bazan Shipyard is building an aircraft carrier. We have experience, and we hope that you will consider our design proposal!" Yamal decided to make one last gamble.

"Everyone starts from scratch. Isn't this the first ship your Bazan Shipyard built? It might even have flaws." Qin Liang glanced at them. "Besides, even if you design according to our plan, the cost will definitely be higher than ours. Do you think our esteemed customers are easy targets?"

"Alright, we've heard all the proposals. Now, let's hold a vote. Those who support the Eastern proposal, please raise your hands."

There's no need for ballot boxes or counting votes; voting is simple and quick with just a show of hands.

Swipe!

Instantly, more than half of the people raised their hands. Seeing the support of Kandalak and others, the rest could only follow suit. Even Rudit had to raise his hand.

"Alright, unanimously approved. Then this project will be entrusted to our Eastern friends to build!"

Everyone else felt heartbroken. Although they knew from the beginning that they might just be there to make up the numbers, they still held onto some hope. Now it seems that Siam was too biased, and the bidding process was just a formality!

"The Oriental team stays. The other bidding teams can leave now. We welcome you to submit your bids, and we hope to have the opportunity to cooperate with you in the future!"

Later, what later?

We'll never come here again!
Watching everyone leave, Gandharva came down with a big smile, shook Qin Liang's hand, and said, "Qin, congratulations on winning the championship!"

"Thank you all for your support. Please rest assured that we will complete the construction within the stipulated time. If we exceed the budget, we will cover the extra costs!"

"Yes, let's go to the palace. A victory celebration banquet has been prepared there!"

They didn't even consider the numbers from the other bidding teams. This project was originally proposed by Dongfang, and besides, it's a very advanced project!
Inside the palace.

“We are very pleased that Northwestern Polytechnical University has won this project. Let’s raise a glass together to celebrate this cooperation!” King Bhumibol Adulyadej IX picked up his glass, very happy.

"Yes, I can't wait to become a carrier-based pilot!" Maha Vajiralongkorn said, his face beaming with excitement.

U.S. Navy pilots have always looked down on land-based pilots. In their eyes, taking off and landing on the cramped aircraft carrier deck is the real skill!

"Becoming a carrier-based pilot is not easy. It requires a lot of professional training. Our Eastern Navy will build an aircraft carrier take-off and landing base, and we can also arrange for you to receive training on the aircraft carrier of the Crying Country."

"Great!" Maha exclaimed happily, "I'm going to start converting to flying right now!"

"No rush. It takes several years to build an aircraft carrier. You can switch to flying after it's launched."

"Ok."

After a few drinks, they started talking more.

"This aircraft carrier must have created a certain financial burden for you, right?"

"Yes, but we must have an aircraft carrier. After all, India has an aircraft carrier and often comes to patrol our waters. We also need to have our own aircraft carrier to patrol their waters!"

"Well, the purchase of the aircraft carrier is just the tip of the iceberg. The actual cost of using it in the future will be astronomical. Have you... thought about exploring more revenue streams?"

"Qin, please speak!"

"For example, digging a canal across the Kra Isthmus and then charging tolls!"

(End of this chapter)