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

Chapter 495 The Americans are here too? Do you like the arsenal ship?
Robert shook his head: "No, no, we don't want to leave you behind and go it alone, it's just... when will this arguing ever end?"

Robert looked at everyone present: "The United States alone has provided two solutions, the general solution and the Raytheon solution. How much funding will it take to develop these two? Not to mention, the Dutch signal company wants to design your own radar, and France and Italy are demanding to develop their own air defense missiles. As for displacement, each company has a different requirement. If this kind of arguing continues, our cooperation will be impossible! In that case, what's wrong with us starting from scratch?"

The expressions on the faces of everyone present were a mixture of anger and uncertainty.

That's right, they each have their own ideas, and they even want to impose their ideas on others. The benefit of doing so is to gain more for themselves. As for the interests of other countries... what does that have to do with them!

Given this situation, cooperation is indeed impossible to continue!

This plan is just a makeshift operation.

Fowles' eyes darted around: "We can accept you going it alone, but you actually went to the East to help with the design. Doesn't that mean ours is inferior to the East's?"

“That’s right, that’s it!” the French representative expressed his dissatisfaction.

"Tell me, what solution did the East offer?"

Everyone now wants to get something for free and see what advanced solutions the Easterners have provided.

“The Eastern design is unique.” Robert had to present advanced metrics to prove that his choice was correct.

“First, the main radar is mounted on a special mast, at a height of more than five stories, to achieve the longest possible detection range against ultra-low-altitude sea-skimming missiles,” Robert explained. “We believe this design is excellent…”

Radar, fire control system, missiles, propulsion...

Robert actually told him everything!
Everyone present stared wide-eyed, even the Italians were a little curious, why was the regular version recommended to us?
Fowles frowned: "These designs are all unconventional and haven't been tested in practice. They might not succeed, and could even cause problems!"

"So, have the solutions we're currently researching been tested in practice? Aren't they still completely new?" Robert looked at everyone present: "Moreover, they are more than a dozen completely new solutions! Ladies and gentlemen, we, the United Kingdom, have decided to formally withdraw from the NFR-90 project!"

They were fed up with these people's stalling tactics, and the Asians' offer was so low that it excited them.

Across the ocean, at the Pentagon.

"So, the British actually went to cooperate with the East? They're not...aren't they ashamed?" Swift exclaimed.

“That’s right, the British went to the East, but… the most likely scenario is that they’ll pay three million dollars to get the warship blueprints from the East, and as for the weaponry, they’ll ultimately have to buy it from us!” General Burda, in charge of equipment, said, “According to the information leaked by the British, the design of this warship is really advanced. I’m thinking…”

Swift's expression changed. "You don't mean you're also thinking of getting an Asian to help with the design, do you?"
What do Easterners have? They've only just begun building destroyers with a displacement of over 5,000 tons, while the United States is a long-established maritime power!

Hiring an Asian designer? That would be incredibly embarrassing!
“No, absolutely not!” Swift objected.

“Anyway, the design fee is only three million, and our navy can take it as a reference. It’s not like we have to follow the Eastern design.” General Burda said.

Weinberg nodded: "That's right, it's just for reference. According to Ronald's proposal, the Navy's 600-ship plan needs to be completed, and we need brand new warships."

In 1981, after Ronald took office, he began to shift from a defensive to an offensive posture, and the Navy proposed a plan to build 600 warships.

It includes 15 aircraft carriers, 4 battleships, 143 submarines, 137 cruisers and destroyers, 101 frigates, and 235 other warships.

That adds up to a massive 635 warships.

It's safe to say that if this plan actually comes to fruition, the navy will definitely experience a major leap forward.

Unfortunately, at that time, the number of Ticonderoga-class destroyers, which were dedicated to air defense, was pitifully small, the Charles-Adams-class destroyers were already outdated, and the Spruance-class destroyers were mainly for anti-submarine warfare with only average air defense capabilities.

Therefore, the gap in the US Navy's fleet air defense capabilities is widening, leading to the accelerated development of new air defense destroyers.

In 1982, the Navy formally issued a requirement: to provide area air defense protection for the fleet, with anti-ship and anti-submarine capabilities. The vessel had a displacement of 8,000 tons and employed the Aegis system and the MK41 universal vertical launch system.

It must be said that the Americans had very strong design capabilities in the 1980s. The plan was proposed in 1982, the government allocated funds in 1983, detailed design and construction costs were included in 1984, and the detailed design phase began in 1985!

When it was finally built, the first warship was named after Arleigh Burke, thus beginning the glorious era of the Burke-class destroyers.

Right now, we're in the detailed design phase for the Burke-class submarines, with design budgets already in the hundreds of millions. Spending three million to buy a completely new design from the East is just a drop in the ocean.

“If everyone agrees, Bulda, take the engineers from Ingalls Shipbuilding and go to the East!” Weinberg began to make arrangements.

Although the development of the new warship is progressing smoothly, the Navy still commissioned Ingalls Shipbuilding to provide a filing, which was originally intended to use the Spruance-class hull, but now...

Let's see what new solutions the people from the East have.

“I don’t think Easterners can come up with any constructive solutions!” Swift complained.

When Qin Liang received a call from his father in the East, he was somewhat surprised to learn that the Americans were coming.

It's not surprising that the launch of their own warships attracted the British, given their urgency. The Italians were just a side project, and as for the Americans…

how can that be!

But... since they're here, of course we have to fool them a bit!
At that moment, Qin Liang went to the Naval Department and commissioned them to design a brand-new, epoch-making warship—the Arsenal Ship.

85, April 3.

Northwestern Polytechnical University, Datang Corporation.

Burda, accompanied by a dozen engineers, entered the conference room. After exchanging pleasantries, she explained the purpose of their visit.

"Your company wants us to help design warships?"

“We just wanted to take a look at your design ideas and find some inspiration,” Burda said.

As for the engineers at Ingalls Shipbuilding, they were all arrogant and clearly had no intention of making the trip.

If it weren't for the fact that Northwestern Polytechnical University has such a prestigious reputation, they would have started criticizing it by now!

"You should know that we designed different ship types for Britain and Italy, right?"

“Of course we know that the NFR-90, with its eighteen design options, is designed to meet the needs of different users,” engineer Marshall said.

“Different clients have different needs. Since you’ve come to us for help, we need to analyze the needs of the U.S. Navy first.”

Qin Liang didn't care about Marshall's sarcastic remarks. He was sure that when he presented his design, it would dazzle Marshall!
"In 81, the Navy proposed a plan for 600 ships, which was a huge scale. However, in my opinion, like the Star Wars program, it was an act that exceeded the national strength of the United States."

"Are you doubting our strength?" Marshall scoffed.

"It's not that I doubt your capabilities, it's based on a factual analysis. I won't go into how expensive aircraft carriers are, but let's talk about the air defense ships that your carrier strike groups lack most. Cruisers are too expensive to be mass-produced, and destroyers..."

"We have brand new destroyers!"

"Yes, you do have it, but how much will it cost? Not to mention the research and development costs, just the construction alone will cost at least 500 million, right? If you include the research and development costs, it won't even be 1 billion, will it?"

The planned cost for the development and construction of the first Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, DDG-51, was $11.2 billion. However, the cost of the hull alone was $11 billion, and the weapon systems on it cost nearly $8 million more.

Of course, this includes research and development costs. If we only consider the construction costs, the first warship cost more than $7 million.

Compared to later generations, this price is actually not considered expensive.

Burda nodded: "That's right, Principal Qin, you mean..."

“We have a solution that can greatly reduce the cost of warships while still providing powerful firepower. As long as you follow our design, your plan to build 600 ships will definitely be completed.”

“That’s impossible!” Marshall shook his head on the spot.

You're practically slapping American arms dealers in the face. Everyone wants to make more money, and you're here saying there's a cheaper way?
However, the US military will definitely like it.

Burda opened her eyes wide, secretly relieved that she had come to the right place!

"Principal Qin, please give us a detailed introduction."

"Actually, the principle is very simple. What's the most expensive thing on your Aegis warships?"

The most expensive...

"Of course, it's the Aegis system!"

"That's right, as long as we dismantle the Aegis system, we'll save money, won't we?"

Marshall chuckled: "Take down the Aegis system? What's the point of our warships then?"

“Equipped with missiles,” Qin Liang said. “A carrier strike group only needs one warship equipped with the Aegis system; the other warships only need to carry missiles! Such warships would significantly reduce their cost, while the total number of missiles possessed by the entire fleet would increase dramatically!”

Burda's eyes widened; this proposal truly impressed him!
"According to our plan, this warship can be over 200 meters long, which will allow it to have 500 vertical launch units. Gentlemen, 500, do you know what that means? It's a mobile arsenal at sea."

That's right, this is the concept of an arsenal ship!

In the late 1980s, at the height of the Cold War, the weapons and equipment of superpowers needed to be capable of restarting the Earth, and for warships, this meant they had to be able to carry them!

In the battleship era, the caliber of the ship's guns became larger and larger. As battleships were phased out, arsenal ships were put into service!
Ordinary warships, even Aegis cruisers, are already quite formidable if they can carry a hundred missiles. Compared to an arsenal ship, they are child's play!
Five hundred—what does that mean? It could destroy the power of a medium-sized country!

"The Soviets are known for saturation attacks, aren't they? We'll go for saturation defense! These 500 vertical launch units, each carrying 500 Standard missiles, are we afraid of their saturation attacks? If needed, we can bring 500 Tomahawk missiles. You should know how powerful that is."

“That’s right, you’re absolutely right!” Burda exclaimed excitedly. This was exactly what the US Navy needed!

"Moreover, if it only carries missiles, the superstructure of this type of warship can be completely removed, leaving only a small bridge at the front and vertical launch units all the way behind. In this way, the warship's stealth capability will be very good. Although it cannot be compared with the air force, a large warship can still appear on the radar screen as similar to a small fishing boat."

Who says only fighter jets can be stealthy? Warships can too!

The warship that the East developed was a product of stealth considerations, with the entire superstructure tilted inwards to avoid exposing anything that could be concealed. Now, we've gone a step further, eliminating the superstructure altogether!
"Hahaha, that's hilarious!" Marshall couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny?" Qin Liang looked at the other person, his attitude sincere: "Is there something we haven't considered?"

"Five hundred missiles, all relying on the Aegis warship next to them for guidance. Do you know what that means? How is the data transmitted? How are the targets illuminated? Even for an Aegis warship, the number of targets it can engage simultaneously is related to the target illumination radar!"

"This... is indeed a problem for you, but in our eyes, it's not a problem at all. Data link capacity... do you know about our civilian mobile phone project?"

What is the biggest problem with arsenal ships?
No guidance!

In later generations, many people referred to the Russian Kirov-class nuclear-powered cruisers as arsenal ships, given that they carried hundreds of missiles. However, they were not the same as the American arsenal ships.

The Kirov-class cruisers are equipped with various electronic systems and do not even need to be escorted by frigates; they can fight on their own.

And what about America's arsenal ships?

It has nothing; it's just a mobile arsenal at sea, relying entirely on Aegis warships for target guidance and other functions.

How much bandwidth would that data link need to transmit hundreds of target signals to a warship?

Also, how do you guide the anti-aircraft missiles when they are launched?

It's important to understand that an Aegis warship only has four target illumination radars. Even if the missiles launched later take inertial flight first, waiting for the target illumination radars to finish their previous missions before turning around, they can only engage a maximum of eight targets at the same time!
Five hundred missiles, and you want to launch them all at once? Are you kidding me!
There simply aren't that many firing channels!

Marshall was an experienced engineer, but unfortunately, he still didn't know how powerful Eastern technology was!
"I know, what's wrong?"

"Our civilian CDMA has a bandwidth of several megabits, and the military speed will be even faster, so... sending data to five hundred missiles at the same time is not a problem for us. As for target guidance, it is not a problem either. We can set up a row of target illumination radars on both sides of the hull of our warships. Several hundred might be a bit much, but fifty can still be installed. In the future, we can also replace them with flat-panel phased array radar antennas, which will be even more convenient."

Your problems are not problems for us!
Marshall's eyes widened.

He knew that the East had advanced technology, but he never imagined it was this advanced!
and so……

The East really does manage to develop this kind of technology!

Marshall took a deep breath: "Even if you have this technology, it's yours, what does it have to do with us?"

"So, we can help you."

This statement nearly made the Americans vomit blood. They denied needing help from the East, but in reality, they needed the East's help to acquire advanced warships!
Burda was very excited, as if he could see the future of the U.S. Navy.

A powerful carrier strike group, with the carrier at its core, surrounded by a maximum of two Aegis warships and two arsenal ships, is an invincible force!

Low cost, powerful attack and defense!
“Okay, that’s good. We’re willing to pay three million dollars to have you design it for us,” Burda decided immediately.

"Can you transfer the three million to us right now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Send it to us, and we can deliver the design drawings to you right now."

"well!"

Qin Liang wasn't eager to get the three million; rather, he wanted to prove that his side was developing this type of ship, demonstrating that it represented the future!

This makes it easier for the Americans to take the bait.

It's only 85, and the Americans are already making a fuss. Maybe they could have built this warship before the collapse of the Soviet Union.

With it, there would be far fewer Aegis warships, and without a major war, they would not realize how impractical the arsenal ship concept was.

Under complex electromagnetic interference, the data link may also fail, and at that time, the arsenal ship will be a sitting duck at sea!
A few minutes later.

"The funds have already been allocated, Principal Qin, could you give us a detailed explanation?"

“Of course, come on, look at this design,” Qin Liang said.

The projector turned on, and a beautiful design drawing appeared before everyone's eyes.

This left the American shipbuilding engineers stunned.

"This design...why is it different from a conventional warship?"

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is a brand-new wave-piercing hull design that we believe represents the future trend after our research. Its biggest advantage compared to other warships is that it is completely integrated with stealth."

In later generations, the Americans used the advanced wave-piercing hull for their DDG-1000. Unfortunately, only three were built before they realized it was unreliable. They eventually started to review their existing resources and decided to modify the Burke-class destroyers, following the design of the Type 055 destroyer.

Now, the "Wave-Piercing Style" is definitely high-class!
The Americans opened their eyes wide as they listened to Qin Liang's explanation, finding the plan increasingly advanced.

"It seems our trip was worthwhile."

"Yes, Northwestern Polytechnical University in the East really has a lot of valuable information!"

Seeing the Americans' admiration, Qin Liang was also very happy. Americans, let me lead you astray and make you go further and further down the wrong path!

(End of this chapter)