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

Chapter 505 054 Launched, Put into Service Without Sea Trials!
Looking at this beautiful warship, Qin Liang was very satisfied.

After Etuo tests its waters, our Eastern Navy will make large-scale purchases!

"That's for sure. Our Eastern warships are the best in the world. Many countries around the globe come to us for design services, including Britain, the United States, and Italy... Your choice of our Eastern warships is absolutely the right one!"

This time, Qin Liang has even more to brag about!
So many countries have chosen Northwestern Polytechnical University to help with their designs, and some have even used our Eastern air defense systems, which is enough to show how powerful we are!

On the other hand, it also shows how far-sighted Etuo is, coming to us for design so early.

"Yes, we are very satisfied with this warship. Just looking at its shape, it is truly unique."

There's no such thing as stealth yet. It was only after the Type 052 was launched that the world saw how advanced destroyers should be designed. And now, the Type 054 on the slipway actually has stealth features!

Etuo was very satisfied.

"The power system is also very advanced, using four medium-speed diesel engines that are fuel-efficient and powerful, with a maximum design speed of 27 knots, which fully meets our needs. Of course, the most advanced feature is the electronic system..."

The East has never developed a fully gas turbine propulsion system. In fact, the Type 052 destroyer only started using gas turbines. Previous destroyers used boilers, and frigates used diesel engines.

The same applies to the 054, which uses the 16PA series diesel engine, a French technology that can not only burn diesel, but also heavy oil or even crude oil when needed!

Marine diesel engines burn heavy oil; this is not a fantasy, but a consensus among users.

In particular, low-speed diesel engines, which are those that run at tens of revolutions per minute, burn almost entirely heavy oil. Of course, they are all advertised as diesel engines, whether now or in the future.

As for medium-speed diesel engines, that is, those with a speed of less than 1,000 revolutions per minute, many of them are also versatile, capable of burning both diesel and heavy oil.

The reason is simple: heavy oil is the cheapest.

As for the high-speed diesel engines used in speedboats, they really can't burn heavy fuel oil, as it would affect their performance.

Currently, Dongfang is still weak in the field of marine diesel engines, but with the introduction of French technology and the future production of its own, this problem will definitely be solved.

Qin Liang nodded: "Of course, our Eastern equipment is the most advanced!"

Three days passed by in a flash.

That morning, everyone stood on the outfitting dock of the shipyard, their faces full of excitement.

"Now, I announce that the Type 054 export-type frigate Suez has completed all outfitting procedures and has begun sea trials! The first step is to purge the pipelines!"

Whether it's air conditioning ducts or fuel ducts, welding slag may be generated during the outfitting stage, so it needs to be blown away, otherwise it will cause all sorts of problems.

The Suez is the name given to this warship by the Eduardo. They have no particular naming rules and just name things whatever they want. The recent choice of this name is clearly because they were provoked and wanted to use the Suez to fight pirates.

A roaring sound rang out, and the pipe purging began.

Two hours later.

"Fill the fuel tank!"

Although it can run on heavy fuel oil, it's not the best option. Heavy fuel oil is prone to coking, which can reduce engine life. For sea trials, diesel fuel is the only option.

Add oil, add water, add various lubricants...

The morning has passed just like that!
At noon, after lunch.

"Attention, prepare to start the engine!"

Large engines are almost all started with compressed air, and the compressed air at the outfitting dock is provided by the dock.

Inside the pipes, a hissing sound filled the air, and the stern of the ship began to tremble rhythmically, faster and faster.

Spray oil!

combustion!

Puffs of black smoke billowed from the chimney, and then... more and more black smoke appeared.

Finally, the engine began to vibrate rhythmically!

Startup successful!

The first one, the second one...

Two hours passed after all four engines had started.

"Director Li, can we leave port now?" Rahim asked anxiously.

"According to the sea trial schedule, we need to conduct tests at the dock for three days..."

"No need, we have confidence in our products from the East. Let's start the sea trials as soon as possible."

It seems the Etuo people are really impatient. At this moment, the people who hate pirates the most are probably not the ship owners, but them!

"it is good!"

Woo, woo!
With the sound of a ship's horn, the Type 054 corvette slowly left the dock and sailed out to sea.

On the bridge.

Rahim looked around, his face full of excitement. Although it wasn't his first time up here, this was still his first time driving out.

especially……

"This monitor can actually display nautical charts directly?"

Rahim pointed to the nautical chart on the BeiDou terminal, his face filled with awe.

"That's natural. Satellite navigation has to be combined with digital maps. Currently, the data is incomplete and can only cover most shipping routes. However, various reefs, special currents, and other features along the routes will be marked. This Beidou navigation system will become the best helper for seafarers."

What's the use of having only one satellite positioning system that displays your specific location coordinates?
It needs to be used in conjunction with a digital map to display the location on the map, which will make it more intuitive!
Now, it has expanded from vehicle-mounted to ship-mounted, and it is sure to be even more popular!
“That’s right, that’s right, this really is a great help to us!” Aziz, the captain of the Suez, which was designated by the Etuo Navy, nodded excitedly.

The sea trials are mainly conducted by shipyard workers, but some customers will also be on board, especially those who will be serving on the ship in the future, as they need to be taught how to operate the vessel.

"These other screens..."

"Next to this navigation system is the display of the ship's specific information," Captain Li continued. "Speed, heading—these are basic data, displayed synchronously on the navigation system. The main information is about the ship's various subsystems, such as the propulsion system: its output power, whether there are any malfunctions, the condition of each cabin, avionics, lights, temperature, oxygen concentration..."

Aziz opened his eyes wide.

Display the overall ship status!

While older warships did have similar systems, they either used indicator lights or relied on human reports. Now, however, everything is automated and displayed on screens.

It's absolutely true that the East has the world's best electronics technology!
"On the warship, there are various monitoring devices that can provide a clear picture of the situation in every compartment, which can prevent many accidents. This system requires a dedicated duty officer to supervise it throughout the process. By the way, shall we start testing the warship's electronic systems next?"

"Of course, turn on the radar!"

At this moment, the setting sun had cast its last rays onto the sea. Everyone stood in front of the air defense system control panel at the back, watching the equipment provider explain how to operate it.

"Our warships have two main radars for external search. During routine patrols, we open the Type 364 radar, which is protected by a circular radome on the aft mast. This radar has long-range search and detection capabilities and is mainly used to search for various targets at sea and in the air."

Everyone nodded and watched as the first radar control panel was turned on. A few seconds later, various ships in the vicinity appeared on the screen.

"Here's the control panel. This is the air defense radar mounted on the main mast. It's mainly used to guide our HQ-16 ship-to-air missiles. When we reach dangerous waters, we turn it on. This radar can monitor an area of ​​over 200 kilometers..."

The original Type 054 destroyer used a copy of the Russian Top Plate radar, codenamed 382. It consisted of two back-to-back radars, both with waveguide antennas, one in the S-band and one in the C-band, which together guided the Shtil surface-to-air missile.

Now, we no longer need to be so outdated. This is a single-sided phased array radar, the shipborne version of the HQ-16 radar. Placing this radar on it will definitely provide first-class sea search capabilities, especially against anti-ship missiles that fly at extremely low altitudes over the sea.

Combined with the 47-kilometer range of the HQ-16, it's a perfect match!

This frigate is already better than many of those currently under development in Europe!

"Come here, this is the integrated control panel for the air defense system. To meet the requirements for responding to multiple targets, the one we just used isn't enough..."

Everyone listened attentively, and Qin Liang also opened his eyes wide, because these things... he himself was not familiar with.

He works with airplanes and has little experience with warships; those are all things done by the navigation and electronics departments at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Now, he looks on in awe.

Wow, you can play with it like this!

These technologies sound really cool!

Northwestern Polytechnical University's technology is the best in the world!

The internal design of these systems alone is enough to be awe-inspiring!

"Could we organize a target practice session?" Rahim asked.

Factory Director Li said helplessly, "I'm sorry, that's impossible."

"Why?" "Because we didn't bring missiles with us when we went to sea."

This is only the first sea trial. Generally speaking, sea trials for frigates take several months, during which various weapons are tested and gradually integrated. How can a ship launch missiles right after it has been launched? This is the final sea trial project!

"In that case, let's leave it at that. We'll conduct various tests on the hull, and once everything is in order, we'll sail back. As for the weapon system, we have confidence in it."

Stop testing weapon systems! Focus on speed!

This delivery method has only been used by the Russians when delivering warships to India. After the ships are built in the shipyard, they are taken out for a short trip and then delivered.

Later, when it was our turn to buy a Hyundai, the Russians tried to do the same thing, but we firmly refused. They insisted on checking each item one by one according to the form we had brought beforehand!
The Russians were furious. Did this mean they didn't trust us?

Of course we don't believe it. You're used to making shoddy products, how can we trust you?

We're not as easily fooled as those Indians!

Check them one by one, and bring any that have problems back for repair!

This is not your planned economy era, this is a market economy, where the customer is king!
Now, Eto trusts us so much!

"Alright, let's test the full-speed sailing capability and see if the speed meets the standard!"

At the stern, four diesel engines roared, the propellers spun faster, and the warship's speed increased.

Diesel engines are characterized by their robustness, durability, fuel efficiency, and convenience, but their disadvantage is their low power density.

Four diesel engines, driving two propellers, are needed to propel the Type 054 to a speed of over 25 knots!

In the original location, only half the space is needed to install two gas turbines, which can easily achieve a speed of thirty knots!

Gas turbines have high power density and quick start-up, but they also have disadvantages, such as shorter lifespan and lower fuel economy compared to diesel engines.

Fifteenth section, twentieth section, twenty-fiveth section...

After reaching the 25th knot, the speed increase slows down.

Section 26, Section 27...

The final speed was almost a slow, swaying climb!

However, it eventually reached that maximum speed, which is extremely rare on a diesel-powered frigate!

"That's fantastic! This speed is definitely up to standard!"

"Eastern techniques, if you talk about them, you can definitely do them!"

"Yes, we have faith in the shipbuilding capabilities of the East!"

"Go back, fill up the tank, load the ammunition, and we can conduct sea trials on the way back."

Factory Director Li was having a bit of a headache. "Everyone, if something really goes wrong, we'll have to bring it back."

However... saying that made her seem insecure, so she could only look to Qin Liang for help.

"Since you've all made your decision, we have nothing more to say. Let's proceed with the operation and sea trials simultaneously. We will send a group of technicians to accompany the sea trials. If any parts need to be replaced, we will transport them to shipyards along the route by transport plane."

"Okay, then we'll leave tomorrow."

The Etuo people didn't want to stay even a day longer. After returning, they filled up the fuel tank that night, loaded up the supplies, and left in their warship early the next morning!
The Pentagon, United States.

"This frigate also has many highlights. It is inexpensive to build and has strong performance. We have evaluated it and found that its overall performance exceeds that of our Perry-class frigates by 50 percent."

"Swift, you're praising Asians way too much! You were just saying..."

"No, I'm just stating the facts. Ladies and gentlemen, we've already fallen behind the East in the field of warships. The completely new concepts are all designed by them, and that so-called arsenal ship..."

Speaking of this, Swift was speechless. It was a complete waste of time and energy, yet it captivated Bulda!

"Report, CIA surveillance indicates that the Etau frigate appears to have already set sail."

"what?"

Everyone was stunned.

"They just finished outfitting and haven't even started sea trials yet, and they're already going back?"

"Yes, is it that Easterners are too confident, or that Eto has too much faith in Eastern technology?"

"It must be the complicated situation in the Somali waters that forced Eto to quickly sail the warship back. By the way, everyone, what exactly are our plans to do to deal with the Somali pirates?"

The East has already dispatched an escort fleet, but the US Navy has yet to come up with a solution.

Or rather, they disdain providing escort services; they want to attack, after all, they want to demonstrate their power, but...

It's even more difficult to strike Somalia, given the large number of Super-7 fighter jets there. A rash incursion into Somali airspace would be disastrous...

They've been thinking about this for the past few days.

The group started arguing again, and when the day was over, the CIA sent another message.

"The Suez is really on its way back!"

"Yes, this warship is simply... simply out of the ordinary!"

Who can drive it back right after it's built? This is completely outside the normal procedure; no sea trials, just direct use!

Eastern technology...

Forget it, I'm not envious anymore. Envy is useless. I should just go home. I can't work overtime anymore, or the pizza place near the entrance will be packed again.

Everyone tried their best not to think about these things, but...

These Eastern warships are truly extraordinary.

Especially the drooping hairpins at the front, they're practically telling the whole world that the East already has first-class warships.

As the Suez sails back, it will undoubtedly attract countless envious glances!
Across the ditch.

People have already started watching.

"It has a displacement of 4,000 tons, and there are 32 dedicated vertical launch systems for anti-aircraft missiles at the front. They are equipped with advanced HQ-16 missiles, which can intercept aircraft, anti-ship missiles, and even ballistic missiles!"

At the Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, a group of people look at a photograph with complex expressions.

The aircraft project was almost a failure; even the final attempt to salvage it was met with skepticism. The warship project…

In terms of warships, they are already number one in the world.

"This warship is even more advanced than the American Perry-class destroyers."

"Yes, vertical launch system, vertical launch system, that's standard equipment on modern warships!"

"This design also embodies the stealth trend!"

"We...we also want to participate in the warship project. We can't be worse than them!"

These people were provoked, but unfortunately, they had absolutely no technical reserves at all!
"That's right. I heard that the HQ-16 was modified from an air-to-air missile. Our Anxiang Project also has the Tiangong missile. We'll modify that missile into a ship-to-air missile!"

"Sure, we also have the Hsiung Feng missile, which can be used as a ship-to-ship missile!"

That makes it seem like they've regained their strength!
Huang Xiaozong looked at everyone present and swallowed hard: "Then we'll apply!"

The IDF project has drawn considerable criticism to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Now, only by launching a new project can they change everyone's impression of them.

"No, there are still many technologies we can't overcome, such as the power system. Ladies and gentlemen, we can't buy LM2500 gas turbines right now!"

Even if other things are usable, what about the power?
The world's main naval propulsion system is the LM2500 gas turbine. The American Perry-class destroyers use this equipment, but unfortunately, they can't buy it now!
The other side will definitely oppose it with all its might. The key point is that this is not just a verbal protest; the other side is also helping the US Navy design warships!

If this angers the other side and they break the contract, the US Navy will suffer losses, so they will definitely not let this opportunity pass!
So, you can't buy it!
"If you can't buy American products, buy British ones!"

"Rolls-Royce of Britain has even closer cooperation with the East! Besides, gentlemen, we can't even manufacture the steel plates used in warships. How can we build warships with our own strength?"

There were still some people present who remained sober.

but……

Huang Xiaozong gritted his teeth: "If we don't have the conditions, we'll create them! We must demonstrate the strength of the Chinese Academy of Sciences! We didn't have the capability to manufacture airplanes back then, but now we do..."

That's bad luck, bad luck, you can't say that!
(End of this chapter)