Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

The X150 diesel engine was the pride and joy of their Factory 616! Director Ni, acting as its 'father,' not only neglected his own 'son' but also supported someone else's. This transformation from a loving father to a stepfather was infuriating.

Guo Liming immediately stood up: "Director Ni, what are you saying? Our X150 engine is the result of the hard work of all the technical personnel in Factory 616! How can you not favor our own project under development and instead support a 150HB that's still just a concept?"

"Engineer Guo, if we want to improve the engine's power, the cylinder spacing issue must be resolved. Compared to our plan, the engine institute's plan is clearly more suitable!"

"No investigation, no right to speak. Facts are the sole criterion for testing truth. How can you know the cylinder spacing is insufficient before it's even built? Director Ni, I'll make it clear: if you support someone else's plan, none of us hardworking researchers will agree!"

Having said those harsh words, Guo Liming stormed out of the meeting room.

He had to make Director Ni understand that this behavior was wrong and that the factory wouldn't stand for it! Even the director couldn't have absolute power.

"Old Ni, it seems you're facing considerable pressure," Zhang Baozhong said with emotion. "I'm very touched that you support our project, but you also have to face the pressure from your factory. I would understand if you changed your mind."

Director Ni firmly shook his head: "No, now that I've decided, I won't change my mind. Engineer Qin has already said that the potential of the old Russian engine has been almost fully exploited. Continuing further will only lead to failure. Our third-generation tank must have sufficiently high performance. Twelve hundred horsepower is just the beginning; we'll need to develop it to fifteen hundred horsepower, or even eighteen hundred horsepower, in the future. We'll have to modify the engine body sooner or later, so we might as well firmly take this path now!"

After speaking, Director Ni glanced at the leaders present: "Leaders, on behalf of Factory 616, I support the engine institute's plan. We must solve the heart problem of the third-generation tank!"

Elder Huang nodded: "Good, Old Ni, you have the courage and the determination! I support you!"

With the engine project settled, the transmission issue was simpler.

The 99 tank initially planned to use this transmission system as well, but later abandoned it, using a T-72 replica for the time being, and replacing it with a fifteen-hundred-horsepower engine when it matured.

At this time, after hearing Qin Yang's words, Elder Zhu nodded: "That's right, Engineer Qin is right. We must set sufficiently high standards, but also consider our industrial base. Rashly adopting a hydraulic transmission system may bring us many problems. The 'Three-Liquid' prototype vehicle is a lesson from the past. Let's take a step back."

Elder Huang nodded. The troops were the users, and they wanted a tank that could 'fly to the sky' with one press of the accelerator. But since that couldn't be done, they would just use the clutch and gear lever together, as they had been doing for decades and were used to.

"It seems our third-generation tank project is almost ready to be launched. We need to select an experienced veteran to lead this project. Does anyone have any suitable candidates?"

"Don't look at me, everyone. Although I've led the development of several tanks, they were all modifications. I have no experience with this kind of completely new development," Elder Fang quickly shook his head when he saw everyone's gazes. "Besides, my current task is to develop the second-generation tank that our troops urgently need."

Elder Fang was the most experienced, but he refused!

Everyone looked at each other, pondering suitable candidates.

Chief Engineer Qin? No, too young. Even if he could launch satellites, he was too rash, a designer who was always arguing with people? No, absolutely not!

"Engineer Qin, who do you think is suitable?" Seeing everyone looking at Qin Yang, Elder Huang asked.

If Qin Yang were to recommend himself, he would really have to consider it, after all, Qin Yang could launch satellites!

"Of course it's Elder Zhu. Is there anyone better than him?" Qin Yang asked: "Elder Zhu has been working in the military industry for most of his life, fighting and clawing his way through it. He's the most experienced."

Elder Zhu was the chief designer of the third-generation tank, so there was nothing to say!

"Me? No, I only study artillery," Elder Zhu shook his head: "A tank is a complex machine composed of many components, not just artillery."

"Listening to Engineer Qin, I also think Old Zhu is really good. Let's raise our hands to vote," Elder Huang said.

Everyone below raised their hands in unison. He was the popular choice!

"I'm about to retire! Everyone, the development cycle of this advanced main battle tank will be at least ten years, maybe even twenty years, you..."

"Dedicate yourself to the task until your dying breath, Elder Zhu, please don't refuse. I support you."

Looking at Qin Yang's face, Elder Zhu's gaze was complicated. After thinking for a few minutes, he said: "Everyone, if you want to elect Old Zhu as the chief designer, then I have one request."

"Say it. We'll agree to a hundred," Elder Huang said.

"Let Engineer Qin be my assistant."

Me?

Qin Yang quickly shook his head: "How can that be? Our Factory 960 will be responsible for the development of the tank gun and will also be bidding. If I become your assistant, I will definitely seek benefits for our own factory. At that time, there might be behind-the-scenes operations, directly eliminating competitors. Hey, Engineer Zhuang, quickly stand up and object!"

Zhuang Shuren shook his head: "I believe in Old Zhu. Although he favors your 125mm tank gun plan more, as long as he takes over this project, he will definitely handle it impartially. There are so many people watching the artillery bidding, and in the end, it will depend on real ability."

"I'm now the deputy director of Factory 960! I'm also the general manager of Fangbei Industrial Company. I don't have extra time to come here. Asking me to resign from those jobs is out of the question!"

"You just need to spare some time. Anyway, you're also responsible for developing the tank gun and automatic loader, so it'll be convenient for us to coordinate."

"I..."