Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

321 chassis? The Ferdinand of the East? Hearing Qin Yang's suggestion, the technical personnel of Factory 447 brightened up and nodded repeatedly.

The Ferdinand that Qin Yang mentioned was the Ferdinand tank destroyer developed by Dr. Porsche during World War II. This self-propelled gun was very famous. It transcended that era and used electric transmission, rear drive wheels, toothed idler wheels, a rear-mounted fighting compartment, and a unique group of longitudinal suspension devices, among other technologies. Moreover, because the electric transmissions on both sides were not synchronized, the vehicle couldn't drive straight and would constantly sway from side to side. But its power was absolutely heaven-defying.

Qin Yang's analogy of this self-propelled anti-tank gun to the Ferdinand greatly inspired everyone.

"Qin Engineer is right! Mounting it on the domestic 321 chassis is the most suitable!"

"That's right, this way our semi-automatic loader can be installed!"

"Qin Engineer, thank you for everything you've done for our Factory 447. In the future, if there's anything, just give us a call, and we'll be there immediately! The affairs of your Factory 960 are the affairs of our Factory 447!"

Old Zhu was also filled with emotion. This Qin Yang was too good at handling things. In this way, the product that failed the bidding would continue to be developed and serve the national defense. But if it were installed on the 321 chassis, wouldn't that increase the cost? The military is poor!

"Old Huang, what do you think?" Old Zhu looked at Old Huang.

"We can give it a try, anyway, they're all ready-made," Old Huang nodded: "This kid Qin Yang is amazing. The suggestions he makes are all highly operable."

"Old Huang, we request the higher-ups to coordinate and immediately transfer a 321 chassis to us. Ha-1 Machine is currently developing a 152mm self-propelled howitzer and probably can't spare any attention for our project," Zhuang Shuren said, already impatient.

Old Huang thought for a moment: "Okay, I'll coordinate and get one for you."

The main manufacturer of self-propelled artillery in China is Harbin First Machine Factory, abbreviated as Ha-1 Machine. Since the founding of the country, almost all self-propelled artillery has been produced by them. However, they only produce the chassis, while the artillery is still produced by Factory 447. Therefore, the two factories have always had a cooperative relationship.

Ha-1 Machine's key project in recent years has been to mount the Type 66 towed howitzer on the 321 medium chassis to solve the army's urgent need for large-caliber self-propelled howitzers. They simply couldn't spare any attention for this self-propelled anti-tank gun project.

Zhuang Shuren had an urgent need. If this 120mm high-pressure smoothbore gun was abandoned, it would probably never be picked up again. This was related to the armored兵 anti-tank needs and couldn't be delayed; the sooner, the better.

"Okay, I now announce that the meeting is over, dismissed!"

Another hour was delayed, and the meeting finally ended. Another day had passed.

Looking at the 1224 gun mount shrouded in the night, Old Huang was itching with anticipation.

"It's a pity that our tanks don't have night fighting capabilities, we can only wait until tomorrow," Old Huang said with great regret.

"Yes, we can only wait until tomorrow," Qin Yang said: "Tomorrow, let's drive this gun mount around the 617 factory's shooting range and let you experience it."

Since they had come to the grasslands, they might as well let this tank run wild. Except for the lack of a fire control system, it was almost complete.

"However, speaking of which, we should also start developing advanced night vision devices. During the Anti-Japanese War, we were good at night fighting. This glorious tradition cannot be lost," Qin Yang continued, thinking of something.

Back then, when importing the T-54 tank technology from the Soviets to produce the Type 59 tank, considering the low industrial base, they didn't plan to import the supporting night vision devices at all. The tanks could only operate during the day. It was originally planned to import them later, but the opportunity never came again.

However, there was nothing to regret, as this type of night vision device was not advanced. It inherited technology from World War II: a large infrared lamp was poked on the turret, emitting infrared light invisible to the naked eye. The infrared lamp shone forward, and when it encountered an obstacle, it would reflect back, allowing the driver or commander to see it in a specially designed receiving eyepiece.

This method could illuminate up to five hundred meters. Moreover, the infrared lamp would expose its own target. In an era when the West had already entered infrared imaging night vision, the infrared lamp was simply telling the opponent, "I'm here, come and hit me!"

This thing was only useful as an infrared oven.

Qin Yang didn't like it at all.

"Yes, we should import advanced night vision devices. We are currently negotiating with the West to import image intensifier night vision devices," Old Zhu said.

Infrared lamps belong to the first generation of night vision devices, while image intensifier night vision devices belong to the second generation. The latter is passive and will not expose itself. As for the night vision principle, it is very simple: a special photomultiplier tube is used to amplify the weak light from the outside. Therefore, it also has a disadvantage: it can only be used when there is starlight. If it is completely dark all around, and nothing can be seen, then it cannot be amplified. How can it be amplified without weak light?

In the West, this is also outdated technology. The West has already begun to use thermal imagers, using the infrared radiation emitted by the target to determine the target. It can be used in dark places, and the picture is very layered.

However, the West can only export outdated technology to its own side. Even if Qin Yang complains now, it is meaningless. He still has to work hard on internal skills. This infrared imaging night vision device requires advanced semiconductor technology, which cannot be rushed and must be done slowly.

The next day, Qin Yang drove, Old Zhu and Old Huang sat in the back, and started speeding on the grassland. The 1,200-horsepower engine was passionate, driving the tank like a wild horse, burning through a whole tank of fuel. They didn't return until night fell.

"Our third-generation tanks need such an engine!" Old Huang said with great emotion: "I really look forward to our own tanks being able to use this advanced power!"

"Old Huang, haven't you noticed the reliability of our automatic loader?" Qin Yang said somewhat helplessly: "In today's whole day of testing, we performed hundreds of automatic loading operations under various conditions, without any failures!"

The people from Ha-1 Machine are acting quickly enough. They sent the chassis so quickly. However, what are they arguing about?