Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

“I don't really have any opinions; the main thing is the needs of our army.” Qin Yang thought for a moment and then said, “As far as I know, whether it's the Russian 2S7 or the American M110, one of the most important tasks of these howitzers is to launch nuclear bombs. If our army also plans to introduce this kind of nuclear artillery shell, I think it is still necessary to develop it.”

Everyone present was shocked. What? Launching nuclear bombs with cannons?

Nuclear bombs can be large or small, but generally speaking, countries that have just mastered nuclear technology create very large nuclear bombs. You can refer to the mushroom clouds dropped by the United States over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Because of their huge size, only B-29 bombers could carry them.

China has also been developing mushroom clouds for some time and has been able to develop some smaller warheads. However, this does not mean that they can be small enough to be stuffed into a cannon!

Even the United States, with its strongest technical capabilities, went through a lot of hard research. Their first nuclear artillery shell was successfully developed in 1953. The cannon used at that time was 280mm caliber, and the power of the nuclear artillery shell was equivalent to a quarter of the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Later, with the development of nuclear bomb miniaturization, they began to develop a 240mm cannon and the corresponding Mk32 nuclear artillery shell, but they didn't pursue it and instead turned to developing a 203mm caliber Mk33 nuclear artillery shell, which matured and became one of the ammunition types for the M110 howitzer.

It's not a big deal for howitzers to launch nuclear bombs. During the most intense period of the Cold War, the two major powers even developed nuclear artillery shells for mortars. The most ridiculous thing was that the kill radius was greater than the range, and the user would be wiped out along with it.

Leader Fang looked at Dr. Bull: “Dr. Bull, is this the case?”

“That's right, an eight-inch cannon can launch nuclear artillery shells, but in the field of conventional artillery, it is also a good destructive weapon,” Dr. Bull replied.

“Yes, even without nuclear bombs, its power is very great. However, this kind of cannon is very heavy and inconvenient to move. Even if a tracked chassis is developed, it cannot be equipped with a protected fighting compartment. At best, it is just a mobile gun mount. And our army is in the process of mechanization. Is this kind of equipment really suitable for us?” Qin Yang continued, “The greater the range, the lower the accuracy. We should be able to perfectly replace this kind of cannon with large-caliber rocket launchers, which have a faster rate of fire and can transfer positions quickly.”

“Yes, these problems are still very complex. It seems that the army needs to study it before making a decision,” Leader Fang nodded.

Ding Kui's eyes were filled with dissatisfaction. President Qin, are you trying to cut off our livelihood?

Qin Yang lowered his head and didn't look at Ding Kui's eyes. He knew the other party's dissatisfaction, but he had to disappoint them first and then fill them with hope, so that they would be grateful to him.

After the meeting, Dr. Bull's face was ugly: “Qin, how can you not support the 203mm howitzer? I am considering the firepower of your army!”

This guy's temper is really bad. He may get angry at any time. He came to sell it, but he still has this attitude! Fortunately, Qin Yang was already prepared: “Dr. Bull, these are all small things. Didn't you come here for the 155mm howitzer? Next, we need to complete the improvement of this howitzer as soon as possible.”

Dr. Bull nodded: “That's right, we need to research and improve it as soon as possible. Let's start now. I have already sent someone to coordinate the machine tools you need. I hope that before the machine tools arrive, we can completely solve the problems of the 155mm howitzer.”

“Of course, no problem. You have also seen our research results. We have this ability, but I need all the data of the 155mm howitzer,” Qin Yang said, “This way we can analyze and solve the problems.”

“Okay, but I want to hear your specific ideas now.”

Last night, Dr. Bull was fooled by Qin Yang's explanation. As a technical maniac, Dr. Bull would certainly not believe him just because of Qin Yang's fooling, but needed real technology.

“There are two specific methods… However, should we go to Factory 960 next and research there?” Qin Yang said, “Dr. Bull, this project is just a small project. Maybe we will have big projects to cooperate on in the future.”

“Big project? How big?”

“Similar to the Paris Gun.”

“Okay, then what are we waiting for? Get in the car quickly. I need to be stationed in your Factory 960 in the future!”

While Qin Yang was fooling Dr. Bull, Ding Kui had followed Leader Fang to his office and began to complain as soon as he entered the door.

“Leader Fang, President Qin is going too far, isn't he? It was originally agreed that the technology of the 155mm howitzer would be handed over to us for production, but now it has become a product of their Factory 960. Their factory is having a great time, but are they leaving any way for brother units to survive?”

“Old Ding, don't worry. It's our fault for not considering this matter carefully. We didn't know that Dr. Bull's howitzer had such serious technical flaws!” Leader Fang said, “Fortunately, President Qin discovered that the technology of this cannon needs to be thoroughly researched and matured.”

“We won't interfere with their research, but why does President Qin want to interfere with our research project? He actually opposes our 203mm howitzer project. Isn't he trying to force us to our death?”

“Old Ding, President Qin didn't say he was against it, but our army needs to study it carefully to see if this caliber is suitable for us.”

“If he says that, the army will definitely hesitate, and if the army hesitates, this matter will be over.” Ding Kui couldn't help but say at this point, “Leader Fang, if you don't support me, I will go to President Qin myself. He can't bully people like this!”

Looking at Ding Kui's leaving back, Leader Fang shook his head helplessly. Let him go. Anyway, Qin Yang has encountered countless troubles, big and small, and he doesn't mind one more.

Besides, now that there are big shots supporting Qin Yang, it's okay to let Qin Yang do the things that offend people.

Ding Kui came to Factory 960 and was invited to the reception room to wait and wait and wait. He waited until it was dark before Qin Yang rubbed his eyes and walked over.

Ding Kui was originally clenching his fists, but when he saw Qin Yang, he released his fists and squeezed out a smile on his face: “President Qin, I am Ding Kui from Factory 127. You have to help us with this matter today.”

“What's the matter?”

“It's about the 203mm howitzer!” Ding Kui said, “This project is of great importance. Our Factory 127 is waiting for the project to start!”

“I personally feel that this cannon is really not suitable for our army to equip,” Qin Yang said.

Ding Kui's hands began to clench again.

“However, I also feel embarrassed that your Factory 127 has missed out this time,” Qin Yang said, “I will think of a way. Maybe there is still a turning point in this matter.”

A smile appeared on Ding Kui's face again: “Thank you, President Qin, thank you, President Qin. Your Fangbei Company is seeking benefits for our military factories. Our Factory 127 is looking forward to getting on the Fangbei Company's car day and night.”

He kept reminding that Qin Yang was the president of Fangbei Company and could not only think about Factory 960.

“Old Ding, your words reminded me that we can think of ways to sell this cannon!” Qin Yang said, “Recently, people from Iraq are coming to pick up a new batch of 69 tanks. When the time comes, I will give them a good fooling. Maybe they will be tempted. As long as they are willing to pay, won't your factory have a project?”

W33, unremarkable, can grow mushrooms.