Rebirth of the Military Industrial Overlord

Tan Zhenhua sighed secretly in his heart. Although Fang Weixian was talking about tanks, at this point in time, how many of China's national defense business and the entire industrial field are not like this?

Otherwise, how could he always feel like a "second-hand garbage collector"?

From the fall of the Iron Curtain and the beginning of the Cold War, with the fierce competition between the "two treaties" camps, the wealth created by mankind has been invested in various fields of military industry at an unprecedented scale and speed, and this has resulted in In this special period, the level of human military equipment has developed by leaps and bounds.

In other words, humans have created more and more efficient means to fancy death.

However, during this period, it was also a period of lonely China’s internal and external difficulties. The collective blockade by the two major camps and internal problems caused China to become an isolated island from the world, which also resulted in the formation of many of China’s equipment and advanced international standards. Obvious generation difference.

Today we are talking about tanks. In fact, in many other fields, how many have been spared?

Fortunately, the most difficult period has passed. Since 1979, Huaxia has been on the right path, and Tan Zhenhua, as a past person, knows that Huaxia will follow this path faster and faster and more stable. , And will eventually leave most of the opponents far behind.

"Returning to the topic we discussed today." Fang Weixian's voice sounded again: "After summarizing the failure lessons of the "80s", we communicated with the Pakistan Railway several times. Based on their suggestions and requirements, the plan was We have developed a new type of main battle tank for foreign trade on the basis of the prototype of a certain model, and the first target customer for export is also them."

"Uh, can I interrupt?" Tan Zhenhua raised his hand embarrassedly and asked: "With our relationship between China and Pakistan, there should be no resistance to this matter? So what can I do? In other words, I am a complete layman. Even if I personally have a good relationship with Pakistan Railways, but this kind of arms trade between countries, I am afraid that a good relationship between private individuals can not control it?"

"I invite you to come because you have successfully operated the export cases of our country's military products many times and have a very clear understanding of the international military trade market." It was Li Liqing who answered him, "Comrade Xiao Tan, you may also see that now. Sitting in this room are experts in all aspects of the national tank industry. From a technical point of view, they represent the top technical elites in the tank industry in China. However, from the failure of the "80", we still I have learned another lesson. Whether it can be recognized by the international military trade purchasers is probably not just a technical issue, but the business aspect is not what the people in this room are good at."

I understand, this is because I have successively settled the large export orders of fighters and accessories from Iperos, Haosha and other countries, especially after the big face of selling the "J-7" fighters to Americans. The Ministry of Weapon Industry thought Put some successful experience in your own pocket.

So when did you become a "success tutor"?

However, Tan Er dared not show any complacency at this moment. His achievements depend to a large extent on the foresight of the historical process and then cleverly guiding for his own use. But today’s situation is slightly different, because In his previous life, he had not done in-depth research on the export history of domestic tanks, so the content discussed today can be regarded as a blind spot in his knowledge... He plans to be more cautious.

"Then what is the result of the communication between this "new type of foreign trade" main battle tank and the Pakistan Railway? Before coming, I heard Minister Shen said that something went wrong?" Tan Zhenhua decided before he knew everything. Resolutely do not express your own opinions.

"To be honest, the situation is not too good. The Pakistan Railway is not satisfied with the technical status and performance of the prototype car we provided."

Li Liqing's answer was not unexpected, and it is true that if the Pakistan Railways are satisfied, I am afraid that Tan Zhenhua will not have this trip today.

"Uh, Minister Li, can you elaborate?"

"Let me talk about it." Fang Weixian took over and said: "After all, these projects starting from the "80s" are the chief instructor of me, who knows everything best."

Upon hearing this, Tan Zhenhua couldn't help but stunned. He really did not expect that Fang Weixian, who criticized the unsuccessful "80" tank in his speech just now, would be the master of this type of product!

To be honest, Tan Zhenhua, who was also a researcher in his previous life, felt that he couldn't do this anyway. Even if the product he worked so hard to research was not good, he would have to praise it to outsiders. But what has always been believed is: I don’t boast about my own achievements, so does anyone still boast?

Fang Weixian looked at Tan Zhenhua’s involuntary confused expression and sighed: "Comrade Xiao Tan, I am not afraid that you read the jokes. I was responsible for the development of the "Type 80" tank. I am the only one in charge of the development of the "Type 80" tank. Clearly, even though I have adopted the latest technology of China as much as possible on it, backwardness means backwardness. This is a fact that cannot be denied. When others say it, I’m afraid they will take into account my old face and I don’t want to say it. If you understand it too well, let me do it myself."

After finishing these words, Tan Zhenhua couldn't help but feel respect. If nothing else, with this attitude of daring to face his own shortcomings, seeking truth from facts, and never willing to write off wrongs, this person is no ordinary person!

At least, Tan Zhenhua thought that he couldn't do it in his previous life.

"After the failure of the "80-style" project, we quickly summarized the experience and lessons and immediately carried out improvement work," Fang Weixian said: "Based on the tracking and research of the latest international trends, we have made significant improvements to the "80-style". On the basis of the original "Type 80" chassis, the original half-egg cast turret inherited from Soviet Russia was cancelled and replaced with a welded turret commonly used in Western tanks. For this purpose, a series of research on materials and processes have been carried out. The project achieved preliminary results in 1982. After actual tests, welded turrets have obvious advantages over cast turrets. On the one hand, the welded turrets are made of rolled steel plates, which are denser, so they have stronger ballistic resistance and are more convenient to use. The composite armor under development, on the other hand, can also provide a larger internal space and improve the comfort of the occupants inside the tank. Compared with that, the only advantage of the cast turret is probably that it is cheaper because of the simple manufacturing process. The test prototype with a welded turret was improved in 1985. Therefore, according to the internal numbering principle, it was named "Type 85", but I would prefer to call it another name-"Storm 1". "

Hearing this, Tan Zhenhua couldn't help but move in his heart, realizing that he should have touched a key turning point in history-in the development process of Huaxia Tank, completely parted ways with Soviet tanks, embarked on a path of self-development, and headed forward. Brilliant starting point!

PS: The "Storm No. 1" prototype is now in the collection of the China Tank Museum. It has witnessed a arduous journey of Chinese military scientific research personnel, struggling hard and struggling under extremely difficult material conditions, and also witnessed the arrival of a brilliant era!