The Kuznetsov Design Bureau is located in Samara Oblast, where there are many aerospace companies. After the collapse of the Red Empire, these companies could only stay together and form the Samara "labor" scientific research and production complex.
However, the glory of the Red Empire has passed, many of their development plans have been terminated, and their products are pitiful. In terms of rocket engines, they cannot compete with the Power Machinery Research and Production Consortium, which has products such as the RD-170. The most powerful rocket engine in the world, they cannot compete with other counterparts in jet engines, and they can only make ends meet by relying on some low-volume products.
The batch of inventory engines originally sold to Mingzhou Group solved their urgent need and made a lot of money.
Although the Mingzhou Group resold it for more money, they couldn't envy it. If it weren't for the operation of the Mingzhou Group, they might not be able to sell it at all. They were already happy with that money.
Now, Mingzhou Group is coming to inspect again, how can they not be excited? They are looking forward to Mingzhou Group spending a large sum of money to make their lives easier.
At the same time, Qin Tao's movements have also attracted the attention of many people.
"President Qin went to Samara. Do they want to purchase a batch of NK-32 engines from there?" Some people in Moscow have already begun to doubt.
"How could he buy the NK-32 engine when he was so blatant? I wonder who dares to secretly sell the engine to them!" Another voice sounded: "Whoever sells it will be sentenced!"
"Our intelligence system discovered that Dongfang sent some people to Ermao to negotiate parts for the Tu-22M. Mr. Qin's work is indeed impeccable!"
"That's right, he is attracting our attention openly and covering the team that goes to Ermao behind the scenes. Huh, this little trick can't fool us. We have to focus on Ermao's actions and don't be fooled by Mr. Qin. It’s gone astray!”
Mr. Qin is very powerful, and so are they. They will soon be able to see through Mr. Qin’s conspiracy, and they will never let Mr. Qin succeed!
They didn't know that Qin Tao had an agenda when he went to the Kuznetsov Design Bureau this time. Er Mao's team was the one who deceived people. True and false, this is Sun Tzu's Art of War.
Qin Tao's special plane landed at the airport near Samara, and then drove straight to the Kuznetsov Design Bureau. Along the way, Max was really not idle and was working all the time.
A man who devotes himself to his work is indeed very charming. Qin Tao is also flattered. He is definitely very capable in employing people.
A group of people were waiting at the door of the Kuznetsov Design Bureau. When the car stopped, Valentin came up to him: "Mr. Qin, welcome to our Kuznetsov Design Bureau for inspection! Come, I will give you Let me introduce, this is the head of our labor and scientific research joint production body, Mr. Smyan-Victor Ceko."
Qin Tao has been in contact with Valentin. He is an important veteran in the Kuznetsov Design Bureau, but he is not the person in charge of the entire scientific research joint production body. , Qin Tao stretched out his hand: "Mr. Victor Ceco, I'm glad to see you. We are here for technical help this time."
Technical help?
Several people opened their eyes wide, they were here to give money!
"Please rest assured, no matter what technical requirements you put forward, we can do it." Victor Ceco nodded: "Currently, we have developed the NK-43 engine based on the NK-33 rocket engine. The increase to two hundred tons will definitely better meet your needs. We hope to have more cooperation opportunities in aerospace in the future."
The NK-33 engines sold at the beginning were all in stock, so the price was cheap. The NK-43 is the latest development. If this kind of engine is sold, it will definitely be at the normal market price.
"We are here just for the engine." Qin Tao said: "However, we are not interested in the NK-43 engine. We hope to develop a liquid oxygen methane engine."
Max felt excited. This was the direction of his plan. However, due to insufficient R&D funds, he did not propose this idea. Unexpectedly, Mr. Qin supported his Mars plan so much that he was now going to develop a new engine!
"Liquid oxygen methane?" Valentine asked curiously: "Mr. Qin, in the decades of human spaceflight history, there has never been an engine with this kind of fuel!"
The original liquid rocket, the German V-2 rocket, used alcohol and liquid oxygen. After all, there was a shortage of fuel at that time. Alcohol could be brewed from grain. Although the energy of the fuel was not high, it had to be used accordingly.
During the Cold War, there were more fuels. Toxic fuels, such as the combination of dimethylhydrazine and nitric acid, were once popular. Later, Lao Maozi began to focus on liquid oxygen and kerosene engines, while the United States focused on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen engines. However, no space agency has planned the use of liquid oxygen methane.
"Lao Ma, let me briefly introduce to you the benefits of this engine." Qin Tao said with a smile.
The group of people walked inside while listening to Max's introduction.
"First of all, the advantage of this engine is that it will never coke. The engine can work multiple times. If we want to enter space at a low cost, we must use reusable rockets. We expect that this liquid oxygen methane engine can be reused hundreds of times. , which can greatly reduce costs.”
Reused hundreds of times? Everyone was a little surprised: "The experience of the space shuttle has told us that reused spacecraft will have many dangers. Deliberately pursuing reuse has resulted in a greatly increased risk, which is not cost-effective."
"That's because the space shuttle is too complex and the fuel used is not suitable. We believe that our choice is no problem. Moreover, our liquid oxygen methane engine has another advantage, which is that it can extract fuel from the Martian atmosphere. Producing these two fuels is the only option for our Mars program."
"Are you really planning to fly to Mars?" Victor Checo asked in surprise. Although this was rude, it was also his true thought. In this era, talking about flying to Mars is too far away.
A few years ago, in that special era, two countries competed for the glory of landing on the moon. As a result, the Red Empire failed. The N-1 rocket exploded on the launch pad, completely burying their dream. As for the United States, although it succeeded Yes, it was done with the efforts of the whole country.
Now, a starship company affiliated with Mingzhou Group wants to use the power of private capital to land on Mars, but it sounds unreliable.
"The only goal of our Starship Company is to land on Mars. This goal will never change." Max said: "We are going step by step now. We believe that we will definitely reach that day. , this is a great cause!”
The old men present were very emotional. For them, this kind of thing is unthinkable. What they are thinking about now is how to survive, ideal? Only by living can you have ideals!
"So, are you going to hand over the research and development and production of liquid oxygen methane engines to us?" Victor Ceco asked excitedly. It will definitely take a long time to develop this brand-new rocket engine. A large amount of money must be invested, and the labor, scientific research and production consortium will also gain huge benefits from this!
"No." Qin Tao shook his head.
The old man present was stunned, not giving him a research and development task? So what are you doing here?
Max was also stunned, not knowing what Qin Tao meant.
"If we want to enter space at a low cost, we must reduce all costs. Therefore, the research and development and production of this liquid oxygen methane engine must be done by our starship company." Qin Tao said: "If you are interested If you do, you can join our R&D plan and earn a lot of R&D expenses, but we have to master a full set of technologies."
"Yes, Mr. Qin is right!" Max was very excited.
If you want to build a starship at a low cost, you can't rely on buying an engine. That's too expensive! You have to produce it yourself! After all, in Max's plan, starships are to be manufactured one by one, even hundreds of them a year. If you don't produce them yourself and just buy engines, how expensive will that be?
Lao Maozi has always been very strict about the export of advanced technologies. Take rocket engines as an example. Lao Maozi is not very willing to export to Dongfang. The advanced RD-170 and RD-180 engines will not be exported to Dongfang at all. People have speculated that after entering the 21st century, Eastern rockets only rely on engines with a thrust of 120 tons.
But what about joint development? Will Lao Maozi impose restrictions?
The liquid oxygen methane engine is brand new, and Lao Maozi does not have it now. The Kuznetsov Design Bureau is in poverty. If they can participate in the research and development, they can make a lot of profits, which is beneficial to them. Benefits.
Of course, there are great benefits for Starship Company. A large number of old people go to Starship Company to develop a brand new engine. It will take several years. When the research and development is completed, will these old people be willing to go back? Just stay in Starship Company. The benefits, development prospects, and lofty ideals are all incomparable to the Kuznetsov Design Bureau.
"Mr. Qin, there is no precedent for this, and we may face great resistance." Victor Ceco said: "In the aerospace field, we must strictly prevent the leakage of our technology."
"This project can be discussed later. We might as well start cooperation in small areas first." Qin Tao said: "For example, modify the NK-33 engine so that it can be used as the second stage of the rocket for use in outer space."
Max has been able to keep up with Mr. Qin's thinking. Mr. Qin will not reveal his trump card immediately when negotiating. He will first build a big project to fool the other party. When the other party is in trouble, he will then propose a small project, which will make it easier for the other party. Accepted.
"Is the improved Nk-33 suitable for use in vacuum?" Victor Checo was a little surprised: "Why do you want to use this engine in vacuum? It is more suitable to use a hydrogen-oxygen engine in vacuum."
"Of course, in order to reduce costs, all our rockets use the same type of engine to minimize costs. We can't do an action like the Apollo moon landing plan that mobilizes national resources, so we have to do everything possible. ways to reduce costs," Max said firmly.
What Qin Tao admires is this kind of work attitude. Choose a goal and then work hard to achieve it. Even if you know that the road is difficult, you will never be discouraged, but will try every means!
"Okay, if it's just to modify the NK-33, we are willing to send technical experts to help you." Victor Checo nodded. They can still help with such a small favor.
While talking, everyone had entered the R&D building. Looking at the equipment inside, Qin Tao said in surprise: "You are still using antique-level computers?"
There is a row of personal computers on the desktop. The overall appearance is red. After many years of use, its surface has become a little gray and is no longer so bright. Above the horizontal chassis is a screen like a 12-inch black and white TV. , with a high bulge in the center.
"The Agat-4 personal computer, produced in 1984, has similar performance to the American Apple II." Max recognized it immediately. After all, he was also a computer enthusiast when he was young, and he knew about computers from various countries.
After looking at the desktop computer, he looked at a cabinet standing in the corner: "If I'm not mistaken, that computer should be Elbrus."
"Yes, Mr. Max is so awesome. He can spot our equipment at a glance. In the 1980s, we carried out a system update here and used advanced computer systems for research and development, which greatly improved our research and development speed. The equipment we had back then was the envy of our peers.”
When Qin Tao went to Ermao, he brought a batch of scientific calculators, which made the gas turbine technicians ecstatic. They had to rely on slide rules before!
There are such advanced computer equipment here, which is of course very good.
Elbrus is a tall Caucasus mountain range with an altitude of 5,642 meters. It is the highest peak in the entire Red Empire and in Europe.
Lao Maozi's server is named after this, which also has commemorative significance.
This most advanced server in the entire Kuznetsov Design Bureau was developed by Lao Maozi's famous computer expert Babian. In 1978, he led the team to develop the world's first superscalar computer Elbrus-1.
The main use of this computer is to serve the military industry, such as the development of missile systems, nuclear weapons and space programs. The Kuznetsov Design Bureau develops engines for aerospace use. In the past, they could only study the complex conditions in the combustion chamber through a large number of experiments. With this kind of computer, simulations can be carried out, which greatly improved their R&D efficiency.
The most advanced of this kind of computer is a superscalar processor, which converts continuous symbols into parallel symbols during runtime to accelerate execution, so it can achieve higher CPU throughput at the same main frequency. Even the American rivals only applied it on the PowerPC 601 developed fifteen years later.
It was indeed advanced at the time, but now, it has long been outdated. Moore's Law is not guaranteed. The performance of computers will double in eighteen months.
At this time, Victor Checo had a touch of sadness on his face. Back then, they were the most important R&D institution in the entire Red Empire! All kinds of good things are coming to them, what now? Now he has become a child without a mother.
"These things are so backward and should have been in the garbage dump a long time ago." Qin Tao didn't care at all about everyone's mood at this time.
Sure enough, the expressions on everyone's faces were very embarrassing.
The corner of Valentine's mouth twitched a little. He tried hard to calm down his mood and said to Qin Tao: "Mr. Qin, there is nothing we can do. We sold a batch of NK-33 engines last time, but the money was mainly used for Wages have been paid, but we haven’t been able to improve our office conditions.”
Their design bureau is running hard, not just for a day or two. The whole country is like this, and they have nothing to be embarrassed about.
"Without advanced computers, you simply cannot complete the modern engine design task." Qin Tao said, "Well, our Mingzhou Group can provide you with a batch of computers at cost price."
Mingzhou Group's subsidiaries include Loongson and SMIC, and now they can also produce computer systems! And it has reached the world's advanced level. In the domestic complete machine market, it has been constantly receiving bids, and L Xiang Group has been suppressed to the point that it has no market. In the machine building market, it is talked about by many people. If it were not first Supplied domestically, it is estimated to have become popular internationally.
At this time, they were very excited when they heard Qin Tao offer to help provide the computer system: "Really? This is great! But..."
Why did Mr. Qin suddenly propose such a condition? Could it be that they want them to use the Nk-32 engines in the warehouse in exchange? Moscow has repeatedly warned that Easterners must not be allowed to obtain any Nk-32 engines, not even spare parts!
Victor Checo was a little embarrassed, but Qin Tao was still introducing.
"Our most advanced server is the Longxiang server that uses 16 Loongson processors. The computing speed of this server can reach 100 MIPS. It should be much better than your old Elbrus, right? Those Ordinary desktop computers can be replaced with our Longyue computers."
100MIPS is a hundred times the computing power of their Elbrus!
"Yes, this kind of server is much better than ours, but unfortunately, we don't have money!" Victor Checo said.
The other party gave it away for free? It's better not to have such a sweet dream. The other party must have ideas. Victor Checo must solemnly tell the other party that we have no money and we can't exchange things for it.
"Didn't we just say that we would hire a group of technical experts to complete the improvement of the NK-33 at our place?" Qin Tao said, "The funds for these computers can be deducted from the hiring fee."
What?
Victor Checo was a little surprised: "We thought..."
Halfway through the words, he swallowed them back into his stomach. If he continued to speak, he would have leaked the secret.
"What do you think?" Qin Tao smiled and looked at Victor Ceco: "Do you think we will ask for the NK-32 engine in exchange?"
The people present were embarrassed again.
Mr. Qin hit the nail on the head.
"Your engines are good, but it doesn't make any sense if we only have one or two. If we purchase them, we will purchase at least fifty, or even a hundred, so that they can be used throughout their lifespan." Qin Tao said: "The future era belongs to stealth aircraft. There is no need for us to build an outdated aircraft."
Having made it so clear, Victor Ceco had an awkward smile on his face: "Mr. Qin, the development route you have chosen is correct. The future era indeed belongs to stealth machines. In the era of the Red Empire, Bombers have fallen behind, and you are at the forefront of the development of stealth aircraft."
"The times are constantly developing, and the situation is constantly changing, and your road is not easy to take." Qin Tao sighed: "In terms of aero engines, you probably have not made much progress. It is better to do it in the future." Focus on aerospace engines, join our liquid oxygen methane engine program, and you will be at the forefront of the times."
Here in Damao, the one that is doing the best is the Ryurica-Saturn complex. Relying on the Su-27 export, it is equipped with a large number of Sanyifu engines. Even the Eastern J-10 fighter jets are also introducing this engine.
Others are not doing so well. The Klimov Design Bureau only relies on providing engines for Asan's MiG-29 fighter jets. After the end of World War II, Lao Maozi had 14 aero-engine mechanisms, and now almost They are all half-dead. But in a few years, it will be time for Damao to bring these engine manufacturers together to jointly establish Damao United Engine Manufacturing Group Company.
The future of the Kuznetsov Design Bureau is slim. Even if a labor, scientific research and production consortium is established, there is not much of a future. When Qin Tao said this, Victor Cheko was really tempted.
They don't know that Qin Tao's words are all deception, and he has only one real purpose!
"Okay, Mr. Qin, we will seriously consider it and apply with our superiors," Victor Checo said.
"Well, I'm looking forward to your reply. However, the computers here are too old. It's better to replace them immediately. I will arrange domestic preparations and deliver them to you in the next day or two. You can complete the customs clearance work."
"Okay." Victor Ceco nodded.
The first day of inspection ended like this.
That night, in the cafeteria of the design bureau, everyone held wine glasses and communicated enthusiastically.
"Mr. Qin, where is Mr. Max?" Valentin held the wine glass and looked at Qin Tao, curiously asking.
"He doesn't like this kind of situation. To him, it's a waste of time. He works in a guest house."
"He is a very powerful person, and we all admire him." Valentine said: "However, judging from his temper, there will probably be a lot of friction at work in the future."
"Then show your skills and let him admire you."
"That's right! By the way, who is that person?" Qin Tao pointed his finger at a lonely drinking man.
"He? Alexey Sobolev, the most proud subordinate of Kuznetsov, the chief designer of our design bureau, worked together to design the NK-32. Later, after the production line was closed, he lost his job." Valentine said.
PS: There are two famous Kuznetsov chiefs in the Soviet aerospace industry. Here is Nikolay Kuznetsov, the leader of the aviation and rocket engine design bureau OKB-276, and the other is Victor - Kuznetsov, leader of NII-994, the Institute of Applied Mechanics, the leader in scientific research on inertial navigation instruments in the Soviet Union.
