The Red Era, the Opening University Speech

Chapter 419 Type 99 Heavy Tank
After listening for a while, Li Mu roughly understood the core of the debate.

——The standard is set too high.

In order to catch up with Emperor M and Big Brother as soon as possible, the data targets of WZ-111 were directly maxed out, and even due to the emergence of T-10, it was updated and improved several times.

In this case, not only is the research cycle lengthened.

The biggest problem is that the original research plan will definitely have problems to varying degrees.

For example, the armor just now has increased in thickness and its survivability has also been improved.

The problem is, the engine's horsepower has not changed.

Originally it was enough to pull more than 40 tons, but now it needs to pull 50 tons or even 60 tons, which is obviously not very scientific.

Of course, there is a solution.

After all, historically the WZ-111 was completed, but it just didn't pass the test in the end.

Now Xia's industrial base has been greatly improved, and the hope of success is much higher than before.

Someone inside soon suggested:

"I think we need to continue to optimize the design, and it would be best if we could upgrade the engine."

"Now that we have computers, we can go to the Semiconductor Research Institute and use CAD to assist in design."

"I heard that consultant Li Mu is very capable. If we can get his guidance, maybe we can solve the problems we encounter in our research."

……

In the conference room.

A joint research group composed of the State Science and Technology Commission and the Academy of Armored Forces, led by chief designer Yang Ying, discussed research issues.

They have been researching for almost two years, from the 60s to the present.

However, until now, the situation is still not ideal.

Although the emergence of 3+2-axis CNC milling machines has enabled them to make certain progress in armored vehicle bodies, ergonomic turrets, etc.

But if the most critical problem of the tank engine is not solved, it will be useless no matter how well we do it.

Without sufficient speed, it would be difficult for the tank to even drive, let alone charge into battle.

……

Yang Ying looked at the people who were excited to ask Li Mu for help, and fell into a brief silence.

In fact, he very much agreed with the researcher's suggestion.

But I can't show it.

After all, this is somewhat embarrassing - so many people have studied it for so long, but in the end they still have to ask others for help to solve the problem.

Of course, this is not the most important thing.

"The problem is, how do we invite people here? Besides, Consultant Li is still in three provinces now, and it's uncertain when he will come back." Yang Ying said helplessly.

This sentence made everyone silent for a moment.

It seems that this is indeed the case.

And even if Li Mu had returned to Kyoto, it would not be easy for them to find him.

According to rumors, few people have ever successfully visited the temple so far.

"How about we apply to the higher authorities and give it a try?" a researcher suggested.

If you apply for it, it will be much more convenient. At least you don’t have to worry about not being able to meet people.

Yang Ying was not optimistic about this and said:
"It may not be useful to apply. Do you think that an important scientist like Li Mu doesn't have any urgent research tasks?"

"Let's not talk about anything else. Don't you know how powerful the long-acting ammonium bicarbonate and cyfluthrin that were released a few days ago are?"

"I'm afraid it's hard to arouse his interest in our tank!"

After he finished speaking.

The meeting room fell into silence.

At this moment, Ma Zhihao, who had been standing at the door, received Li Mu's instruction and finally said with a smile: "Old Yang, look over here and see who this is."

Hear sounds.

Everyone in the room looked over when they heard the sound, and saw a figure that they were very familiar with standing behind Ma Zhihao and Song Kun.

Yang Ying couldn't help but exclaimed: "Advisor Li!"

"Hello, I'm Li Mu." Li Mu walked forward, stretched out his hand and shook hands with the other party.

Saw him appear.

Everyone present stood up from their seats in surprise, their eyes full of disbelief.

Just now they were still discussing how to invite people, and now people come by themselves.

This is a bit too dreamy.

Yang Ying was excited and ashamed, and asked, "Advisor Li, did you hear everything just now?"

As the chief designer, he was unable to solve the problems encountered in the research and instead asked others for help.

This is undoubtedly proof of incompetence.

"Yes, I heard it." Li Mu nodded slightly, and then continued: "But I don't think this is a problem of your ability, but because our country's industrial foundation is still weak."

He could see what Yang Ying was thinking.

But it's really not his fault.

Under the current circumstances, it would be fraught with difficulties to hastily compete with the US Army and Big Brother and develop a main battle heavy tank.

Yang Ying was moved when he heard this, but his eyes were filled with shame. He said:
"No, it's still my inability. If it were you, you would definitely be able to solve this problem!"

As soon as he finished speaking, an expert said, "Professor Yang, what you said is wrong. The problem cannot be solved. Everyone is responsible. It is not just your fault."

The rest of the researchers also spoke up to agree.

Of course, none of them denied that Li Mu had the ability to solve this problem.

After all, his reputation as an all-rounder is known to everyone.

"I may not be able to solve it. I don't know much about tank research." Li Mu shook his head helplessly.

Yang Ying paused, thinking he was just being modest, and continued:
"By the way, Consultant Li, I haven't asked you why you came to our place yet?"

After saying that, he glanced at Ma Zhihao standing beside him.

It was as if he was saying, why didn’t you inform him earlier about such an important matter?

The latter immediately said:

"It's not my fault. I also received the notice at short notice."

"And I asked someone to call you, but you said you were in a meeting and couldn't go."

"Can I come over and catch you? I can only go with Lao Song first."

After hearing this, Yang Yingcai realized that it seemed that it was indeed his problem.

"It's my fault. I was so busy discussing with everyone that I missed the time to greet you." Yang Ying apologized quickly.

Li Mu waved his hand and said with a smile:

"I'm not a big boss, so why would I need someone to greet me?"

"Director Ma and Director Song are waiting for me at the door. I am already very flattered."

"By the way, I haven't answered your question just now. This time I came here to see if the diesel engine I developed can be used on tanks."

After he finished speaking.

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"You mean, you plan to help us with our research?" Yang Ying said excitedly.

Other researchers around, including Ma Zhihao and Song Kun, were also very excited.

There is a saying circulating in the academic circle of Kyoto: if Li Mu can join a research project, then the research is halfway to success.

Li Mu said modestly:
“I think it’s more appropriate to say study.”

"In terms of heavy equipment, I still have a lot to ask you, Professor Yang, and the researchers present here."

"Also, it is not easy to convert the engine of a military truck into a tank engine. It requires everyone's concerted efforts to achieve it."

His words made everyone feel more favorable towards him.

After all, at this time, not only Yang Ying, but everyone else was also a little embarrassed.

"Excuse me for asking, what is the horsepower of the engine you developed?" Yang Ying asked.

Although he believed Li Mu, he still had to clarify the matter.

After all, there is still a big gap between the engines of military trucks and tanks.

Li Mu said: "The current horsepower is 400, but after optimizing the design, it is expected to reach around 700."

He didn't raise expectations too high all at once.

However, when Yang Ying heard the number 700 horsepower, he was still stunned and was so happy that he even wanted to cry.

He murmured to himself:

"700, 700... If we can reach this horsepower, our WZ-111 heavy tank will truly have the foundation to be realized!"

Not only him, but other researchers present, including Ma Zhihao and Song Kun, were stunned by the data.

You know, their Type 50 tank has only 520 horsepower.

Big Brother’s most advanced T-10 only has 750 horsepower.

If they succeed, they are not sure whether they can match the T-10, but it is absolutely certain that they can surpass the IS-3 they imitated.

As for the other imitation object, the M-103, it is not impossible to be comparable.

Thinking of this, Yang Ying said decisively:

"Advisor Li, please be the chief designer. I will give up my position."

“Only you can make WZ-111 a success.”

"Our country's hope of developing its own tanks rests on you!"

His tone was firm and decisive.

Ma Zhihao and Song Kun on the side opened their mouths, but in the end did not say anything to dissuade them.

The same was true for other researchers. They all understood Yang Ying's determination when he said this.

I understand more clearly the pain of not being able to find research direction and seeing no hope.

They are not afraid of failure, but they are afraid of disappointing the country's expectations.

Looking at Yang Ying's sincere eyes, Li Mu sighed helplessly and said, "Professor Yang, you are too kind. I am just predicting it. Whether it will be successful or not is still uncertain."

"We believe you!" Yang Ying said firmly without any hesitation.

The others also nodded heavily.

Seeing this, Li Mu thought for a moment and said:

"Okay, even if it succeeds."

"But I absolutely cannot be the chief designer. After all, I just came up with a feasible engine research plan."

"If you insist that I take charge, then after I leave the plan today, I won't dare to help again in the future."

After he finished speaking.

Yang Ying was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly said, "No, no, please don't, I was wrong, you must not leave, we need you so much!"

The development of WZ-111 can be done without him as the chief designer, but it cannot be done without Li Mu.

Even though Li Mu only has an engine development plan in his hand now, Yang Ying feels for no reason that they will be able to produce a heavy tank by following him.

Ma Zhihao on the side finally spoke:

"Advisor Li, how about you also be a consultant here? Just like they do in the Semiconductor Research Institute." He could see that Li Mu really didn't want to replace Yang Ying as the chief designer.

Rather than forcing him to take on the role, it is better to settle for the next best option.

And serving as a consultant is, in a sense, more valuable than being the chief designer.

You know, a chief designer can only do the job once, but a consultant can do it for a long time.

"Of course, that's what I had planned." Li Mu continued with a smile.

……

After confirming Li Mu's identity.

Everyone sat down and began to discuss research matters.

Li Mu's idea is definitely to abandon the development of WZ-111 and instead develop the Type 99 main battle heavy tank.

But this matter cannot be said directly.

After all, Yang Ying and others have been researching for so long, it would be a bit too cruel to ask them to give up directly.

Moreover, compared with current tanks, the Type 99 is really too advanced.

Not to mention anything else, the horsepower alone reaches 1200, and the improved version can even reach 1500.

夏国WZ-111坦克参照的IS-3、M-103和T-10，最高的也仅仅只有810马力而已。

Of course, horsepower is not the decisive factor in determining whether a tank is good or bad.

The M-60 main battle heavy tank of Emperor M has reached 1180 horsepower, which is close to the 99 horsepower of the Type 1200 tank engine before improvement and upgrading.

But in other aspects, it was completely crushed.

就拿M-60系列的最终改进型M-60A3作例子，其正面装甲厚度为110mm，装备105mm线膛炮，最大有效射程为2500米。

It seems quite strong in this era.

However, the frontal armor thickness of the Type 99 main battle heavy tank is as high as 700mm, which directly kills the M-60A3, not to mention the difference in firepower system.

“How about listing all the problems first, and then find an opportunity to persuade?” Li Mu thought secretly as he listened to Yang Ying introducing the research progress of WZ-111 on the stage.

This way, there would be a buffer, allowing him to slowly master the technology of the Type 99 main battle heavy tank.

Just as he was thinking about how to solve the problem, Yang Ying finished explaining the basic situation of WZ-111 and looked at him.

Seeing this, Li Mu stood up, walked onto the stage, and said:

"Let me first introduce the engine to you."

"This engine uses diesel as fuel, is inline, has 6 cylinders, has a maximum horsepower of 400, and has a net engine weight of 800kg..."

"Based on its current data, it is obviously not suitable for use as a tank engine, so it needs to be upgraded to improve displacement, torque, reliability, etc...."

He first introduced the Cummins NTC4006-cylinder diesel engine used as a reference for military truck engines, and then proposed the direction of research.

It is still quite difficult to convert a truck engine into a tank engine.

The design and manufacturing process of tank engines are very special and difficult to be simply replaced.

"High power density design, special fuel system, degree of electrification, high-precision processing and strict quality control, as well as special materials and structural design are the key to whether the upgrade can be completed." Li Mu finally summarized.

After listening to his explanation.

Yang Ying and others in the audience sat in their seats for a long time without coming to their senses.

It was not until a pen was accidentally knocked to the ground that thunderous applause broke out like a tide.

Although Li Mu has not yet provided any substantial information, these words have already given them a clear direction.

If they continue along this path, they will have a great chance of success!
"Consultant Li, you're amazing, you're absolutely amazing!" Yang Ying stood up excitedly while clapping, and the man in his 40s almost burst into tears.

He is undoubtedly the one under the most pressure in the entire research group.

Seeing that the development of WZ-111 was going from bad to worse, he couldn't sleep for whole nights and most of his hair turned white.

Now, the clouds have finally cleared and the moon is visible.

Li Mu smiled and said:

"Thank you, but there is a limit to what I can do alone."

"The only problem I can solve for now is the tank engine."

"There are still many difficult problems that need you and everyone to solve together."

Looking at Yang Ying's expression, he couldn't bear to tell him that he planned to give up the development of WZ-111.

But there is no way, the gap between the second-generation tanks and the third-generation tanks cannot be made up at all.

Rather than continue to invest money in a product that will never be as good as the leading WZ-111, it is better to go all in on the Type 99.

As long as it comes out, it will be able to crush all the most advanced tanks of other countries on the battlefield. It goes without saying what to choose.

"Let's move the plan forward a little bit." Li Mu sighed inwardly.

The longer the time drags on, the greater the hope of Yang Ying and others.

Instead of doing this, it is better to stop the loss in time.

……

The sun sets in the west.

Outside the gate of Xia Country's Northern Vehicle Research Institute, Ma Zhihao, Song Kun, Yang Ying and many other researchers looked on with reluctance.

Li Mu got in the car and left.

During this half day, he had a general understanding of all the situations of WZ-111.

Of course, this still did not change his determination to give up this research, but made him even more determined.

In the car, he did not ask Guan Jianmin to take him home, but said, "Go to the Semiconductor Research Institute."

"It's a bit late..." Guan Jianmin turned around, but after seeing his serious expression, he immediately changed his words and said, "Okay."

Whenever Li Mu showed this expression, he was preparing to do something big.

Even though his superiors asked him to pay attention to Li Mu's rest in the past two days, he had to make an exception now.

……

After half an hour.

Li Mu walked into the gate of the Semiconductor Research Institute.

After being away for more than a month, there is still no change here.

The rooms in every laboratory building are still brightly lit.

He walked quickly to the office and found Wu Youxiang who was sorting documents on the desk.

Seeing him coming, the latter said happily:

"You are finally back."

"How's the trip to the three provinces going?"

"I often see your name in the newspapers. I'm so envious!"

When Li Mu walked to the door, his slightly anxious mood had gradually calmed down. He smiled and said:

"I can only say that I was lucky enough to have fulfilled my mission. There is nothing to be proud of."

Wu Youxiang said with emotion:

"You are being too modest. I heard that you have developed two of the nine devices that the higher-ups just decided to develop!"

He was not too surprised. After all, this might be a little outrageous if it happened to someone else, but Li Mu said.

——That makes sense.

Li Mu said:
"We just happened to find the direction. The research is mainly done by Wang Zhengan and Lin Suan over there."

"Let's not talk about this, Director. I plan to develop some new things and need manpower."

"I think Su Dongzhuang and Lei Ming are not busy now. If they are, transfer them over to me."

He stopped chatting and got down to business.

Hearing this, Wu Youxiang smiled and said, "Not busy, not busy. Don't worry, they are free. And even if they are busy, they will definitely not refuse you if they know you need it."

At present, the research in the institute is relatively stable and there are sufficient staff.

After all, Li Mu has not been engaged in any large-scale research projects during this period.

"Wait a minute, I'll go get them." Wu Youxiang continued.
After saying this, without waiting for Li Mu to reply, his people had already walked out of the office.

……

After a while.

Su Dongzhuang and Lei Ming followed Wu Youxiang into the office.

Seeing Li Mu, their eyes lit up and they said, "Advisor Li, you're really back!"

They were actually a little uncomfortable with Li Mu's absence during this period.

If you encounter any unsolvable problems in your previous research, you can go to Li Mu for help.

Even if you don't get a direct answer, you can still have the right idea.

But once Li Muren left, they could only find ways to solve their problems on their own.

Both speed and efficiency have dropped significantly.

"Well, you didn't encounter any difficulties at work after I left, right?" Li Mu asked with a smile.

Su Dongzhuang said loudly: "Yes, but they are all minor problems, and we have solved them all!"

Hearing this, Li Mu showed a relieved smile in his eyes.

He used to be quite optimistic about four young men, Yang Tianxing, Su Dongzhuang, Zhou Xiling and Lei Ming.

Now, as expected, everyone has the ability to stand on their own.

"Okay, that's good. It seems I can entrust you with more difficult research tasks." Li Mu continued.

Hear his words.

Su Dongzhuang and Lei Ming's eyes immediately showed excitement, and they couldn't wait to ask, "What research project is it, Consultant Li, do you have any new ideas?"

Li Mu did not answer in a hurry, but asked the two of them and Wu Youxiang to sit down first.

Then he said:

"After I came back, I helped research tanks at the Institute of Automotive Research, and I realized the gap between our country and the rest of the world in this regard."

"With our current industrial level, it is very difficult to catch up with them."

"But I have an idea to take a different approach, using our advantages in semiconductor electronic devices to upgrade the fire control system, automation system and other aspects."

He did not hide his thoughts from Su Dongzhuang and Lei Ming.

After all, they will have to rely on them to achieve high automation and electrification of tanks.

"We will fight you!" Su Dongzhuang and Lei Ming said in unison and decisively without any hesitation.

Seeing this, Li Mu smiled and said:
"Don't worry, it's not easy to complete this task."

"It is necessary to upgrade not only the communication system, radar system, fire control system, inertial navigation system, laser suppression system and other systems."

"We even need to add onboard computers to the tanks. This is not an easy task!"

Let’s not mention the long list of systems above for now.

The onboard computer is a big hassle.

Although the current 03-type personal computer has been reduced to the size of an ordinary wardrobe, it is still too large.

The space in the tank itself is very limited. If the size of the onboard computer cannot be compressed as much as possible, then the only option is to compress the space for activities inside the vehicle.

However, doing so will undoubtedly affect the final product effect.

(End of this chapter)