Chapter 21 Li Chen
Historically, the Schánhorst-class armored cruiser of the Second German Navy was equipped with 8 210mm main guns, 4 were installed in the double turrets on the front and rear decks, and 4 were placed in the upper contours of the part in a single unit. When the construction was completed, the Schánhorst-class armored cruiser was considered a first-class armored cruiser, but just a few years later, the British built epoch-making dreadnoughts and battlecruisers, which were simply the enemy of the old armored cruiser.
.In 1914, the Spey fleet, which was mainly equipped with two Schonhorst class patrols, defeated the British fleet with the armored cruisers Cape of Good Hope and Monmers as the core in the Battle of Coronel. 27 days later, the Spey fleet encountered the British fleet led by two combat patrols. In the case of being unable to defeat or escape, the two Schonhorst eventually sank in the tragic battle. More than 2,200 German officers and soldiers, including Spey and his two sons, were buried under the sea...
...
With the help of Prince Oldenburg, Xia Shu spread out new large cruiser design drawings in front of everyone. In the era of pure hand-painted drawings, Xia Shu himself could not complete such a design drawing within a week. Fortunately, he had the Royal Shipbuilding Factory as a backing. Under the outstanding organization of Wizelcai, a group of ship engineers led by Ernest Karls, a senior consultant of the shipyard and a doctor of engineering at Keel University, worked day and night for six days and six nights, and finally completed the new design drawings based on the old design drawings.
"As long as the Royal Naval Development Commission approves our new design, we guarantee that all the design drawings will be completed within two weeks and technical demonstration will be completed in two weeks, so that the cruiser D can be started before the end of December." After that, Natsuki looked at the group of people with the right to decide with a eager look. They were now gathered in front of the new design drawings and carefully observed them, obviously wanting to find the fatal flaws, but time passed by minute by minute. Not only did they fail to get what they wanted, but they were gradually attracted by these bold and novel designs.
"It's incredible!" Brigadier General Goodesa, a naval weapon expert, exclaimed softly. "It could become a beautiful but vulnerable cart, or a sea blade that makes the whole of Germany proud of... But who can make a conclusion before it is completed?"
Sir Dietrich shook his head and said, "Not to mention whether the speed of 25 knots can be reached according to these design adjustments, the cost of the entire ship needs to be increased by at least 10%. The two ships have already reached nearly 4 million marks. It is not easy to approve the additional funding by Parliament."
Bruckner, who presided over the meeting, also spoke out: "We do not have sufficient experience in the use of steam turbines on large warships. If we buy the Patis turbines from the UK directly... we always feel that it is not very reliable."
Listening to the evaluations or discussions from others, Xia Shu always maintained a calm and confident expression, and glanced at the chairman of the committee, Earl Von Warren. This respected naval official has a great say in the field of German ship design, but when he is about to retire, he may not easily accept such a subversive design. Moreover, these two armored cruisers are an important part of the German Navy's plan from 1903 to 1904, and are also an important support for Germany to maintain colonial interests in the next ten years.
"Young people have their own ideals, unique insights and extraordinary courage are good things, and they are very good things. The level of design has surpassed some designers who have been in the industry for many years. It is very good and worthy of praise."
After hearing the polite praise from Count Feng Warren, Xia Shu suddenly felt that he was about to come. If he clearly expressed his objection, his plan would be difficult to pass the committee's approval, and if even the ship design department could not convince him, it would be even more difficult to make Tirpitz and even the emperor nod.
Before the count's turning statement was released, Xia Shu put away the kind smile on his face and said to everyone in a solemn voice: "Everyone, we could have gone directly to the office of the Navy Minister and even His Majesty the Emperor to submit this new design. It is normal for His Majesty to approve this design and add a budget for the funding, and Count Tirpitz believes that there will be no great resistance. We come here with a respectful attitude and strive to convince you to adopt our suggestions, which is both a respect for knowledge and technology, and a respect for objective laws. We hope to get the support of all seniors!"
These words suddenly shocked the shipbuilders on the scene. Natsuki immediately explained: "In the field of ship design, the biggest benefit of step-by-step progress is that it is small risk, but as I said before, sometimes we should be forward-looking enough. This is for the future of the German Navy and for those soldiers who have devoted themselves to the country. I urge you to carefully consider our design plan and make your decision carefully!"
The meaning of Xia Shu's words to both soft and hard is very clear, and the atmosphere on the scene suddenly became solemn.
"Everyone, please let me say a few words." Christian's green voice was like a breeze in this quiet and dull conference room. Regardless of respect or contempt, everyone still made a statement of listening.
"In the field of ship design, you are all famous technical experts, with their knowledge, experience and even their vision far above us. Today, I came here with technical drawings. I felt a deep sense of urgency and a little nervous because we chose a brave and risky path. Before they were completed and passed various tests, and even before going through actual combat, no one could conclude that they would be successful designs, but our philosophy, our efforts, our hard work, and the starting point were to enable the German Navy to be invincible."
After a tactful statement, Christian tactfully pointed out that the Navy Design Department's plan was too conservative, and the British had a full enterprising spirit in this regard. Almost certainly, the large ships built by Britain in the next few years are developing towards high speed and strong firepower.
After a while, Earl Von Warren's tone changed from the previous gentle and gentleness to generous: "Okay! I always thought the future belongs to your young people. It seems that I was wrong. Your abilities are far beyond my imagination. There are many young talented designers in history. I dare not assert that this is an epoch-making design, but I believe that your design will leave a deep impression on the German Navy. Work hard towards the goal, boys!"
The concessions of the Chairman of the Royal Navy Technical Committee made Natsuki feel relieved. He straightened his chest and nodded his forehead slightly: "Your grand vision and broad mind will always be worthy of our admiration and learning."
After being praised by his younger generation, Earl Von Warren's expression seemed to feel relieved, but the hesitation and worry in his eyes did not disappear, but his eyes no longer returned to the design drawings, but left the long table with his hands behind his back.
Chapter completed!