Chapter 1372
: Giving the Type 59 Tank "Eyes"—Tank Modification Master Li Aiguo Gets a Tank
At dawn, golden sunlight bathed the capital city.
We have now officially entered the actual vehicle modification phase of the Type 59 test tank. The task is heavy and the time is tight.
Li Aiguo got out of bed early in the morning, stretched comfortably, and carried an enamel basin to the central courtyard to brush his teeth and rinse his mouth.
A number of residents had gathered around the pool, and their gazes toward Li Aiguo were unusually different, filled not only with awe but also with admiration.
Without even asking, you know that Yan Jiecheng, that loudmouth, is putting his special talent to use again.
Although Yan Jiecheng and Yu Li have moved out, they still come back from time to time.
"Hey, Patriot Brother, get up! Tell me, what's it like driving a tank?"
Xu Damao, with his sharp eyes, spotted Li Aiguo at a glance and quickly gave up his spot so that Li Aiguo could get closer to the pool.
Li Aiguo didn't refuse. He squatted down, brushed his teeth, and said, "It's nothing special, not much different from driving a car."
Upon hearing this, Xu Damao curled his lip, completely disbelieving.
That's a big tank, not like the broken-down cars that run all over the street.
“Brother Aiguo, I’ve heard all about it. That tank is currently parked in the workshop of your Qianmen Locomotive Depot. Given our friendship, could I go up and show off a bit?” Xu Damao leaned closer.
"Brother Da Mao, please don't make things difficult for me. It's really impossible." Li Aiguo refused without even thinking.
"Well... never mind then." Xu Damao wasn't too angry about being humiliated; he just chuckled twice.
After Li Aiguo finished washing up and left the Central Court, he slowly squatted down to continue rinsing his mouth.
"Heh, Da Mao, now you know what it feels like to offer your warm face to someone who doesn't reciprocate your kindness, right? I told you all long ago that Li Aiguo has gotten too cocky and is no longer part of our community!"
Without even turning around, just by listening to that sarcastic tone, Xu Damao knew that it must be Yi Zhonghai speaking.
Xu Damao turned his head, rolled his eyes at Yi Zhonghai, and said irritably, "Uncle, please don't try to sow discord here."
I've figured it out myself just now. The patriotic brothers didn't let me get on that tank because they wanted what was best for me!
Don't you realize that's a new type of tank, a military secret!
If I were to recklessly climb up there, I'd probably be mistaken for Dieter and arrested. Would I even be able to get down?
Yi Zhonghai felt that Xu Damao had been fooled by Li Aiguo.
In his view, the so-called military secrets were just an excuse Li Aiguo made up to show off!
Xu Damao ignored his explanation and continued, "But you, sir, really need to strengthen your knowledge of secrecy."
Yesterday's incident was a disaster. If it weren't for my patriotic brother's magnanimity in not holding it against you and even saying a few good words for you, I would have been fine.
You're probably squatting behind bars right now, singing "Tears Behind Bars!"
These words resonated with the residents of the courtyard houses.
Just kidding, the only person who would dare to snatch classified blueprints in broad daylight is probably Yi Zhonghai.
Seeing that he had angered everyone, Yi Zhonghai's old face turned bright red. He didn't even bother to wash up. He snorted coldly and turned to go home.
"These idiots have all been completely fooled by that kid Li Aiguo!"
Li Aiguo was naturally unaware of all the messy and absurd things happening in the courtyard.
At this moment, he had arrived at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop.
Zhang Tan and Zhao Xinfeng have already marked the parts that need to be modified.
Li Aiguo stepped forward, picked up the blueprints, and added a few more details based on his ideas from the previous night.
"Old Zhang, what do you think of these changes?" Li Aiguo handed the blueprints to Zhang Tan.
"This"
When Zhang Tan saw those places, he was first taken aback, but after thinking about them carefully, his eyes lit up instantly.
"If the modification can be completed, the combat effectiveness of the Type 59 tank will be greatly improved. I just don't know how difficult the modification will be?"
"Since you think it's feasible, how will you know if you don't try?" Li Aiguo smiled slightly, appearing confident.
In fact, he already had a plan for these modifications in mind.
Because he knew perfectly well that these changes had all been tested in countless real-world battles in later generations and proven to be feasible solutions.
Let's get started!
In the following days, the modification of the tanks officially began.
Section Chief Xing knew that this mission was very urgent, so he did not let trivial matters delay Li Aiguo's work and also provided excellent logistical support.
They eat white rice and meat every day, and in the evening they can even drink beer.
As for the craftsmen needed, as long as Li Aiguo listed the required jobs, the Qianmen Locomotive Depot would mobilize its connections and try every means to find them.
It's good to have a big tree to lean on, especially since the Qianmen Locomotive Depot has now grown into a towering tree.
Li Aiguo had never fought such a costly battle before.
Time passed day by day.
Monday morning.
Inside the office of the chief engineer of the First Machinery Plant, thousands of miles away.
Chief Engineer Liu hung up the phone, his mind filled with doubt.
In the phone call just now, Zhang Tan reported to him that the renovation work at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot had been completed.
Now we're just waiting for him, the chief person in charge, to personally lead the team to conduct the inspection.
Chief Engineer Liu couldn't help but feel uneasy.
According to the original renovation plan, wasn't the task of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot to install that new fire control system?
As the person in charge, Zhang Tan is fully capable of making decisions on his own.
Especially during the crucial moment of the Type 59's mass production.
As the person in charge, Chief Engineer Liu was extremely busy, having to coordinate materials and personnel, as well as inspect production equipment.
"General Manager Liu, is everything settled at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot? Or should I lead a team over there and get the acceptance done?"
The deputy chief engineer noticed Chief Engineer Liu's hesitation and stepped forward to volunteer.
"No, I'll make the trip myself. When Comrade Aiguo came to our No.1 Machinery Factory, I was on a business trip in the north."
I had heard of this person before and wanted to meet him.
In addition, I know Zhang Tan's personality.
Since he dared to ask me to personally inspect the work, it means there must be something about the renovation that made him feel he absolutely needed my involvement.
Having made the decision, Chief Engineer Liu did not hesitate any longer and immediately instructed his assistant to coordinate the train tickets.
Chief Engineer Liu is a high-ranking engineer in the military industry, and he can always find a seat even if the train is full.
Two days later, Chief Engineer Liu and several technicians got off the train.
The moment my feet touched the ground, I was stunned by the bustling atmosphere of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot. The sounds of trains and people mingled together.
No matter how you look at it, this place only looks like a railway hub, and doesn't seem like a place that can produce military products at all.
Just as Chief Engineer Liu was wondering to himself, Li Aiguo, along with Zhang Tan and several leaders from the locomotive depot, came to greet him.
"Hello, Chief Engineer Liu, you must be tired from your journey! Welcome to our Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop for your inspection and guidance!" Li Aiguo strode forward.
Li Aiguo has a deep respect for these senior figures in the military industry.
In particular, Chief Engineer Liu made outstanding contributions to the development of the Type 59 rifle.
They spearheaded efforts to resolve core challenges such as oil leaks in artillery recoil mechanisms and the replacement of equipment with domestically produced materials.
Despite the pressure, they modified the Soviet-style blueprints to adapt them to domestic industrial conditions, ensuring that the vehicles used in the military parade that year were delivered on schedule.
"You must be Comrade Li Aiguo?"
"Oh dear, as the saying goes, heroes emerge from among the young. Seeing you today, I think that saying is absolutely true for you! Hahahaha!"
Chief Engineer Liu looked Li Aiguo up and down, then burst into hearty laughter.
He had a very good first impression of the young man.
This young man was neither arrogant nor obsequious in front of me, the chief engineer, without the slightest hint of flattery or stage fright. He is definitely a promising talent for the military industry.
"Chief Engineer Liu, you flatter me. Let me introduce you. This is Section Chief Xing from our locomotive depot, and this is Deputy Section Chief Zhang..."
Li Aiguo introduced the locomotive depot leaders around him to Chief Engineer Liu one by one.
After a few casual words, the leaders went back to their work.
Li Aiguo then led Chief Engineer Liu and the technicians from the First Machinery Plant to a playground behind the workshop.
On the parade ground, the Type 59 tank, which had already been modified, gleamed brightly in the sunlight.
"Let's go take a look!" Chief Engineer Liu said impatiently as he strode forward.
He walked around the tank, scanning every detail of its body.
Suddenly, he stopped, frowned slightly, pointed at the tank's gun barrel, and asked, "Comrade Aiguo, isn't the focus of your modification this time the fire control system?"
"Hey, why is there this thing stuck on the cannon barrel?"
Chief Engineer Liu was very familiar with the Type 59 tank and immediately noticed something was wrong.
The other technicians had already climbed onto the tank.
"General Liu, come up here quickly! The cannon trunnions have been modified too!"
"Oh dear, where did the fire extinguisher go? What's it been replaced with... a high-pressure halon fire extinguishing agent cylinder?"
"Hiss! Why is there a lens installed here out of the blue? What's it for?"
The technicians' faces darkened as they looked at the modified parts.
"General Manager Liu, this is simply ridiculous!"
This tank was painstakingly developed by our No. 1 Machinery Plant. Why should he be allowed to modify it at will?
He's just a train driver! What does he know about military industry?
A young technician couldn't help but mutter to himself.
"Shut up! What do you know! So what if he drives a train?"
They can develop world-leading advanced fire control systems, what about you? What have you come up with?
In scholarship, the worst thing you can do is to be all talk and no action! One must be humble!
Furthermore, when the higher-ups assigned this modification task, there was no strict stipulation that it was limited to the fire control system!
After sternly reprimanding his students, Chief Engineer Liu turned to look at Li Aiguo, his tone softening.
"Comrade Patriot, these extra modifications you've made probably weren't just a whim; they must all have their own special purposes, right?"
"Chief Engineer Liu has a keen eye. I just couldn't resist the urge to make some changes based on my own ideas, so please excuse my poor performance," Li Aiguo said, maintaining his humble attitude.
"Comrade Patriot, don't be modest in front of this old man." Chief Engineer Liu pointed to the turret.
"I'm an expert in tanks, after all, who has spent half my life working on them."
Putting everything else aside, just take your modification of the cannon trunnion, that's absolutely the finishing touch!
In our previous live-fire tests, we found that correcting the tilt of the gun barrel was a major challenge.
Because of factors such as temperature, the propellant temperature must be estimated by the experience of the driver and gunner before each firing, which results in a large error.
You went further, milling a reference surface directly onto the gun trunnion support and then adding an inclination sensor flange.
Wouldn't this allow for precise ballistic compensation calculations to be performed using computers?
This has really solved a huge worry for us!
This is what an expert is; they can see the profound meaning behind even the smallest changes at a glance.
Upon hearing Chief Engineer Liu's words, the young technician's face instantly turned bright red.
Chief Engineer Liu ignored him and walked straight to the long gun barrel. He turned to Li Aiguo and asked, "If I'm not mistaken, the reason for installing this heat insulation sleeve is to reduce ballistic deviation caused by environmental factors, right?"
Li Aiguo nodded and explained, "That's right, Chief Engineer Liu. Sun exposure and temperature differences during firing can cause the cannon barrel to bend and deviate from the trajectory."
While heat insulation sleeves cannot completely eliminate heat buildup, they can certainly reduce it to some extent.
"Great, this method is simple and solves a big problem."
Chief Engineer Liu nodded in admiration and then looked at both sides of the turret.
Originally, this place only had a simple thermal smoke screen, which reacted very slowly.
Now, four launch tube brackets are welded to each side. Judging from the wiring, it is clearly connected to the power distribution circuit of the fire control system.
This means that the gunner can launch a smoke screen with a single press of a button on the grip, resulting in a significant leap in reaction speed.
On the top plate of the turret, a small positioning hole was ingeniously opened, on which a small image-stabilized panoramic mirror was installed.
With this, the tank commander can break free from the gunner's constraints and independently conduct 360-degree target search and observation, greatly improving the tank's battlefield awareness.
That's right, Li Aiguo derived this principle from the 360 surveillance technology used in automobiles in later generations.
Although there are no surveillance cameras these days, the optical laboratory of Qianmen Locomotive Depot has no shortage of lenses.
A series of surprises left Chief Engineer Liu dazzled, and his admiration grew stronger.
"Chief Engineer Liu, why don't you try this?" Tank driver Zhao Xinfeng invited Chief Engineer Liu into the tank compartment.
Chief Engineer Liu sat in the driver's seat, his hands instinctively gripping the control lever.
As soon as he exerted his strength, a look of surprise immediately appeared on his face.
"Is hydraulic power steering installed here?" The lever is very smooth, just like turning a hydraulically assisted steering wheel.
This was an incredible change for the Type 59 tank, which was already incredibly difficult to operate.
“That’s right, we’ve added hydraulic power steering,” Li Aiguo said loudly, standing outside the tank.
"If drivers can conserve a lot of energy and not be worn down by driving operations, they can concentrate more on observing the battlefield and coordinating combat, which indirectly improves the overall combat effectiveness of tanks."
Upon hearing this, Chief Engineer Liu's expression changed slightly, and he fell into deep thought.
In that era, most military equipment or vehicles only considered practicality and not ease of use.
simply put.
As long as the weapons and equipment can move, fire cannons, and kill the enemy, then they are good.
As for whether the driver is comfortable or whether it is easy to operate, those are not even considered.
In the general public's perception, soldiers should be able to endure hardship and toil.
Now Li Aiguo has actually modified the driving environment!
Moreover, he spoke so logically and persuasively that no one could refute him.
Chief Engineer Liu was not the kind of expert who only talked the talk; he immediately realized the importance of this transformation.
"Comrade Patriot, you've taught this old man a lesson today," Chief Engineer Liu exclaimed sincerely as he climbed out of the tank.
"Chief Engineer Liu, we are learning and progressing together."
Li Aiguo modestly said that, and then introduced several other modifications.
The coaxial machine gun and anti-aircraft machine gun are equipped with a semi-automatic magazine feeder, eliminating the need for manual loading of each round and doubling the rate of continuous fire.
The 12150L diesel engine has had its injection timing optimized and a high-efficiency air filter replaced, resulting in a slight increase in horsepower from 520 to 580.
Add dual-antenna camouflage.
False antennas were installed on the turrets of non-command tanks to confuse enemy artillery observation and reconnaissance aircraft.
They couldn't tell which was the command vehicle and which was a regular armored vehicle.
Chief Engineer Liu and the technicians nodded frequently as they listened.
“Each of these modifications may seem simple, but they can solve big problems.”
"I think this is the complete Type 59 tank."
"Boss, I suggest that we mass-produce the Type 59 tank according to Comrade Li Aiguo's modifications."
After circling the Type 59 tank several times, Chief Engineer Liu stopped and asked, "Comrade Aiguo, do you have the detailed blueprints for these modifications?"
"Inside the office."
"Come on, take the blueprints and come with me to the Armored Forces Technical Department!" Chief Engineer Liu made the decision immediately.
In that era, if a tank required only minor technological modifications, such as changing the diameter of a bolt, it only needed to be approved by the technical committee within Factory 617.
Then it can be submitted to the factory's resident military representative office for preliminary review and signature.
However, once it involves substantial modifications of moderate magnitude, such as replacing night vision devices or installing semi-automatic magazine loading machines,
That would require approval from the Armored Forces Technical Department, and the plan would also need to be copied to the Tank Bureau of the Fifth Ministry of Machinery Industry for record-keeping.
Since Factory 617 was the only factory in China that produced tanks, it had close ties with the Tank Bureau, and the key point was the Armored Forces Technical Department.
The Armored Forces Technical Department is located in the Armored Forces compound on Fuxing Road.
Chief Engineer Liu clearly knew the place well. He led Li Aiguo, greeting the leaders in the compound along the way, and arrived at the technical department located on the third floor of the main office building.
"Hey, Chief Engineer Liu is here! The other day, Leader Zhang was talking about you, asking if your renovation plan had been finalized yet?" The orderly outside the door stood up and greeted him with a smile.
"Is Director Zhang here? I'm here today to discuss the renovation plan."
“Yes, yes, but…would you like to wait a moment? Leader Zhang is inside talking to the higher-ups right now,” the orderly said in a low voice.
A high-ranking leader?
At that moment, the voice of the top leader came from the office.
"Is that Old Liu? Let him in."
Upon hearing the senior leader speak, the orderly quickly turned around, opened the office door, and gestured for him to enter.
Li Aiguo followed behind Chief Engineer Liu and stepped into the office.
The high-ranking leader also saw Li Aiguo and smiled, "If I'm not mistaken, you're Old Xu's apprentice, the train driver, right?"
"Reporting to the commander, Li Aiguo is reporting for duty!" Li Aiguo immediately stood at attention and gave a standard military salute.
"Haha, don't be so nervous! Old Xu always brags to me, saying you're a fearless troublemaker. Come on, sit down and let's talk."
The high-ranking leader, with a cigarette between his fingers, smiled and pointed to the sofa next to him.
Li Aiguo sat down as instructed.
Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Liu, standing to the side, was already experiencing a tremendous surge of emotions.
You know, the big leader is a very serious person and rarely jokes with people, so Li Aiguo's background is quite impressive.
The senior leader looked at Chief Engineer Liu: "Old Liu, you specially brought Comrade Aiguo along this time. Is there something important?"
"Here's the thing, Comrade Aiguo has come up with a complete modification plan for the Type 59 tank. Please take a look." Chief Engineer Liu handed the plan to the senior leader.
The senior leader took it, flipped through it, handed it to Zhang, the head of the technical department, and then asked, "Old Liu, do you think this modification is feasible?"
“Very feasible.”
While they were talking, Zhang, the head of the technical department, had already started reviewing the proposal.
At first, Director Zhang was actually somewhat skeptical.
After all, the Type 59 tank has undergone numerous improvements, both large and small, since it entered service.
In his view, the potential that could be tapped has basically been exhausted.
What substantial achievements can a train driver possibly make?
But after just two glances, his expression changed.
Unlike the top leader, Leader Zhang is a professionally trained engineer, and his understanding of the Type 59 is no less than that of Chief Engineer Liu.
The senior leader noticed Zhang's unusual expression and turned to ask, "Old Zhang, how are you?"
"I can't speak for other things, but if we follow the modifications on this, especially the addition of low-light night vision goggles, it's very advanced in the world. It's like giving the tank a pair of eyes in the dark."
Leader Zhang stood up excitedly: "Leader, I suggest we immediately organize technical personnel to review this plan."
The top leader stood up excitedly: "Immediately notify the technical staff to hold a meeting."
Like other ministry leaders, the top leaders have come through the trials of war and are known for their decisive and efficient actions.
Soon, the technical department convened a meeting to review the renovation plan.
The Type 59 tank was of great importance. After the review results were copied to the Tank Bureau of the Fifth Ministry of Machinery Industry, the top leader reported the plan to the higher-level leaders.
Inside a study in the capital city.
The higher-ups reviewed the renovation plan and the review results, and were very pleased: "According to you, the renovation plan proposed by Comrade Aiguo is very effective in practice?"
The higher-ups put the plan aside.
"The modification plan has been reviewed by more than a dozen tank experts and there are no problems at all. The cost is very low, but it can greatly improve the combat effectiveness of the Type 59 tank." When the senior leader reported this, he still had some doubts.
Experts privately reported to him that the modifications Li Aiguo made were particularly well done, with no technical difficulties, yet they achieved the desired effect.
In particular, there are several areas for improvement that require the Type 59 to undergo extensive combat experience to uncover its shortcomings.
How did Li Aiguo find out?
However, after thinking about it carefully, the senior leader felt relieved.
The higher-ups have said several times that this kid is a genius and also incredibly lucky.
"I never expected that Comrade Aiguo would be such a reform master."
After listening to the detailed explanation from the top leader of the Armored Forces Department, the higher-level leader exclaimed in admiration.
"Now, the Russians are building more and more tanks; they call themselves an unstoppable steel torrent."
We can't fall behind; it's time to build our own steel torrent!
Comrade Patriot's reform plan came at just the right time!
"I think we should handle this as a special case. Since the experts have approved it, let's just issue the modification plan to the First Machinery Plant and start mass production!"
The superior leader waved his cigarette-holding hand forcefully in the air, making a final decision.
"clear."
The head of the Armored Division stood up and left.
After he left, his assistant came in and said, "Boss, it's dinner time now."
The superior was clearly in a great mood, laughing heartily, "Great! I have a big appetite today!"
The top leader of the Armored Division returned to his office, reviewed the approval document again, and clicked his tongue, saying, "Comrade Aiguo is very accomplished in tank modification. The higher-ups all praise him as a tank modification master. It's just a pity that he's from the railway sector. Old Teng is the most protective of his own."
"Boss, since we can't transfer him over, we can arrange a position for him, so he can have a legitimate job in the future," the assistant suggested.
"Hey, you're pretty smart, that's a good idea."
The head of the Armored Division pondered for a moment, then picked up the phone.
With the approval of higher authorities, the renovation plan was quickly approved.
Chief Engineer Liu and Zhang Tan planned to return to the First Machinery Plant, and Li Aiguo also returned to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop.
Just as I sat down, Chief Engineer Liu arrived with a leader from the Tank Division.
"Comrade Aiguo, I heard you're an exceptionally good tank driver?" Chief Engineer Liu asked.
"is acceptable."
Li Aiguo was a little confused. He asked the person to sit down, then served tea and offered cigarettes.
The leader took the cigarette and smiled, "Here's the situation, Comrade Li Aiguo. Considering that we'll need your help with the subsequent modifications, you've been temporarily assigned to the test vehicle team."
As they were talking, the leader handed them a badge.
Li Aiguo took it and opened it with a look of astonishment.
The sign clearly read: "Armored Corps Tank Testing Company 3, Tester: Li Aiguo."
The photo is stamped with an official seal.
Li Aiguo knew that this thing was definitely not fake.
The so-called tank test team is a group drawn from tank regiments across the country, specifically responsible for testing tanks.
To some extent, Li Aiguo can indeed be considered a test driver.
But... why bring it up at this crucial juncture? Li Aiguo had a vague feeling that things weren't so simple.
At this moment, Zong Xianfeng pushed open the door and walked in: "Aiguo, something's strange. That modified tank is still parked in our back parade ground. The tank crew hasn't driven it away!"
The tank didn't leave?
Li Aiguo was taken aback.
At this moment, the leader of the tank crew slowly stood up and looked at Li Aiguo: "Comrade Aiguo, now that you are a proper test driver, you must have a suitable tank to test, right?"
The organization has decided that this Type 59 tank, which you personally modified, will temporarily remain in your Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop!
The leader was still somewhat shocked when he said this.
It's impossible to leave the tank here just because it's a test driver position.
The key issue is that the weather station raised a question.
"What if a large number of people take action against the Qianmen Locomotive Depot's workshop?"
The Qianmen Locomotive Depot's workshop is so important that it has already attracted a lot of attention.
Never underestimate the destructive power of an enemy.
Although the Qianmen Locomotive Depot has a police station and an armed forces department, as well as some heavy firepower, the equipment is all outdated.
With tanks, we'd be completely safe.
And so, this tank had two missions.
"Please rest assured, leader, I will definitely live up to your expectations." Li Aiguo also became excited.
I'll be able to drive tanks more often at the locomotive depot from now on.
(End of this chapter)