In the test site, a tank just crossed over a waterlogged quagmire, then climbed up a steep slope with great effort. Then it continued to climb over a trench, and continued to run happily in the muddy and complicated test site.
At the edge of the test site, rows of officers held up binoculars to carefully observe the driving conditions of the tank.
"Looks pretty good."
Hoffman, who put down his telescope, gave a good evaluation of the driving prototype tank.
After hearing Huffman's comments, Herc finally put his heart in his stomach.
Speaking of which, as the tank's designer, Herke didn't know that the prototype was too tall and overweight, and that he designed the tank. But in order to highlight the performance of the tank, these are inevitable results. This
Just like if there is too much water, add noodles, and if there is too much noodles, add water. In order to achieve higher performance, adding this system and adding that system, the weight and height will exceed the standard.
However, it seems that the result of exceeding the standard is not bad. At least Lieutenant General Hoffman, who is mainly responsible for the acceptance work, is very satisfied with the performance of the new tank.
After the test run of the tank at the proving ground was over, Hoffman immediately stepped forward and asked the experimenter who had just got out of the car. "How do you feel?"
"It's very good. It feels much better than our previous tanks. The bumps are the least among them. It's better than the previous R10. When going up a steep slope, I obviously feel that the power of the tank has not been exhausted. It should be able to output more
High power. The reversing speed is also good. The only thing I’m not used to is that the turret speed is not as fast as that of the light version.”
However, considering that this is a medium-sized tank and the weight of the turret is not even the same level, the test driver who answered could not help but shake his head and smile.
The test driver's answer made Hoffman more determined. No matter from every aspect, this is a tank with outstanding performance. The three major requirements of a tank are firepower, protection, and mobility. It is a combination of himself and Romania.
That tank is needed.
"How about it, Hoffman."
Major General Antonescu of the Second Armored Division also came over and asked. How could he be missing from this test of the new tank? Although the training of the Second Armored Division is currently in full swing, it is related to his new tank.
Equipment, you must come and see it in person. So when Hoffman asked about the conditions of the test drivers, the current number two person in the Romanian Armored Forces also had to come up and ask.
“The test drive went well.”
Hoffman's words made Antonescu very happy. Who doesn't want his equipment to get better and better, and many of the Jackal IV tanks currently equipped by the Second Armored Division are second-hand equipment used by the First Division. Although
The Jackal IV tank is still not out of date, but I don't want to use a better one. And the equipment finalization time is still uncertain, but it at least represents the hope of changing the equipment, doesn't it?
"What do you think, Lieutenant General Huffman?"
After the two came back, General Freit asked him about his evaluation of the tank. As the chief of the general staff, he had many things to do. Of course, his understanding of tanks was not as clear as that of Hoffman, so he could only ask the Romanian about it.
The father of armored forces commented.
Freit's words made everyone present hold their breath. Because Hoffman's decision will represent the issue of whether this tank can enter service. This is not only a major matter for the Armor Research Institute, but also for the military.
major events.
Hoffman, who was attracting everyone's attention, replied slowly. "At present, it seems that this tank has no obvious shortcomings, so it needs further military use evaluation. I think it can be produced on a small scale so that officers and soldiers can provide evaluation."
Hoffman's words made Herc completely relieved, because it meant that Hoffman approved this tank. The military's small-scale trial is an inevitable process for every piece of equipment, and it is impossible to avoid it for any piece of equipment.
After receiving Hoffman's confirmation, Admiral Freit turned to Herke and asked, "So how much do you estimate the cost of this tank will be?"
As the main designer, Herke certainly knew the production costs very well, so he said. "I estimate that the small-scale cost will be around 200,000-220,000 lei. If mass production occurs, the price will be lowered."
Herke's words made every officer present frown. One word, expensive. Two words, really expensive. Three words, really damn expensive.
The current Romanian military purchase price of the Jackal IV tank is only 61,000 lei. The cost of this new tank is three to four times higher than that. This is too unreasonable.
Seeing the military personnel frowning, Herc quickly explained. "The new tank uses many new technologies, and the cost is much higher than before. But its performance advantages are absolutely unmatched by the Jackal tank.
, it can be said that among the tanks currently being developed by various countries, there is no rival to it.”
However, Herke's words did not reassure everyone. Hoffman wrinkled his forehead and said, "Even if it is mass production, the cost will be reduced by 20-25% at most, which is still too expensive for the military."
Taking the Jackal tank as an example, its total output including improved models is less than 1,000 units. This is the tank that Romania has been equipped with for the longest time, from World War I to the present.
At this time, the generals, including Hoffman, who advocated tanks as the protagonists on the battlefield, had never thought about the idea of producing tens of thousands of tanks, let alone 100,000 or hundreds of thousands. Therefore, regarding the issue of too high cost,
There is an unusual amount of resistance deep down in my heart.
"Okay, this issue should be decided by me."
Seeing that the scene became extremely quiet, Freit stood up and said. "Since the cost cannot be reduced, then we will order less. Then we will first prepare 18 vehicles to be used in two companies, and then according to their
The response is whether it is equipped on a large scale."
As Freit made his decision, the scene became active again. Among them, Hoffmann and Antonescu were the most anxious. Because this new tank will inevitably involve how to equip it, whether one division will equip one company, or all of them will be allocated
For use by a division.
According to Antonescu's idea, at that time, one division was equipped with one company, which at least allowed his troops to familiarize themselves with the new equipment. As for Hoffman, of course he wanted to concentrate the equipment first, and by the way, he would feel the use of the new equipment and compile a training outline.
What.
However, due to Antonescula's disgrace, Hoffman, who was worried about his face, could only accept that each division should train one company first.
After the two of them divided up the equipment that had not yet left the factory, Freit called Hoffman to his side and whispered. "I'll tell you news. The proposal to form an armored army has been approved, and a new one is planned to be formed this year.
An armored division."
Hoffman was pleasantly surprised by Admiral Freit's continuous good news.
Previously, Hoffman was aware of the increase in the Romanian tank force, and proposed to form an armored corps from two to three armored divisions or motorized divisions, which would serve as the iron fist of the future Romanian assault force and fulfill the requirements of smashing the enemy's defense lines. Such a military-level organization
The number of tanks you will have will be 500-700, and your opponent will definitely not be able to defend it.
Unexpectedly, this request was approved by the superiors, and a new armored division would be formed. This news was enough to make Hoffman happy.
The establishment of the Armored Corps will also represent the military's confirmation that tanks have become the protagonists of the battlefield, so it is logical to expand its establishment. Therefore, this proposal will inevitably be approved by His Majesty. Otherwise, how can the military have the money to purchase equipment and add personnel?
.
Of course, Edel, as a later generation, would not refuse this request. He had been preparing for World War II and had always been very accommodating to the addition of protagonists on the future battlefield. This report was quickly approved. And Feleyi was approved.
The formation of the 3rd Armored Division, which was carried out by the special general with private interests.
As the number one person in the military, General Freit would naturally inform Hoffman of this news.
The reason why I chose to tell this news at the test site is that I hope that Hoffman can complete his work better. With the expansion of the armored establishment, it will inevitably involve all aspects of problems, all of which require Hoffman, the commander in charge of the armored forces.
To solve it. And Ferreit's notification this time can be regarded as his reward.
Of course, both he and Hoffman will be busy next. The emergence of a new armored division means that an extremely fierce battle is waiting for them.
