Chapter 667 The Head of State's Tour to Romania (4)
A day's visit made everyone feel tired, but they also needed to finish their work before they were tired.
Regarding this visit, the German officers present felt that there was a world out there. They used to think that their military concepts and weapons and equipment were first-class, but after visiting Romanian tanks, there was a gap in their mentality. No.
It was an eye-opener for them to think that Romania had developed so rapidly without making any noise.
When the officers were writing an analysis of Romania's military strength, Guderian was called over by the head of state alone. For the founder of the armored force, who was valued by the head of state, the other officers were both envious and relieved. The envy was because he had received
The head of state attaches great importance to him and relieves his anger because he will definitely be reprimanded in this summons.
However, they were disappointed. Hitler called Guderian over and did not reprimand him. Instead, he discussed with him calmly. "General Guderian, do our country's new tank specifications need to be changed? Compared with Romania's performance
The gap is a bit big.”
In fact, even if Hitler didn't say it, Guderian also planned to ask his head of state to modify the specifications of the new tank. So he replied, "Führer, the specifications of the new tank must be changed. It's because I underestimated the development of tanks, so the new tank has not yet been finalized.
We are facing a situation of falling behind.”
Regarding Guderian's self-blame, Hitler instead encouraged his immediate confidants. "It doesn't matter. This is still very beneficial to the development of our country's armored forces. At least it lets us know that our tanks are not advanced at all."
After comforting Guderian, Hitler continued to ask, "So what should we do with the tanks we are currently developing?"
After thinking for a long time, Guderian expressed his thoughts. "At present, both of our tanks need to be modified. However, it seems that the performance of the Panzer III tank cannot be changed much at present. The main focus needs to be on the Panzer IV tank. I made a decision before
The 25-ton limit needs to be strengthened, at least to equip it with a 75mm tank gun for anti-tank combat. As for tanks for infantry combat, I have an idea, but I need to wait until I visit a Romanian general to give it.
Answer."
When Guderian said this, the scene of working with him appeared in his mind. He learned too much from this person and thought he would be able to compete with him. Who knew that he was one step behind in the development of new tanks.
"Is that General Hoffman?"
Hitler, who knew a lot about Guderian's experience, immediately named him.
"Yes, Führer."
When asked by Hitler, Guderian immediately admitted.
"There's nothing to say about losing to General Hoffman. As far as I know, General Hoffman is also of German descent, and they are both noble Aryans, so it's no big deal if you lose to a member of the same race."
.”
Hitler was good at everything, but he always advocated the Aryans, which sometimes made Guderian feel a little unnatural. Although he was also a German, he really had no research on the Aryans, but since the Führer said that all German nations are
Coming from the noble Aryans, then so be it.
/Although the Germans have just visited Romania's new tanks, they still have many tasks ahead. In addition to visiting aircraft, warships and other military weapons, they also need to understand Romania's industry and agriculture.
However, these have little to do with Guderian, because he needs to pay a visit to General Hoffman next. I believe this visit will benefit both of them a lot.
When Guderian arrived at the Romanian Armored Forces Headquarters, he saw General Hoffman standing here in the distance. As soon as the car stopped, Guderian couldn't wait to get out.
Seeing Guderian walking out, Hoffman stepped forward and held his hand. "It's been a long time, I haven't seen you Guderian. I heard that you did a good job in Germany."
"It's been a long time since I saw General Hoffman, but I still can't compare to you."
Facing the half-teacher and half-comrade in front of him, Guderian felt a lot. In the silent confrontation with the man in front of him, he was defeated, but he would not give up just like that. When he thought about his lack of foresight on future tanks,
, Guderian felt that he needed to communicate with him.
Guderian was no stranger to Hoffmann's office. Many of their ideas were inadvertently generated during discussions in this office. So Guderian still had his own feelings about this place.
"This place has not changed, it is still so familiar, and it is still so simple. Even the holes burned by cigarette butts are still there. I remember that we were discussing how the infantry should deal with enemy tanks."
Guderian sat on the sofa and couldn't help but talk about the past.
Hoffman handed a cup of coffee to Guderian and asked, "Tell me, what do you want to know this time?"
Faced with Hoffman's straightforward approach, Guderian couldn't help complaining, "Can't I just remember the past with emotion?"
"You're not that kind of person."
Hoffmann's words made Guderian couldn't help but laugh. "Hahaha, Hoffmann, you haven't changed at all, you are still so direct."
Seeing Hoffman staring at him without speaking, Guderian couldn't bear it. "Well, I do have a problem to discuss with you this time."
"Speaking."
Facing Hoffman, who was precious about his words, Guderian expressed his question. "I have seen the three tanks developed according to your request, and I found that they are all prepared for anti-armor and vehicles. For anti-armor,
The infantry does not have specialized tanks, what do you think about this?"
Listening to Guderian talking about the issue of tanks, Hoffman took a sip of coffee and answered the question. "I think you also know about the use of tanks. But I think that with the development of the times, the kind of dividing tanks into
The model for infantry tanks and armored combat tanks is bound to change. Especially as tanks become more and more advanced, the three vital indicators of fire protection speed are also improving."
Hoffman continued to give examples, "For example, my country's R20 tank is equipped with a 75mm main gun that is not only good at attacking infantry, but it also allows the tank to be used on the battlefield at any time. Although this does not reduce the cost of the tank, it also allows the tank to It can cope with various emergencies. This is a crucial point that infantry tanks cannot possess, or are lacking."
Of course Guderian could understand what Hoffman said. "You mean that the quality requirements for tanks are more important than the quantity requirements?"
"Of course, but the gap between quantity and quality cannot be too big. It is best not to exceed 3 to 1, and the limit cannot exceed 5 to 1, otherwise the quantity advantage will be enough to overwhelm the quality. Of course, this is when the quality gap cannot have a generational difference, otherwise
Most of them are just living coffins."
It is obvious that Hoffman gave sufficient consideration to the quality and quantity of tanks, and his words greatly inspired Guderian on the development of tanks. And in his heart, Guderian already had a new understanding of the current development of German tanks.
ideas.
Next, the two of them continued to discuss the theory of tank operations and the ideas of coordinated infantry operations. The conversation between the two of them did not end until the lights came on.
In the end, Guderian still felt a little unhappy, so he continued, "General Hoffman, let's continue our discussions tomorrow."
