When the words came out, the two apprentices immediately fell into joy and were about to celebrate.
At this moment, Yu Hua quickly stepped forward and came to the front of the heavy broaching machine. He picked up an industrial-grade 20x magnifying glass and a flashlight in his right hand. He squatted half-crouched and looked at the inner wall of the 105mm gun barrel.
Looking at the breech of the gun, I saw twelve sharp-edged rifling lines entering the pupil, spinning like a kaleidoscope, which was dazzling.
Immediately afterwards, Yu Hua used a 20x magnifying glass to carefully observe the details of the rifling. There was no trace of residual blood or peeling anywhere that caught the eye, and the inner wall was extremely smooth.
pretty.
Yu Hua admired in his heart that the rifling processed by Professor Zhuang himself was perfect, and it was processed and formed in one go. His superb skills were comparable to the famous eighth-level workers in later generations.
Immediately afterwards, Yu Hua picked up the inner diameter dial indicator and measured the male and female wires of the original body tube respectively. After obtaining the processing accuracy data, his mind was running at high speed to calculate whether the actual twisting distance and twisting degree met the design specifications.
Rigorous, serious and demanding.
This is Yu Hua's consistent style of conduct.
Soon, Yu Hua obtained the actual twist and twist data of the current barrel original parts based on the measured processing accuracy data and other information, and based on the ballistics standard twist formula.
"How is it?" Zhuang Qianding looked at Yu Hua who had completed the measurement and was lost in thought. He had no worries in his heart and a smile on his face. Although he did not use tools for precise measurement, this did not affect the final result.
The two apprentices stared closely at Yu Hua, holding their breath, waiting for the results. Everyone in the entire military industry bureau understood that any project can only be considered a success in the real sense if it gets Yu Hua's nod. This young deputy to the top scientific team
The team leader has almost absolute authority in the internal system of the Military Industry Bureau.
"The actual twist length and twist, as well as the machining accuracy error of the yin and yang threads, all meet the design requirements. We have indeed succeeded." Yu Hua slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, looked at Zhuang Qian Ding, and announced the inspection results with a slightly serious face.
The words were solemn and solemn. Along with the results of the rifling processing inspection, a historical picture was quietly frozen. China's first artillery with 100% intellectual property rights was born. This is China's own heavy artillery!
From now on, the base area will truly open up the Rendu and Du lines and have the ability to independently produce heavy artillery.
Hearing Yu Hua's words, the two apprentices were relieved, and tears filled their eyes immediately. The big stone hanging in their hearts fell to the ground, and joyful smiles appeared on their faces.
"That's good. I think this statement should be recorded. At 13:06 pm on October 5, 1937, without the help and technical support of foreign experts, we built China's first 105 mm 23
Double diameter artillery barrel." After receiving this expected answer, Professor Zhuang nodded slightly, with a satisfied smile on his face, and said in a serious voice.
"I agree." Yu Hua nodded in support and then recorded this statement on a paper document.
Professor Zhuang looked at Yu Hua with bright and energetic eyes, and said: "Yu Hua, the artillery barrel has been built. Now it's your turn. Start the prototype gun assembly process according to the original plan. Don't make any mistakes. You understand."
"I know." Yu Hua took a deep breath, nodded towards Professor Zhuang to indicate that he understood, and then turned and left.
The final assembly of the prototype gun means entering the final stage of the entire 105mm howitzer research and development project. After the final assembly of the prototype gun is completed, the prototype gun test will usher in.
For the Red Peony Howitzer project, the next two links basically belong to the process stage.
However, be cautious in everything you do.
This is China's first self-developed heavy howitzer, so don't be careless.
The finishing workshop became quiet. After Yu Hua left, Professor Zhuang looked back at the two apprentices from the barrel broaching group and said, "Xu Jun, Zhang Min, how are you doing with your studies?"
"Teacher, I'm a bit confident." Apprentice Xu Jun responded, his words calm and calm.
Zhang Min said truthfully: "Teacher, I'm still close."
In terms of talent and actual processing ability, he is not as good as Xu Jun. When it comes to rifling processing of artillery barrels, he does not dare to pretend to be big.
One is one, two is two.
This is the basic quality and attitude of a Red Army soldier who experienced the Long March.
"You guys are geniuses in finishing, especially Xu Jun. I've taught you all the techniques I can teach you. Next, you have to explore on your own. I still say the same thing, don't be in a hurry when it comes to mechanical processing. Keep your mind steady and your hands steady.
Steady." Professor Zhuang, who was exhausted, spoke in a warm and serious voice, taught in detail, and then arranged: "Xu Jun, you will operate the second barrel, and I will watch it for you."
"Teacher, you have been working continuously for twenty hours. Do you want to take a rest first?" Xu Jun looked at the red threads around Zhuang Qianding's eyes and asked with concern.
"Wait a minute, I can't sleep well now." Zhuang Qianding shook his head and responded: "Only when our cannon goes off can I, a person who deals with machinery and weapons, sleep well."
The Japanese army has broken through Pingxing Pass and conquered the inner Great Wall defense line. Their frontline is directed towards Taiyuan, which is less than 500 kilometers away from the base area.
How can you sleep peacefully in such an urgent situation?
Artillery, artillery, artillery. Only heavy artillery can resist the Japanese invasion. Only heavy artillery can defend the Yellow River. Only heavy artillery can preserve all the hard-won gains in the base area.
He won't sleep until the sound of the Red Peony howitzer is firing.
Xu Jun's eyes showed worry, and he persuaded again: "But you only slept for less than three hours before..."
The last time Zhuang Qianding worked continuously for 26 hours, and after resting for just over two hours, he worked continuously for 20 hours again. Such high-intensity work would be unbearable even for those who are made of iron.
"Stop talking, Comrade Xu Jun, hoist the original processed gun barrel and execute the order." Zhuang Qianding said seriously, waving his hand to signal Xu Jun to shut up, pointing to the operating position and giving the order.
Xu Jun had to shut up: "Yes!"
As the first gun barrel was processed and the prototype gun assembly process started, the news spread. The entire Liushugou once again fell into a tense and busy atmosphere. As the core area, the arsenal's security force returned to the highest level. Here is the scheduled 'Red Peony'
At the howitzer assembly site, arsenal workers and technicians quickly put into use the previously built howitzer assembly workshop.
Troop headquarters.
"Now the main force of the Shanxi-Sui Army is retreating towards Taiyuan and its strength is shrinking. There is no danger in the Yuanping area to defend. Only the Xinkou area in the northern part of Xinzhou can be relied upon."
The boss stood with his hands behind his hands, standing in front of the military sand table, staring at the meticulously crafted Xinkou area, and analyzed: "The Xinkou area leans on the Yunzhong River on the left and Mount Wutai on the right. This is a natural barrier. In addition, it has been and is currently
The newly built fortifications have a large area of minefields set up on the periphery, and with the cooperation of the artillery troops and us, it is not difficult to hold the front of Xinkou without too much damage to Yan Xishan's main force."
The Battle of the Inner Great Wall Defense Line failed. Yan Xishan was almost crazy in order to save Taiyuan. While gathering the retreating troops on the front line, he mobilized reserve troops to go to Xinkou, preparing to rely on the natural barrier of Xinkou for defense.
Where is Xinkou?
To the north of Taiyuan is Xinzhou, and to the north of Xinzhou is Yuanping. The two important towns in Shanxi are both located in the basin. There is no danger to defend. The only natural barrier is the Xinkou Mountain area formed by the extension and uplift of Wutai Mountain to the west.
And this is also the last barrier in Taiyuan.
As the war situation continues to change, the strategic status of Xinkou has risen rapidly, and has reached a height that is related to Shanxi and affects the war situation in North China. If Xinkou is defended, Taiyuan can be protected, retreating can stabilize the situation in Shanxi, and the threat of entering and exiting eastward is along the Pinghan River.
The Japanese North China Front and the Jinpu Line moved southward, forming a dichotomy.
At the time of life and death, in order to protect Xinkou, Yan Xishan did not hesitate to spend his money and use all his artillery troops to reinforce Xinkou. In addition, the Eighth Route Army attacked the Japanese army's rear transportation danger. With this configuration, he did not talk about counterattacks and annihilating the Japanese army, but defended the front.
Absolutely not difficult.
Regarding the boss's analysis, everyone around him nodded.
"It is indeed not difficult for the Jinsui Army to defend the front of Xinkou. What I am worried about is Niangziguan to the east of Taiyuan."
The deputy CEO had a serious face and eyes as sharp as an eagle. He pointed at the stone gate and gave his strategic vision: "Look, CEO, Yan Xishan's main troops are all located in the north of Taiyuan. The Xinkou area is heavily concentrated, and Jin
The eastern region has few troops and few generals, and the defense area is extremely weak. This is a potential major weakness. I initially judge that as Tojo Hideki and Itagaki Seishiro are blocked from attacking on the Xinkou frontal battlefield, they will immediately attack the North China Front Army led by Juichi Terauchi.
Asking for help, the North China Front Army will immediately send a large number of troops to support the Japanese troops on the Ping-Han Line. After taking Shimen, they will immediately divide their forces and march westward, break through from Niangziguan direction and enter the Taiyuan battlefield, and cooperate with the Japanese troops on the Tongpu Line to capture Shanxi."
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the headquarters suddenly solidified, and everyone's eyes immediately turned to the Jindong area.
The vice president's vision is not empty talk, but something that is very likely to happen.
After the July 7th Incident, the Japanese army formed the North China Front and divided its forces into three routes southward along the Pinghan Line, Jinpu Line, and Tongpu Line, with the intention of destroying China in three months. Among this strategic goals, the Shanxi battlefield to which the Tongpu Line belongs is particularly critical.
, take Shanxi, and North China will be worry-free.
If the Shanxi battlefield is blocked, the Japanese North China Front Army will definitely take immediate response measures and strive to complete the goal of seizing the Tongpu Line in the shortest possible time.
"Shimen..."
When the boss heard this, he looked at Shimen and fell into thought.
The deputy chief of staff pondered: "Is it feasible for us to issue a warning to Yan Xishan in an attempt to increase the garrison strength in eastern Shanxi?"
"It's feasible, but Yan Xishan will most likely not take it. For him, Tojo Hideki and Itagaki Seishiro are the biggest threats at present. He has been beaten at the inner Great Wall defense line." The vice president shook his head and said: "Unless
With the knife on his neck, he will not divide his troops to strengthen the defense force in eastern Shanxi, nor will he allow the Central Army to enter eastern Shanxi and encroach on Shanxi..."
"There are many factions and it's complicated..." the deputy chief of staff sighed.
The boss slowly took out a cigarette, lit it, and said: "We rely on everyone to run, but in the end we can only rely on ourselves. Even if Yan Xishan follows our advice and strengthens the defense force in eastern Shanxi, he will not be able to stop the Japanese troops.
Where is the 129th Division now?"
"The 129th Division has entered the area south of Linfen and is moving north to Taiyuan." The deputy chief of staff responded immediately after hearing this.
The boss looked at the deputy boss and put forward his own idea: "If the 129th Division is allowed to march eastward towards Niangziguan, as a backup force, wait for the opportunity, cooperate with the defenders of eastern Shanxi to harass the Japanese army, and consume as much of the Japanese army's strength as possible, what do you think?
Sample?"
"As the last unit of the army to go north to fight the war, the 129th Division is now very strong, with sufficient weapons and ammunition. Its actual combat effectiveness is even higher than that of the 115th Division. It can ambush and harass Japanese troops, or confront them head-on. The 129th Division is the main force in the eastern Shanxi region.
The backup force will consume the effective strength of the Japanese army, and I support it." The deputy boss was thoughtful, as if he understood what the boss meant, he nodded lightly and affirmed.
"That's it, draft a report." The boss nodded.
"Boss, there is an urgent call from the cave dwelling." At this time, a communications staff officer walked quickly, hurriedly came to the sand table map, stood at attention and saluted.
After hearing this, the boss took the telegram, glanced at the content of the telegram, and was startled for a moment. Then his eyebrows stretched, and a touch of joy appeared in his eyes involuntarily. Even though he had experienced many big scenes, he still couldn't help but praise: "Good! Good!
good!"
"Boss, what's the happy event?" Seeing the boss's attitude, the deputy boss was slightly curious and asked.
The deputy chief of staff saw the same thing. The war was about to begin. What happy event could make the boss, the commander-in-chief of the Eighth Route Army, so happy?
The boss smiled broadly and handed over the message: "Good news from the Military Industry Bureau, the Red Peony 105mm heavy howitzer has entered the final assembly process at the Liushugou Arsenal."
"Okay! Great! With the heavy artillery, the combat effectiveness of the army will make a qualitative leap." The deputy general manager's eyes suddenly brightened when he heard this. He took the message and browsed it. As the deputy commander-in-chief, he certainly understood that the red peony howitzer had entered the final assembly.
What does the program mean? His words were a bit exciting and full of joy.
Cannon, the foundation of a strong army!
This is not a small steel cannon with a caliber of 60 mm, nor a mountain gun with a caliber of 75 mm, but a 105 mm caliber heavy howitzer with a total combat weight of 1.8 tons, and a maximum range of 14 kilometers.
This is a real cannon, a serious strategic weapon!
As long as a red peony howitzer is mounted on a mountain, it can completely block the circular battlefield area within a radius of 14 kilometers, bringing death and destruction to the enemy!
The most important thing is that this is not obtained through unstable means such as seizure, but a self-made howitzer.
If you can equip him with two hundred 105mm howitzers...
The deputy CEO's eyes were sharp, and the thought of annihilating the 50,000 Japanese troops on the Tongpu Line flashed through his mind.
The deputy chief of staff read the message carefully, his eyes reddening. He recalled various scenes of the Long March. How many soldiers had to sacrifice themselves in front of the enemy's fortifications because the troops lacked heavy weapons. If there had been red peony howitzers at that time...
…
Put the cannon flat and let me blast it!
Good news, for the Eighth Route Army, this is really great news. As long as the situation in Shanxi is stabilized, there will be a steady supply of Red Peony howitzers in the future.
If the Eighth Route Army now has 200 Red Peony howitzers, Tojo Hideki and Itagaki Seishiro entering the hinterland of Shanxi can be said to be prey that is delivered to their door.
"I'm going to Liushugou, where are you?" The boss put out his cigarette butt and looked at the deputy boss and deputy chief of staff.
"Of course I want to go." The vice president and deputy chief of staff replied at the same time.
…
In the afternoon, the wind was calm and the sun was bright, and the blue sky was clear and clear.
The final assembly workshop adopts a brick-concrete structure and covers an area of about 200 square meters. It has complete internal assembly facilities and can meet the needs of assembly and production of two howitzers at the same time. The designed monthly output redundancy is 40 guns, and there is an open space of 400 square meters next to it for spare.
This will meet the demand for increased production in the future.
As the big bosses arrived one after another, the assembly work of the prototype gun was proceeding in an orderly manner in the red brick workshop. The disputes from the outside world did not affect the place.
The final assembly of the prototype gun is less than halfway done.
On the operating table, parts that meet the accuracy requirements of the drawings are quietly placed, including standard screws, recoil brake assemblies, firing pins, firing pin springs, breech block support tubes, and support tube lever parts, 105 mm 23
Double diameter gun barrel...
At the No. 1 assembly point, the complex and solid gun mount foundation has been assembled, showing the corresponding posture, and the heavy and thick gun breech firmly occupies the C position.
"Buzz!" The sound of the small elevator was heard. The hydraulic retractor assembly, which weighed more than 200 kilograms, slowly rose. When it reached the predetermined height, Yu Hua gestured to pause and move forward.
The final assembly work of the prototype gun was handled by Yu Hua himself, and he would not worry if it was left to others.
A soldier nodded and carefully controlled the assembly elevator to move forward to avoid mistakes.
Soon, the hydraulic retractor assembly arrived at the predetermined position, and then slowly lowered its height under Yu Hua's command, arrived at the corresponding position on the base of the gun mount, and aligned it with the latch hole and screw hole.
Install the screws first, then the latch, the double insurance is purely a mechanical structure design.
The prototype of the Red Peony howitzer is the M1950 105mm howitzer developed by France after World War II. Although the design of most parts such as the gun mount structure is the same as the prototype, the details have been further improved to bring it to its best state.
Use a mechanical torque wrench to tighten the screws, and then drive in a thick latch. The installation of the hydraulic retractor is completed. Then, Yu Hua motioned to hoist the next part - the hydraulic retractor.
The retractor and the retractor are the most important structures of modern artillery after the barrel. They have different functions and are indispensable. And because of its unique hydraulic structure, its anti-recoil performance reaches a new level.
height.
In later generations, hydraulic retractors and brakes were standard equipment.
But now, I'm sorry, hydraulic retractors and retractors are synonymous with "world advanced"!
According to the previous operation, the heavy double-chamber hydraulic retractor assembly was lifted and transported to the side of the gun body. Align the screw holes and latch holes, tighten each large screw with the set torque, and then drive in a diameter of about four meters.
With a ten-millimeter latch, the frame structure of the Red Peony Howitzer is now completely formed.
The breech block, the recoil mechanism, and the retraction mechanism are the three major parts of the gun mount.
The assembled heavy artillery mount, for some reason, gave everyone present an unprecedented sense of security.