Without waiting for Sokov to ask further questions, he took the initiative and said: "A pilot of an amphibious vessel and three crew members."
"Can I carry heavy weapons?"
"Comrade General." Before Foining could answer, another middle-aged engineer rushed to answer: "If an amphibious ship is equipped with weapons, the space for the crew will be compressed, and the weight of the ammunition carried by the weapons will also be reduced.
Causing a slowdown."
Sokov didn't care what the engineer's name was, so he said bluntly: "Comrade Engineer, I want to ask you a question, if a regiment of our army needs to carry out a forced crossing operation, how many amphibious ships are needed?"
Without waiting for the engineer to answer, Sokov answered his own question: "Based on a regiment of 1,600 people, more than 500 amphibious ships are needed. Since they cannot carry heavy weapons, these ships will be surrounded by the German army when crossing the river.
Under the attack of artillery or machine gun fire, there was no way to fight back. Even if they paid a huge price and reached the other side, they would not be able to continue to advance deeper into the German defenses because they did not have heavy weapons."
"We can order the amphibious ship that has completed unloading to return to the starting point, and cross the river with heavy weapons..."
"Comrade Engineer, according to your design drawings, this kind of amphibious ship cannot carry heavy weapons."
Sokov's words left the engineer speechless. He could only turn to Foining for help, hoping that he could help him resolve his embarrassment.
Yakov, who was sitting aside, couldn't help but feel happy when he heard what Sokov said. It turned out that the other party was still speaking for him.
When Foining saw the engineer turning his attention to him, he coughed slightly, and then said to Sokov: "General Sokov, hearing what you said, I guess you have a better idea?"
"Senior Engineer Foining," Sokov said straight to the point, considering that his troops might also use this kind of amphibious ship to carry out cross-river operations in the future, and the design must be improved, "I think what you are talking about
There are still many areas for improvement in the designed amphibious ship."
Foining was not angry because of Sokov's tone, but asked humbly: "Can you explain it in detail?" The reason why he was so respectful was entirely because he knew what Sokov was involved in.
Various weapons can give one's own troops an advantage. Not to mention, even the hovercraft that they rejected for mass production is Sokov's masterpiece.
Sokov pointed to the design drawing and said to Foining: "Senior Engineer Foining, I think the size of the amphibious ship should be increased. Even if it cannot carry a platoon like a hovercraft, it should at least be able to carry one platoon at a time.
Soldiers were transported there. Also, I think some amphibious ships should be equipped with heavy weapons, such as 12.7 mm heavy machine guns, so that our forcible crossing troops can use firepower to suppress the German firepower on the shore during the process of crossing the river.
.”
"I agree with Misha's proposal." As soon as Sokov finished speaking, Yakov expressed his support in time: "Amphibious ships can also be divided into combat ships and transport ships like hovercrafts. As the name suggests, transport ships are
They are responsible for transporting our troops, while the combat ships use the weapons they are equipped to suppress the German firepower points on the shore."
The engineers sitting across from him did not immediately refute Yakov's explanation. Instead, they whispered to each other and discussed Sokov's improvement plan in low voices.
While everyone was discussing, Sokov approached Yakov and whispered: "Yasha, I have a phone in my house now. If you need anything to see me, you can call my home phone number."
"Yeah, okay." Yakov nodded and said, "If something happens in the future, I will call you directly. This saves me from having to send someone to find you, which wastes a lot of time."
"By the way, after the meeting is over, arrange for me to talk to Comrade People's Commissar alone." Sokov felt that today was a good opportunity to have a good talk with Ustinov and let him take charge of the new government.
After joining the army, he prioritized providing himself with the latest weapons and equipment: "I want to talk to him about weapons and equipment."
After hearing this, Yakov smiled lightly and said, "Don't worry, Misha. After the meeting is over, even if you want to leave, Comrade Ustinov will probably stop you and have a good chat with you."
"General Sokov," after the two chatted for a while, Sokov suddenly heard Foining calling his name: "I have a question to ask you."
"It is not appropriate to ask for advice." Sokov said humbly: "If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. As long as I know the answer, I will definitely tell you everything."
"Why are the heavy machine guns installed on combat ships 12.7 mm instead of the 14.5 mm we commonly use?" Foining asked: "You know, the anti-aircraft machine guns we equip our air defense forces today are basically 14.5 mm.
caliber, they can be installed directly on the vessel.”
"Comrade Senior Engineer," Sokov explained to Foinen: "I initially considered a 14.5 mm caliber heavy machine gun, but soon found that the positioning of a heavy machine gun of this caliber was awkward to deal with armored targets. Although the 14.5
Millimeter bullets using discarding sabot armor-piercing projectiles have strong armor-piercing capabilities, but they are still not enough to penetrate the side armor of tanks.
Although the 12.7mm caliber heavy machine gun is not as powerful as the 14.5mm heavy machine gun, the range of the two is not much different. If the 12.7mm heavy machine gun cannot hit armor, the 14.5mm heavy machine gun will probably not be able to hit it. Against Germany,
To target human targets, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun is sufficient and lighter. It can carry more ammunition under the same weight."
"General Sokov, you are so thoughtful." Foining waited for Sokov to finish and gave him a thumbs up: "To tell you the truth, we were initially designing this amphibious ship.
At that time, we considered installing a 14.5mm heavy machine gun, but this type of machine gun was too heavy and carried limited ammunition. It could play a limited role in cross-river operations, so we directly chose to eliminate it. But now after listening to your suggestion, you can
12.7mm heavy machine guns will be installed on the newly added combat ships to provide fire support for amphibious ships transporting troops."
Sokov's proposal successfully resolved the dispute between the two factions. Foining looked at Yakov and said: "Comrade Colonel, due to the increase in the size and load of the ship, the engine we originally planned to use may be a little inadequate.
Do you think it is possible to transfer some of the personnel responsible for engine development from the personnel under your jurisdiction to join our design team?"
Now that the focus of the dispute between the two parties is gone, Yakov behaved quite generously in the face of Foining's request: "No problem, Senior Engineer Foining. As soon as the meeting is over, I will immediately arrange manpower to come to your
Reported in the design team.”
"Thank you very much, Comrade Colonel."
Foining looked at Ustinov and said: "Comrade People's Commissar, our design ideas have been unified now. Are we allowed to go back and continue working?"
"Okay." Ustinov saw that the designers on both sides with different views had finally reached a consensus to a certain extent, and he was very happy. He nodded to Foining and said with a smile: "You can start a new project as soon as possible.
Let’s work.”
Seeing the engineers getting up to leave, Sokov also stood up, wondering whether he should stay or take the opportunity to leave. At this moment, he heard Ustinov calling his name: "Comrade Sokov,
Please stay for a while, I want to chat with you."
"Misha, I'm back to work." Yakov whispered to Sokov while clearing the things on the table,
"Wait a minute!" Sokov suddenly felt a little panicked at this moment, and quickly asked Yakov in a pleading tone: "Can you stay with me?"
"Why? Comrade People's Commissar didn't order me to stay. Besides, I still have a lot of work to do there." Yakov muttered: "It's not like you haven't seen the People's Commissar before, so there is no need to feel guilty."
"Come on, Comrade Sokov." Ustinov waved to Sokov, "Sit next to me." Perhaps seeing Sokov's nervousness, he smiled and said, "We also
This is not the first time we have dealt with him, so there is no need to be so nervous. Besides, your old partner, General Runev, is still here, so what do you have to worry about?"
Hearing what Ustinov said, Sokov immediately felt relieved. Yes, his old partner Lunev was sitting across from him. Someone was emboldening him, so he had nothing to feel guilty about.
He moved two positions to the side, sat down next to Ustinov, and asked with a smile: "Comrade People's Commissar, what do you want to talk to me about?"
"Just a casual chat." Ustinov smiled and asked: "Comrade Sokov, I wonder when you can return to the army?"
"Comrade People's Commissar, I am still studying at the Frunze Military Academy." Sokov replied: "It is estimated that it will take half a year before I can return to the army."
"We still have to wait half a year." Ustinov said with some regret, "It still takes such a long time."
"There is no way." Sokov shrugged and said rather helplessly: "I have never systematically studied various military theories before. When I commanded division-level combat units, I was barely able to make do. Later, when I served as the commander of a group army,
I feel powerless. I just want to take advantage of this rare learning opportunity to enrich myself."
Ustinov hummed softly, indicating that he understood, and continued: "I heard from Yakov that once you take over the new army, you plan to obtain more weapons and equipment directly from our weapons and equipment department.
Weapons and equipment. Is this a thing?"
Sokov went to the weapons and equipment department today and came up with the idea of asking Ustinov for weapons and equipment. Although it would be fine to ask Yakov for this matter, Yakov still needs Ustinov to provide him with weapons and equipment.
Stinov just nodded. Now that he had an opportunity to speak directly to Ustinov, he naturally would not give up.
"Comrade People's Commissar," Sokov said looking at Ustinov: "You also know that to achieve victory on the battlefield, in addition to well-trained troops and high morale, sophisticated weapons are also indispensable.
If the weapons in hand are not good enough, no matter how brave my commanders and fighters are, they may not be able to defeat the enemy and achieve final victory."
"That's right, Comrade Ustinov." As soon as Sokov finished speaking, Lunev, who was sitting opposite, helped: "The reason why Misha and I were able to achieve one victory after another when we were in the 27th Army
The great victory has a lot to do with the various sophisticated weapons directly provided by you."
"General Lunev," Ustinov said bitterly after waiting for Lunev to finish speaking: "It is precisely because you rely on sophisticated new equipment to achieve victory after victory on the battlefield that some people will inevitably think
Jealous. They lobbied members of the Supreme Command in various ways, allowing their superiors to put pressure on me, forcing me to order to stop providing weapons and equipment to the 27th Army."
Sokov originally only knew that it was Ustinov who ordered to stop the supply of weapons to his troops. He thought it was just a whim of the other party. Only now did he realize that the other party was also forced to do so due to pressure from above.
difficult decision.
"Comrade People's Commissar," although Sokov knew that Ustinov was under tremendous pressure, he knew better that if the troops he commanded in the future could not obtain sophisticated weapons and equipment, then he would not imagine that he would continue to attack one after another like before.
Winning the war is basically impossible. Therefore, he said to Ustinov: "I hope that after I take over the new army, you will continue to supply me with sophisticated weapons and equipment in large quantities."
After Sokov said this, he saw a troubled expression on Ustinov's face and quickly added: "Comrade People's Commissar, I can assure you that the same weapons are in the hands of my troops.
, can play a greater role.”
Ustinov stared at Sokov for a long time and did not make any promises to him. Instead, he said tactfully: "Comrade Sokov, I think your main task at the moment is to complete the mission in Frunze."
Study in the military academy. As for weapons and equipment, by the time you graduate, our army's equipment will already be in a relatively sufficient state. When I provide you with weapons and equipment, no one will gossip."
Although Sokov tried to persuade Ustinov many times in the following conversation, the youngest people's commissar showed himself to be cunning and cunning befitting his age. He did not respond to Sokov's request.
He didn't agree or refuse, but he was always there to whet Sokov's appetite.
When the conversation ended and Sokov and Lunev walked outside, Lunev said to Sokov: "Misha, I have one more thing to tell you."
Sokov couldn't help being frightened and asked hurriedly: "What happened?"
"I just received news that your temporary headquarters may not be able to go to the Belarusian Front."
"Why?"
"The reason is very simple." Lunev looked left and right and saw that no one nearby could hear the conversation between him and Sokov, but he still lowered his voice and said: "At first, you had been arranging the temporary commander through Marshal Zhukov.
But now Marshal Zhukov has been idle, and many of his proposals have been directly rejected by the superiors."
Sokov's heart sank suddenly, and he quickly asked: "Then how do the superiors plan to arrange my temporary headquarters?" When asking this question, Sokov's mind quickly started thinking about how to arrange it.
Ponejelin and others and the students.
"I am going to make a call to General Konev, hoping to arrange your temporary headquarters to him." Lunev said to Sokov: "Now tens of thousands of German troops are besieged in the Cherkasy area.
Sending the temporary headquarters to that area is also a good choice."