Chapter 46 All for Winning
Although, there are a total of seven top shipyards in Germany, including Qin Tian's German shipyard, the number has risen to eight. However, it is impossible to consider the interests of every large shipyard, and only choose shipyards with relatively close relationships.
William II nodded and built five new battleships, although the price was a bit high. However, with the loan obtained from Qin Tian, coupled with the financial support of the royal family, and the original military expenditure of the navy, it is not a problem at all. Besides, the construction period of the battleship is already very long, and after being apportioned every year, it is not too big.
After discussions between William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz, the five capital ships of the next level, except the first ship was built by the German shipyard, the other four were built by the Naval Shipyard, the Royal Shipyard, and Vulcan. Shipyard and Weser shipyards built. In this case, there are five ships in total.
Of course Qin Tian had no objection to this. There were only eight large berths in the German shipyard. Four of the 'Nassau-class' battleships have already been occupied, and it is obviously impossible for the remaining four to eat up all the remaining new-type battleships in one go. Give a little to other shipyards, and the spare slipways can also be used to build other ships.
Regarding the naming of the new battleship, Wilhelm II finally chose the name 'Helgoland'. Therefore, the second-class dreadnought ship of the German Navy was officially named the "Helgoland-class" battleship. Five battleships of this level were eventually built, one more than in another time and space. The first ship 'Helgoland', the second ship 'Ostfriesland', the third ship 'Thuringia', the fourth ship 'Oldenburg', the fifth ship 'East Prussia' 'No.
Seeing that the history of the development of the German navy has been completely changed by himself, Qin Tian felt very moral in his heart. The four 'Nassau-class' battleships plus five 'Helgoland-class' battleships are only comparable in number to the British 'Dreadnought' battleships, three 'Bellerophon-class' battleships, three 'St. Class' battleship, battleship 'Neptune' and two battleships of 'Giant Class' is one less. More importantly, the "Nassau-class" battleships and "Helgoland-class" battleships in this space-time are both more powerful, and they will almost have an overwhelming advantage against the battleships of the British Navy. Once the war starts, the British Navy will pay a heavy price for it.
"Oscar, when will construction of the Helgoland-class battleship start?" William II asked.
"Father, I'm afraid we will have to wait until next year." Qin Tian said.
"Next year? Why?" Wilhelm II was taken aback for a moment. He couldn't wait to see the German Navy have these majestic and powerful battleships.
"Father, Krupp is concentrating on the research and development of the 305mm 50-caliber main gun. Now I am afraid that there is not much power to develop the 343mm main gun. I am afraid that it will have to wait until next year at the latest. The 305mm 50-caliber main gun The development of the 343mm main gun can only be started after the gun has achieved a breakthrough. It is not so easy to increase the caliber of the main gun, and it requires a lot of manpower and financial resources. The burden on Krupp will also increase as a result. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the best to start construction next year." Qin Tian explained.
Qin Tian hoped that the main guns equipped on the German Navy's battleships would all be large-caliber and high-aspect ratio main guns. In this way, the main gun can be made more powerful, especially the more significant armor-piercing ability. This makes the development of the main gun more difficult and more expensive. Also, the service life will be reduced. But Qin Tian believes that any means that can strengthen the power of battleships and help Germany win the war are worthwhile. Even so, it will cost a lot of money. But Qin Tian is not hesitating. Who made him now, so poor that only money is left?
The German Welfare Lottery Company brought Qin Tian huge wealth. However, if the German Empire is defeated, the wealth in his hands will inevitably be coveted by others, or even plundered. If he didn't do it well, he wouldn't even be able to save his own life. Therefore, the best way to protect your own wealth and at the same time your own life is to help Germany win this war. For this, Qin Tian will of course do his best.
"Construction will start next year, and it will be completed and put into service in two and a half years. There is no problem in terms of time!" Marshal Earl Tirpitz said.
"Okay, let's start construction next year!" William II nodded and did not continue to insist on this issue.
"Father, when the 'Helgoland-class' battleships are being built, they must be kept secret. The British will definitely do everything possible to collect information about our battleships. We must be prepared for this. It will work. According to the information we have obtained, the next few battleships of the British will use 305mm main guns. Once the British know the data of our "Helgoland" battleships, I am afraid that they will be angry. Strong reaction. In this case, I am afraid that there will be problems in the strength comparison between our two sides, and it will not be conducive to us catching up with the British as soon as possible." Qin Tian continued.
"It's impossible to keep it completely secret. However, we can try our best to let the British know the specific data of our 'Helgoland-class' battleship as late as possible. We have won more time." Marshal Earl Tirpitz said.
In the confrontation between Britain and Germany, in order to collect various military intelligence of the other side, both sides dispatched a large number of agents. These agents can be described as pervasive. It is almost impossible to keep a secret completely.
"Let our secret troops act. Let the secret leak as late as possible." William II said.
Qin Tian nodded, nothing is perfect in this world. What's more, the so-called planning depends on people and success depends on heaven. In order to enhance the strength of the German navy, he has done his best. However, if this still fails to defeat the British and win this world war, then he can only say that the inertia of history is too great.
Of course, Qin Tian naturally hopes that through his own efforts, Germany's military strength can become stronger, so that he can win in the future world war. Qin Tian didn't want to have huge wealth in vain. After the defeat of Germany, he could only live in exile overseas, living a life of incognito, always worried that his wealth would be coveted by others. That kind of life is not human at all.
