Chapter 1586 I want to make progress too much

Deep inside the Govan Shipyard.

As one of the first shipyards in the UK to carry out digital upgrades, BAE Systems' maritime division set up an advanced computing and analysis center here as early as the beginning of this century.

The original plan was to serve the Royal Navy's "21st Century Grand Fleet Project" to prevent the testing progress from being hampered by too many ships being started at the same time.

But for well-known reasons, the so-called "Grand Fleet" finally only had 6 Type 45s and 2 Queen Elizabeth-class ships.

The Royal Navy builds fewer ships than there are shipyards in the UK.

BAE Systems even had to deliberately delay the construction period to avoid a window period at the shipyard and having to lay off large numbers of employees.

Naturally, this place became semi-idle.

However, no one would have thought that one day, six Type 6 destroyers would need major overhauls at the same time, bringing an unprecedentedly intensive workload to the Govan Shipyard.

It just happens to be what the original purpose of building the computing and analysis center was.

It can be regarded as a mistake.

When Ellis pushed the door open, Colonel Robert Baram was sitting in front of a display screen, concentrating on watching the parameters scrolling on it.

As the saying goes, a blessing in disguise is a blessing in disguise.

After the Courageous incident, Colonel Baram, as expected, was suspended for nearly half a year for review.

However, as the investigation deepened, BAE and Rolls-Royce finally determined that Type 45 destroyers are generally at risk of losing power under certain high temperature and high humidity conditions.

Therefore, the failure of the Courageous was characterized as a system defect rather than a command error by the captain.

In this way, Baram was not only cleared of responsibility, but was also entrusted with an important task because of his valuable "actual combat" experience and calm handling, becoming the chief person in charge of the trial flight of the Type 45 power system upgrade plan.

Although he still holds the same rank of colonel, after this coordination work experience, as long as no other problems arise, promotion to brigadier general or even at least general before retirement is a foregone conclusion.

"Thank you for your hard work, Colonel Baram." Ellis walked up to him and looked at the screen. "How was your trip to the Mediterranean? Especially in terms of power."

He got straight to the point.

In fact, under normal circumstances, ships will not travel very far during sea trials.

For example, the United Kingdom basically just hangs around the North Sea.

But the power upgrade of Type 45 is aimed at tropical waters after all, so each ship must be tested in the Mediterranean or even the Gulf of Aden.

Balam turned his head and a rare, satisfied smile appeared on his face.

This kind of expression has rarely appeared since he experienced the "Brave" incident.

"Laurie, it feels...very good." Baram gave unstinting praise, "It feels even better than after the Courageous was equipped with the condensate control module. It feels...smoother and more powerful."

He pointed to a red curve on the screen in front of him that represented output power:

"Look here, in the typical Mediterranean summer environment with a water temperature of 26°C and an air temperature of 33°C, we conducted multiple full-speed sailing tests lasting more than 30 knots. The boost curve of the WR-21 is very smooth and stable, without any abnormal fluctuations or steep climbs. The final sustained maximum output power is about 3% higher than the theoretical value before the upgrade, and it can be stably maintained throughout the high power range."

He switched to a window showing the vibration spectrum:

“This is also confirmed by the report from the engine room department. They said that the noise and vibration levels in the engine room have been significantly reduced, especially the high-frequency vibrations. The improvement is very obvious. This is not only due to the condensate control module, but also due to the optimization of the power room layout in this upgrade.”

"The pipeline layout is more reasonable, the heat dissipation duct design in the key heat source area is more scientific, the space utilization rate is higher, and the maintenance channel is more spacious. The overall thermal management efficiency of the unit has been greatly improved."

Ellis quickly slid the mouse, accessing the original data packets stored in the background for more in-depth cross-comparison and analysis.

Various charts are jumping on the screen: fuel flow, exhaust temperature, lubricating oil pressure, generator output voltage/frequency ripple, ...

"The data supports your feeling, Robert." Ellis nodded while operating quickly. "Under extreme working conditions simulating tropical environment - high temperature, high speed, accompanied by high power load (simulating radar, electronic warfare, close-in weapon system fully turned on), the upgraded system performed excellently. The thermal efficiency of WR-21 increased by about 5%, the vibration amplitude decreased by an average of 15-20%, and the temperature of key bearings decreased by 8-10°C."

As he spoke, he adjusted the data module of the integrated power system and began to check the harmonic content of the power system and the current curves of each major electrical equipment under full load.

"The bus voltage stability, frequency accuracy and harmonic suppression capabilities of the integrated power system are also far superior to those of the Courageous, not to mention the previous Type 45, and are even slightly better than the design indicators."

Ellis smacked his lips, his tone mixed with admiration and a little jealousy——

The proposed modifications to the Duncan's power module came from his competitors.

But we have to admit that the improvement was very successful.

Baram also added:

"That's right, especially when simulating the withdrawal of one WR-21, the other gas turbine, in conjunction with the diesel engine, can still maintain the ship's cruising speed and power supply to key combat systems through optimized power distribution logic, and the switching process is much smoother than before."

Ellis looked at the nearly perfect data curve on the screen and suddenly sighed: "These data do prove that the upgrade plan is very successful. It's a pity that the other five Type 45s..."

When the Courageous broke down, the four ships, Indomitable, Diamond, Defender and Dragon, had already completed or basically completed outfitting. It was impossible to carry out large-scale modifications to the hull structures. They could only directly install condensate control modules like the Courageous, and it was impossible to make adjustments to the power compartment.

It is completely incomparable to the complete transformation of the Duncan.

To some extent, the Duncan can even be listed as a batch on its own.

However, it has been confirmed that there will be no subsequent construction plans for the Type 45, and the Royal Navy is unwilling to do any more.

The smile on Balam's face faded, and he nodded silently:

"It's like renovating an old house. It's better to design everything well when building a new one." He paused and his voice became deeper. "After the Duncan is successfully put into service, I'm afraid I will have to return to the Courageous."

In terms of the organizational sequence, he is still the captain of the Courageous, and of course he has feelings for his old friend.

But feelings are feelings.

After experiencing my sister Duncan's new tricks, I can't help but think that domestic flowers are not as fragrant as wild flowers...

At this moment, the internal phone in the computing center rang sharply, breaking the slightly heavy atmosphere.

Ellis was close by, so he picked up the phone: "Computing Center, Ellis."

Then I realized it was an external call, so I added:

"Govan Shipyard."

"Mr. Ellis, this is the Planning Department of the Royal Navy Headquarters." A clear and formal voice came from the other end of the phone. "Excuse me, is Colonel Robert Baram with you?"

The Royal Navy's organizational structure has become a pile of shit after hundreds of years of iteration.

For example, the Operations Department led by Vice Admiral Grant Muirhead was mainly responsible for managing the Royal Navy's maritime assets.

The planning department is actually responsible for the operations.

Ellis immediately handed the microphone to Baram: "Robert, I'm looking for you, Planning Department."

Baram was a little surprised and quickly answered the phone: "I'm Robert Baram."

"Colonel Baram, this is Sean Davis, a first-class staff officer from the Planning Department of the Royal Navy Headquarters." The voice on the other end of the phone was serious. "I am officially notifying you: According to the latest order from the Naval Staff, after the Duncan officially joins the Royal Navy, it will immediately undertake an important ocean deployment and joint training mission, with the highest priority."

Balam's heartbeat quickened slightly. "But shouldn't this be reported to the incoming captain of the Duncan?"

He actually already had some guesses, but he didn't dare to confirm them.

"After recommendation by the Planning Department and review by the Navy Department, we hope that you will serve as the commander of the task force." Staff Officer Davis continued, "Please confirm whether you and the Duncan are currently capable of immediately carrying out high-intensity ocean-going missions?"

Baram straightened his back subconsciously, without any hesitation:

"Report! The 'Duncan' has just completed all sea trials and is in good condition. All systems, especially the upgraded power system, have withstood the high-intensity test in the Mediterranean and performed excellently. I have participated in the entire process and am familiar with all the upgraded parts of the ship. I am ready to perform my duties at any time!"

Although this so-called "task force" most likely consists of only two ships, it is not even ruled out that it is composed of the Duncan alone.

But no matter what, the formation commander is a higher-level position than the captain.

He wants to make progress too much.

"Very good." Staff Officer Davis' tone seemed to ease a little. "In addition, we understand that the crew currently assigned to the Duncan is mainly transferred from the original Type 42 destroyer. They may not be familiar with the operation of the new Type 45 ship, especially the upgraded system."

"Yes, the new crew is still in the running-in and in-depth training stage." Baram admitted, "It is estimated that it will take another 4-6 months to reach the best condition."

"Time waits for no one, Colonel." Staff Officer Davis said decisively, "Headquarters has specially approved: You have the right to directly select core personnel who are experienced and familiar with the operation of Type 45 ships, especially those who understand the precautions of the upgraded power system, from other Type 45 destroyers currently in service that are undergoing short-term maintenance or rest in port."

Balam's heart beat faster: "What is the scope of the selection?"

"Except for the captain, deputy captain and chief engineer, there is no limit on the scope, and the proportion can be up to 75% of the number of people on the Duncan. The remaining positions will be filled by existing crew members and necessary supplementary personnel."

This permission is very broad.

This means that Baram can almost form an "all-star" team with other mature Type 45 crew members as the backbone to operate the Duncan, greatly shortening the time to form combat effectiveness.

"Got it!" Baram's voice was a little excited. "I will immediately start drawing up a list to ensure that the reorganization and intensive training of the Duncan's crew can be completed as quickly as possible!"

"The specific mission briefing, time node and destination coordinates will be sent to the Duncan and your terminal via encrypted channels later." On the other end of the phone, Staff Officer Davis' tone was obviously much more relaxed. "Please keep the communication open. Good luck, Captain."