Chapter 170： Tracked armored vehicle

After Edel commended and affirmed the government officials in Ploiesti, he then inspected other factories in Ploiesti.

When inspecting the machinery factory, they confirmed the contribution of their diesel engines and tractors to Romania. He also praised Portosriku, the director of the machinery factory, for saying that he was very capable, and Sodaval, who was the factory director's son-in-law and the director of the establishment of the workshop, was also honored to participate in the team to welcome the crown prince. But as a small workshop director, he certainly couldn't talk to the crown prince. He could only stand at the end of the team and watch the crown prince who was not too close to his own age.

Then Edel went to the oil refinery and oil extraction sites to learn about the current situation of Romanian oil extraction and refining. In order to encourage the private economy, he also inspected several private supporting factories. After inspecting Wang's enterprises, Edel went deep into the people to understand the current income situation of residents, and also checked the conditions of local farmers to strengthen his image of being close to the people.

It took six days during this inspection of Ploiesti. It was not until Edel received a telegram from Hoffman that the armored vehicle had been developed. He then left Ploiesti by car and planned to go to Kang. Stanza looked at the seeds of these armored forces.

Sitting on the train to Constanta, Edel can hardly remember how many times he has been to this largest port city in Romania. Usually he will go to Constanta in a few months, and Ploiesti is completely impossible to compare.

After arriving in Constanta by train, Edel came to Volkswagen's test track non-stop, looked at a four-unlike armored car full of rivets and punk, couldn't help but ask.

"This is the armored vehicle you developed?"

The three people in charge of research and development were a little confused when facing the crown prince's questions, but Herk, who was led by the three, came forward to answer Edel's inquiry.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Herk saw the crown prince's questioning eyes, and truthfully told him what he knew. "We built this armored vehicle in full accordance with the requirements of the drawings. Except for welding instead of rivets, there is no big difference from the drawings. However, there are good reasons for changing welding to rivets. Now welding is not suitable for military industry. product."

After hearing Herk's answer, Edel couldn't help but look at Major Hoffman. Facing the inquiring eyes of the crown prince, Major Hoffman explained a little nervously. "His Royal Highness, you gave me the blueprints. I chose this design based on consideration of all factors."

"What considerations?"

After hearing Major Hoffman's explanation, Edel also wanted to hear his explanation.

Seeing that the crown prince was not angry because of his unauthorized modification, Hoffman expressed his consideration. "His Royal Highness, among the few drawings you gave me, two of the models are now too expensive to process and are completely unsuitable for current use."

After speaking, he took out the sdkfz221 and sdkfz234 wheeled armored vehicles sketched by Edel. The use of welding on the shape of these two armored vehicles is not a big problem, but now it is estimated that it will increase the cost to replace the rivet.

"The other two vehicles. This armored vehicle is smaller and does not fit the five-ton heavy truck chassis we are currently using."

Major Hoffman took out a sketch of a Type 92 Japanese armored vehicle drawn by Edel and told the crown prince. Edel nodded and motioned for him to continue.

Hoffman took out the m8 armored vehicle drawings given by the crown prince and continued. "In the end, this drawing is the most suitable for the current chassis, but I think its round turret is an integral casting, which will increase our cost, so I chose to enlarge the turret from this drawing and add the car body of this drawing. ."

Looking at the drawings of the M8 armored vehicle and the Type 92 armored vehicle that Major Hoffman was holding, Edel realized that the armored vehicle in front of him was really a composite of these two drawings.

After listening to Major Hoffman’s explanation, Edel felt that his previous considerations were a bit too advanced. Thinking that these drawings were all models that were widely used in World War II, Edel felt that he was too impatient, even if it could be built, the estimated price would be high, which would be a burden for the current Romanian army.

Edel figured this out and spoke to Major Hoffman sincerely. "It's true that my expectations are too high, and your changes are reasonable. Just follow your instructions."

Then he learned about the specific data of this armored vehicle, and heard that this armored vehicle can not be afraid of shooting various firearms. Whether it is the Maxim or large-caliber machine guns currently equipped in various countries, there is no way to take this armored vehicle. But it does not mean that it has no weaknesses. This armored vehicle is very afraid of artillery attacks. No matter what kind of artillery, even if it is not directly hit, as long as it falls nearby, it is easy to fall into a crater and become immobile.

These shortcomings have been reflected in previous tests, so this armored vehicle is completely unsuitable for attacking enemies with positions. When chasing the enemy, it is easy to be blocked by the path of destruction. Only when defensive, relying on the advantage of a good road can this armored vehicle play its greatest advantage.

After listening to the explanation of the armored vehicle, Edel knew that this was the result of the poor adaptability of the wheeled armored vehicle to the road. He asked Major Hoffman. "Faced with this situation, do you have any way to solve it?"

"His Royal Highness, I think at present, this type of armored vehicle can only be used in small-scale battles, or urban defense warfare is the best use for it."

Facing Major Hoffman's words, Edel felt he needed to point him in the direction.

"Have you considered replacing the wheels with tracks to improve its terrain adaptability?"

Facing the proposal of the crown prince, Major Hoffman had also thought about it before. The use of tracks can indeed increase the adaptability of the vehicle, but he has seen tracked vehicles move, and the speed is too slow and completely does not meet his requirements for fast rushing.

Major Hoffman spoke out his considerations. "His Royal Highness, I have considered before, but the speed of the track is too slow. It can only run 20 kilometers per hour on the road. If it can reach 15 kilometers in the wild, it is considered fast. And the tracked vehicle parts are relatively slow. It’s easy to go wrong, and maintenance is also a big problem."

After hearing Major Hoffman's words, Edel felt it necessary to reverse his thinking. "Major Hoffman, these problems are actually very easy to solve. The speed of the tracked armored vehicle is too slow, which is not a problem at all. He is at least faster than the infantry, and it can adapt to complex terrain, which provides for its large-scale use. Conditions. At least it can provide mobile firepower for the soldiers on the front line, and its solid armor can also provide cover for them. As for the situation of too many parts for tracked armored vehicles, it is easy to malfunction More maintenance personnel can be arranged. Its maintenance."

After hearing the crown prince’s explanation, Major Hoffman moved a little. Now wheeled armored vehicles are subject to various restrictions that affect their performance. If most of these restrictions on replacing wheels with tracks become non-existent, this will provide conditions for large-scale use.

Thinking of these Major Hoffman said heartily. "I will mainly study the possibility of replacing wheeled armored vehicles with tracks."

Hearing Major Hoffman whose mind was changed by himself, Edel was afraid that he would wait for the tracked armored vehicle to talk about it. "But this kind of armored vehicle is not bad, you can purchase some first. First, familiarize yourself with the method of use, and you can also compile and practice its use of tactics."

"We will first get familiar with the use of this armored vehicle and provide experience for the army's large-scale equipment."

After talking with Major Hoffman, Edel thanked the three technicians in charge of R&D for their hard work. Among them, Wang Chaoqiang's typical oriental face has long attracted his attention, so he specifically asked about their home address during the conversation with the three R&D personnel. When Wang Chaoqiang got the same motherland as his previous life, he also cared about it intentionally. (https://)