Chapter 93

"Indeed, due to the failure of replicating the 8V331TC41, the higher-ups finally realized that relying solely on reverse engineering is not feasible. We can replicate the appearance of the engine and its components, but the Germans will not provide us with any information about the materials and manufacturing processes. However, the modernization of the military is imperative. After the failure of replicating the 8V331TC41, and considering the current state of our domestic internal combustion engine industry, it was determined that developing a new high-power military diesel engine within a short period is not realistic. Therefore, the Ministry of Ordnance and relevant factories and research institutes, after multiple discussions, decided to introduce high-performance diesel engines from abroad that can be used for both military and civilian purposes.

During class, our teacher once told us that around the end of 1980 and the beginning of 1981, the state organized several delegations to go abroad for inspections. They visited the ANDS-790 tank diesel engine of British Teldar Company, the CV12TCA tank diesel engine of British Rolls-Royce Engine Company, as well as related diesel engine enterprises in France and Germany. After a series of comparisons, it was finally decided that the technology of Germany's MTU company best met our requirements.

The reason is that MTU's military and civilian diesel engines are produced and assembled on the same production line, meaning that the main technology of MTU diesel engines is universal. Ultimately, our country decided to introduce MTU's 396-03 series diesel engines. This 396 series diesel engine was developed by increasing the stroke of the 331 series diesel engine. It is also one of the most advanced military and civilian diesel engines of MTU at that time, widely used in various ships, large-tonnage mining dump trucks, oilfield machinery, railway locomotives, construction machinery, power generation equipment, and even special vehicles. Its technology and overall performance are also at an advanced level internationally. After the inspection, we were basically satisfied with the performance of MTU's 396 series engines..."

"Go on, go on..." Li Xueshan was engrossed in listening. What Chen Geng said was not confidential, but he found it very interesting. If not for the person involved telling others, no one would ever know. Li Xueshan's interest was fully piqued, and he was not willing to let Chen Geng stop.

"Alright," Chen Geng confirmed again that what he was saying was not confidential before continuing: "The 396-03 series diesel engine adopted a modular design concept from the beginning. The basic form and layout remain unchanged, all being water-cooled, four-stroke, turbocharged, intercooled, direct-injection diesel engines. All cylinders are arranged in a V-shape with a 90-degree angle between them. However, the number of cylinders can be flexibly arranged according to different requirements, with 6, 8, 12, and 16 cylinder configurations available. Depending on the cylinder configuration, the power ranges from 345 kW to 1920 kW. However, the cylinder diameter is always 165 mm, and the piston stroke is always 185 mm. But the teacher didn't tell us which specific configuration or configurations our country chose..."

Li Xueshan nodded, not only without getting angry but also feeling that Chen Geng's teacher was very politically aware and cautious about confidentiality. It was fine to talk about the German engines and the interesting stories during the introduction process, to let students understand the gap between our country and the world's advanced level. However, the specific engine or engines chosen by our country, which relate to national defense, should not be disclosed.

Nodding, Li Xueshan gestured for Chen Geng to continue: "You mentioned that you helped translate some of the materials, right? Talk about that part, yes, just say what you can."

"That was after the return from Germany," Chen Geng said, thinking for a moment before continuing: "After returning from Germany, which was last year, the 396 Engine Group was established under the leadership of the First Bureau of the Ministry of Ordnance. They began a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the domestic market. The 396 Engine Group visited six major systems, 77 industrial enterprises, research institutes, and management institutions across the country, gaining a comprehensive understanding of domestic demand and market trends.

After the investigation, the Ministry of Ordnance organized experts to conduct comparative arguments, concluding that introducing Germany's MTU 396 series diesel engines as a dual-use diesel engine for both military and civilian purposes was the most suitable for our current situation. In March of last year, the Ministry of Ordnance submitted a project proposal to the central government to introduce the German MTU 396 series diesel engines.

During the time when the 396 Engine Group was conducting investigations and awaiting central approval, the Ministry of Ordnance also organized a group of people who understood German, engines, and vehicle-related technologies to translate some of the materials brought back from Germany's MTU company. My teacher knew that I had learned some German and engine-related vocabulary from German experts in the Pusang project group, so he recommended me to the group, and I went to help for a while... I helped for more than three months."

Although Li Xueshan did not ask, Chen Geng was very clear that he needed to explain why he knew about this matter and why he knew it in such detail, as this was a very serious matter.

Not only that, but Chen Geng also had some knowledge of the subsequent work on the introduction of the 396 series engines. For example, it wasn't until December of last year that the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Science and Technology Commission formally approved the 396 Engine Group to organize negotiations and sign agreements with Germany's MTU company for the introduction of the 396 series engines.

After the approval from the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Science and Technology Commission, for some unknown reason, it wasn't until July of this year, just before Chen Geng's graduation, that the 396 Engine Group organized a team, including relevant leaders and technical personnel from Shan Chai, to go to Germany for formal inspections and negotiations with MTU company.

On the eve of the trip to Germany, due to Chen Geng's excellent performance in translating materials last year, his teacher recommended him to go to Germany as a professional translator. However, at that time, Chen Geng was having a disagreement with his father, Chen Hongjun, and was stubbornly refusing to return to the Third Military Equipment Repair Factory of the East China Military Region. He politely declined his teacher's offer, which he now regrets.

After Chen Geng explained the entire process, Li Xueshan felt relieved: "Since you were involved in the translation of the MTU 396 series engine materials and know about the introduction of the 396 series engines, I understand. Since you have participated in such confidential activities before, I won't remind you of anything. Just remember one thing: confidentiality! This time, you are going to Germany as a German and technical vocabulary translator. Say what you can, and never say what you shouldn't."

"Yes!" Chen Geng stood at attention and said loudly, "Please rest assured, Commander. I will strictly adhere to the confidentiality rules and say what I should and never say what I shouldn't!"

"Very good," Li Xueshan nodded in satisfaction, thought for a moment, and added, "Remember to tell your family so they don't worry."

"Yes!" After saluting, Chen Geng suddenly remembered something about Jindler and quickly said, "Commander, there's one more thing I need your help with..."

"Hmm... Go on," Li Xueshan nodded.

"It's like this..." Chen Geng explained that Jindler's father was a World War II veteran who had always wanted to collect a World War II-era BMW.

In the future, many military enthusiasts and motorcycle enthusiasts know that the Changjiang 750 is a replica of the BMW, but in this era, few people know the relationship between the Changjiang 750 and BMW. Li Xueshan, clearly not one of them, asked curiously, "What does this BMW have to do with our Changjiang 750?"

"They are indeed related. During World War II, the Soviet Union obtained a batch of BMWs through special channels. Stalin believed that the BMW was an excellent means of battlefield mobility, so he ordered the military industry to reverse engineer it, resulting in the Soviet Ural M72. Later, after our country established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union, we obtained the complete production technology of this motorcycle from the Soviet Union, which was named Changjiang 750. Therefore, in terms of appearance, overall structure, and engine structure, the Changjiang 750 and BMW are almost indistinguishable," Chen Geng explained to Li Xueshan.

"Ah, I see..." Li Xueshan was relieved.

Chen Geng added, "Jindler said he is willing to pay for the motorcycle, but I'm not sure about our policies, so I didn't promise him. I just wanted to ask for him."

It's just a motorcycle, Li Xueshan didn't think much of it. He waved his hand and said, "Why talk about money? I'll write a note to the logistics department, and they can give the motorcycle to him."

"Is that... appropriate?" Chen Geng felt a bit embarrassed.

"There's nothing inappropriate about it," Li Xueshan didn't think it was a big deal. "We are giving him the motorcycle to thank the German friend for their help, as a symbol of friendship between our two countries. Who could say anything about it? Wait a moment, I'll write you a note."

Although Li Xueshan didn't have direct control over the logistics department, a motorcycle was a small matter. Considering the significant financial contribution Jindler had made to the East China Military Region, a motorcycle was nothing. No one would argue over such a small matter with Li Xueshan.

"Then... what if I need more motorcycles in the future?" Chen Geng asked cautiously.

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"Then, what if I need more motorcycles in the future?" Chen Geng asked cautiously.