The modification of the "Dingyuan" took more than eight months, and according to the design given by Liu Fatzi and others in the 21st century, it underwent a major disembowelment transformation from the inside out. Not only is the exterior unrecognizable, but even the inner structure, it can be said that apart from the original shell, there is hardly much of the original thing left.

All the structures on deck were completely dismantled, and the power system was replaced with new ones except for the two main shafts, including the steam engine, boiler, transmission and propeller. Two Hyundai vertical twin-twin semi-single-flow steam engines, each with a power of up to 10,000 horsepower, and two 1320KW diesel auxiliary engines, two generators, and modern heat pipe boilers are added to ensure a strong power system, which can allow the modified warship to run at a maximum speed of 20 knots.

The internal pipeline valves of the hull have all been replaced with modern high-strength pressure-resistant and corrosion-resistant alloy products, not to mention valves, instrumentation sensors, etc., in addition to adding a full set of electrification facilities, from lighting to ventilation to emergency heating to transfer drive ....... Almost according to the indicators of modern ships, there is a big change of blood.

In the renovation of the hull structure, in addition to re-isolating the original coal-fired reservoir and oil tank according to the power update, making the coal-fired filling simpler and faster, and adding a semi-automatic loading and transmission system, the steel plate protection structure of some main engines and boiler compartments was also improved to ensure that there were no dead ends.

The keel of the battleship has not moved much, and the hull steel plate has been replaced with modern high-strength marine steel, which not only greatly reduces the weight and thickness, but also greatly increases the strength and corrosion resistance. Modern-made case-hardened forged steel armor was added. On the one hand, the thickness is reduced to improve the protection index, and on the other hand, the originally narrow waterline armor belt is extended up and down, expanding the protection area by nearly double.

After completing the renovation. According to the post-World War II measurement standards. The defense capability of the main armor belt of the "Dingyuan" can reach the level of 356mm Krupp armor. The artillery of this era, even if the British "Sovereign-class" battleships bombarded 2,000 meters away with 343mm main guns with armor-piercing shells, it was difficult to penetrate!

The side of the battleship was raised by 2 meters, the two main turrets were removed from the open batteries and the front and rear secondary guns, and then a horizontal deck compartment was extended along the sides of the central armored fort. The bow extends forward by five meters, and the raised freeboard on both sides of the bow effectively protects against waves, at least not allowing the sea to flood the foredeck during fast sailing.

The stern is extended back to increase the bulletproof mechanism for the two rudders. The stern shape of the cruiser was streamlined, and two carrier-based aircraft catapults were added to prepare for the installation of seaplanes in the future.

After the two open batteries plus the front part were neatly cut off, the front main gun mount was opened down in the middle of the bow, the ammunition depot was located in the lower compartment, and a semi-automatic ammunition lifting machine was added. The modern all-enveloping turret mechanism was updated, and two real 45 times diameter 305mm continuous main guns were used to replace the original Krupp frame guns. A new hydraulic air brake and retraction mechanism and an advanced single-tube pitching mechanism, an optical sight and an electrically driven rotation mechanism provide a maximum rate of fire of 2 rounds per minute.

The thickness of the armor of the turret from top to bottom was not less than 14 inches. The ammunition depot is covered with three layers of armor, both inside and outside, to ensure that it is difficult to penetrate from any angle. Of course, there is almost no possibility of zài causing a martyrdom.

Behind the main turret, a box-shaped bridge rises upwards with an armored box, wraps the chimney in the middle, and the mainmast is fused into one, on which a series of advanced equipment such as radar antennas and optical rangefinders are set up. The establishment of a fully enclosed front and rear command tower greatly expands the rest space for command, reconnaissance, daily work, and even the crew on board.

After such a rebirth, the original standard row of the battleship increased sharply from 7,144 tons to 9,200 tons, and the full load displacement could reach 10,835 tons. The length increased from 94.5 to 110.21 meters, the width to 18.5 meters, and the draft to 6.22 meters.

In addition, advanced high-power boilers and propulsion systems can ensure that the range can soar from 4,500 nautical miles to 8,000 nautical miles without increasing the loading capacity of 1,000 tons of coal, and there is no pressure at all from China's northernmost cruising to the waters of the South China Sea.

The overall seaworthiness and stability of the warship have been greatly increased, and it will basically not have the problem of being too easy to capsize in bad sea conditions, but has the physique to sail to the depths of the ocean.

The ship's weapon system has changed dramatically, with a twin 45x diameter 305mm gun at the end, in addition to the twin modern main guns at the front, which is mounted at the end of the main armor box at the back. Under the advanced firing command and control, it is possible to achieve a salvo of four guns at the left and right angles, and it is also possible to strike a single target with a single barrel.

Three single-mounted 152mm turrets were set up on the left and right sides, and eight twin 40mm Bofors guns were installed in the rest of the parts.

In this way, the upper deck structure of the battleship is tall and towering, the armament is uniform, the beauty is up, and the combat effectiveness and performance have increased dramatically. Not to mention that the Western warships of this era cannot be compared, even if it is a dreadnought in another ten years, it may not be weaker.

It can be said that the "Dingyuan" battleship after the completion of the transformation is not just as simple as being reborn, in addition to the keel and the original armored fort, it has actually become another warship that is too advanced.

The whole process of refitting allowed workers from all over China to basically understand the riveting shipbuilding technology of this era, and cultivated a large number of excellent technicians. Under the leadership of Wei Han, the director of naval shipbuilding, they began to produce two 10,000-ton warships by riveting and welding on the basis of the keels produced in the world.

Liu Buyun stared at every step of the battleship's transformation process from beginning to end. Before launching, he and the entire crew thoroughly familiarized themselves with every facility of the battleship. After entering the water, he simply stayed on the ship and refused to come down, eating, sleeping and sleeping unless necessary, stubbornly believing that he should live and die with this powerful warship.

Yang Haiwei couldn't laugh at this, didn't listen to the persuasion, and even told him that he would start building a real battleship of 20,000 tons or 30,000 tons in the future.

Of course, Yang Haiwei can also understand that in fact, in the depths of most of the naval officers of the Beiyang Naval Division, including Liu, there is still a kind of incense for the Qing Dynasty.

The existence of the two ironclad ships in Dingzhen stands like a monument in the depths of their souls, which is a little memorial that this group of officers have left for the object of their loyalty. This is not hypocrisy. It's not that I don't want to go to the Qing Dynasty. It's purely a tribute to the first half of their lives.

Only those who miss the old will not forget their roots, which also makes Yang Haiwei more assured to use them.

The two ships in Dingzhen were recommissioned with other modified warships, as the main force of the Beiyang Fleet, supplemented by armored cruisers such as Jingyuan Laiyuan and five "Weihai-class" frigates, as well as a second-hand freighter converted from the world, to form a new high-speed fleet.

The sea breeze blew fiercely, making the flag on top of the mast dance violently. Liu Buyun was dressed in a spotless white rear admiral's uniform and held a cup of hot coffee in his hand. Looking into the distance from the two-in-one operation room/command room, my face was full of indescribable emotion.

This time, he tried his best to win the command of leading the army, not to show his qualifications and domineering, but to draw a successful end to the past of the Beiyang Naval Division.

The Beiyang Fleet has been in force for ten years, and the results are close to nothing. If it weren't for Yang Haiwei's assistance in the last Sino-Japanese naval battle, what kind of virtue would have been achieved, Liu Buyun and these officers knew very well. Not surprisingly, most of them will be martyred with a fiasco, and if they don't survive, they will be used as scapegoats for losing the war. Shame on posterity.

From the bottom of their hearts, they are grateful for Yang's series of support. But what is even more difficult to let go of is that the Chinese Navy, as a dignified navy, has no real combat exploits at all. Just transferred directly to the new navy with Yang Haiwei as the commander-in-chief, they couldn't pass their own level.

Therefore, the old people of Beiyang led by Liu Buchan made up their minds to fight a real battle after a simple communication, and used victory to announce their farewell to the past and usher in a new life.

Don't say they're hypocritical, everyone has their own persistence and beliefs. Yang Haiwei was able to understand them and approved after careful consideration. Liu Buyun served as the commander of the southward fleet, and all the seven major divisions of the Beiyang Naval Division were dispatched, and they went straight to the East China Sea with a majestic style.

However, they are not here to beat the water dogs, in the distance that they can't see, the powerful fleet formed by the great powers is waiting for them! Among them, the British, who were eager for revenge, even dispatched four battleships of more than 10,000 tons! The Germans dispatched ten battleships, including two "Brandenburg-class" battleships, which were menacing and powerful!

Needless to say, the difference between the two sides is obvious in terms of tonnage or the number of artillery, and it seems to ordinary people that this is simply going to die.

However, Liu Buyun's confidence was undiminished, and he knew very well what kind of terrifying attack power the battleship under his feet had. It is a pity that the last refit of the "Zhenyuan" was not thorough enough, and the main gun force was obviously one grade worse than that of this ship. Otherwise, the two swords will be combined, even if the enemy is like a forest, they will not be afraid!

"Commander, the General Staff has called, the enemy has been informed of the actions of our troops, and the fleet is now being assembled. Heading from Japan to our side, it is expected to meet in the waters directly east of Shanghai in 10 hours and enter visual distance. ”

Jiao Haiqing finished reading the telegram simply, buckled the clip to the side of his leg, and looked at Liu Buyun's back indifferently.

Liu Buyun's body shook slightly, turned around and nodded at him: "Okay!" It seems that our actions have put the pressure on foreigners. Does the General Staff have any further operational instructions? ”

"Nope."

Jiao Hai replied without thinking, and then saw Liu Buyun's face showing a little satisfied expression.

He is traveling as a fleet operations staff officer this time, but he represents the new generation of naval descendants, because he has a glorious resume of studying in Europe, and he is the first batch of young elites who follow Yang Haiwei to learn modern naval knowledge.

However, Jiao Hai has always maintained respect for these seniors, kept his own work, and fulfilled his duties.

This time, although the previous headquarters had made it clear that Liu Buyun was fully responsible, and if he really attacked, Liu still had to maintain a tentative mind. Now that he heard that Jiao Hai knew that the headquarters did not have remote command, the estrangement he had hidden disappeared.

Such trust made them, the old Beiyang people, even more grateful.

Liu Buyun returned to the chart table, his gaze stopped at the place of the enemy fleet for a moment, looked up at Jiao Hai and asked, "In your opinion, what tactics should we adopt?" Frontal or flank-on? ”

Although a variety of tactics were drawn up before the war, the situation on the battlefield was rapidly changing and it was impossible to fully grasp it. Adaptation is crucial.

According to the initial speculation of the General Staff. Once the allied forces of the Great Powers learned that the ships stationed in Shanghai were threatened. Inevitably, the battleships that had sailed to Japan before would be transferred to the rescue. It's just that the opponent's movement speed and travel strategy need to be detected during the operation and adjust their own tactical strategy.

Today's Beiyang Fleet has radar, a super invincible cheat, which can detect the enemy first and maneuver in place in advance, so as to ensure that it always occupies the initiative. All they need to care about is how to fight.

Jiao Hai immediately replied: "The enemy army has learned that our detection capability is beyond its estimate, and it will definitely not be careless to disperse during the march. It should also be known that the main gun update of the 'Zhenyuan' and the speed advantage of each battleship may rely on its numerical superiority to imminently kill. And the number of capital ships of our army is insufficient. It's not the best idea to dwell on it for a long time. It should be made clear by a strong blow that it will pay a heavy price if it wants to annihilate our army. ”

"So you think you should attack head-on?"

Liu Buyun showed a hint of surprise, he originally thought that this young staff would adopt a strategy of being a little safer, but he didn't expect it to be so radical.

Jiao Hai nodded calmly: "Yes." Break through the enemy with the power of thunder, so that they will understand our bloody heart. Foreigners have always used monetary gain as the basis for waging wars, and most of them will not continue to take risks if they feel that it is not cost-effective. After this defeat, they will not act rashly until they are completely sure. ”

Liu Buyun's brows furrowed, and his face showed a rigid expression. Said categorically: "Okay! As you say, we're going to hit it head-on! ”

The huge fleet slowly changed formation. The two ironclad ships were separated from the left and right, wrapping the weakly armored cruiser frigate inside, and the whole moved forward at a constant speed of sixteen knots.

In the East China Sea, north of the Men and Women Islands, the fleets of the allied forces of various countries traveled mightily, and the billowing black smoke from the thick chimneys rendered a pollution belt that was more than ten miles long.

With British and German warships as the main force and a small number of French, Russian, and Italian fleets as auxiliaries, a total of more than 20 warships were divided into two columns, about 10 kilometers apart from each other, and marched side by side.

This was a powerful new force that was transferred from the mainland or other colonies immediately after the destruction of Britain's "Chinese fleet". After knowing that Yang Hao didn't care about the threat of his powerful national strength, the countries also died of the desire to achieve their goals through diplomatic intimidation. Feeling humiliated by their dignity, they demanded severe punishment from their respective militaries.

Because he was afraid of the strength of the Yang Clan's secret army, during the transfer of troops from various countries, he did not dare to dock the warship directly to the Chinese port, in case it was suddenly blocked in it and sunk by a cannon, and there was no place to cry.

In the first period, he oppressed Yang's capital through commercial means and restrained his energy, and then worked overtime to accumulate strength.

As early as last year, the British discovered that the Japanese army actually had such combat effectiveness, and they were willing to support it into a mad dog to bite the enemy in the Far East.

The Japanese Government is very grateful and satisfied that the foreign powers were willing to stop their warships at their own military ports. While vigorously providing all-round hospitality, they are also cautiously offering more loans to purchase advanced industrial equipment from various countries and expand their ability to build ships.

Thinking that it may not be smooth in a short period of time, Britain and Germany and other countries have agreed.

Now, the fleets of various countries have been fully repaired and replenished, and all the officers and men have enjoyed enough of the service of the Japanese ladies, and they can finally enter the battle with confidence. Even if the Chinese navy does not go south, they will fight before the end of the month.

The combined fleet of countries was named after the Englishman Edward. Vice Admiral Seymour, commander-in-chief, with the battleship "Counterattack" as the flagship, opened up in a very surprising posture.

In order to ensure overwhelming superiority over the Chinese navy, fully demonstrate its great power, and completely deter the enemy in the east, the British made a bloody investment this time. Two "Sovereign-class" battleships, supplemented by two "Nile-class" battleships, four behemoths with a displacement of more than 10,000 tons, and 16 powerful 343mm guns, I believe they will be able to impress the enemy in the east.

Of course, the British don't mind flexing their muscles at the same time against other European rivals who are trying to challenge their hegemony. Right now, Vice Admiral Seymour looked proudly from the towering command tower of other countries' warships, as if he could feel the burning gaze of the other party's envy, jealousy and hatred, and the indescribable satisfaction and pride in his heart.

Among all the warships of other countries, only the German "Brandenburg class" is decent, but its small body with a full load of 10,000 tons is a big difference compared to the full load displacement of 15,580 tons of the "Sovereign class"! The Germans' 280mm main gun and 105mm secondary gun were inferior to their own in terms of caliber and quantity. Of course, the range and armor-piercing capabilities of the Germans' formidable 40x body barrel were still awe-inspiring.

Dispatching such a powerful warship to the Far East to scare people, Vice Admiral Seymour felt that it was simply a knife killing. No matter how the Chinese modify, the bottom of the two ships of Dingyuan and Zhenyuan is there, and it is impossible to add even one more main gun. Its armor seemed thick to the Japanese, but under the deterrence of the British 30 times the diameter of the 343mm main gun, it was not enough to see. The ability to penetrate 711mm wrought iron armor at a distance of 914 meters is enough to be proud of it!

On the other side, in the well-defined fleet, the German Oriental Fleet Dietrich looked at the beautiful works of the British from a distance, and he was really unhappy. He cursed in a low voice not without malice: "God bless the damned Brit for crashing headfirst into the Chinese's cannon!" ”

No matter how hard Germany tried, it seemed that there was no hope of winning the British in the naval competition. "Monarch-level" such a guy actually made eight at once, not only because of the extra money, but also a ruthless mockery of other countries! (To be continued......)