"Your Highness, while we have embarked on research regarding oil boilers and steam turbines, we have yet to achieve any groundbreaking advancements. Furthermore, our experience in this area is lacking. The battleships previously constructed utilized coal-fired boilers and triple-expansion reciprocating steam engines. To hastily adopt oil boilers and steam turbines may jeopardize both performance and reliability," expressed Chief Engineer Bruckner of the Naval Technical Committee.
"Indeed, oil boilers and steam turbines are novel innovations. However, we cannot dismiss their potential merely due to their novelty. The British have already experimented with steam turbines on large warships, achieving commendable results. This suggests that steam turbines outperform triple-expansion reciprocating steam engines and may represent the future of naval development. Even if we lack experience, we can commence research and experimentation in this field. I firmly believe that with the technological prowess of the German Empire, breakthroughs in this area are entirely feasible. We must ensure that we do not lag too far behind the British," Qin Tian asserted.
"Oscar, if we opt for oil boilers, does that not imply we will consume vast quantities of heavy oil? Germany is indeed deficient in petroleum. Should war break out and our overseas oil supply lines be severed, the consequences would be dire. Thus, I contend that coal-fired boilers would be a wiser choice," interjected Crown Prince Wilhelm, seemingly oblivious to his earlier claim that he had come only with his eyes and ears.
"Oil boilers present significant advantages over coal-fired counterparts. Although Germany lacks oil, we can stockpile as much as possible before the war. This way, once conflict ensues, we will have sufficient oil reserves. If our navy can defeat the British in naval engagements and break their blockade, all other concerns will be rendered moot," Qin Tian replied.
He recognized that there were indeed some oil fields within Germany, albeit with limited output and considerable extraction difficulties. Given the current technological constraints, large-scale extraction was challenging. Thus, amassing sufficient oil reserves before the war emerged as the most viable solution. After all, if the German navy prevailed, all issues would naturally resolve themselves; conversely, if they were defeated, the matter would lose all significance.
"Your Highness, what are your thoughts on the battleship designed by Prince Oscar?" asked Grand Admiral Tirpitz.
"Your Excellency, it appears to be a remarkably formidable battleship, excelling in both performance and combat capability. Should we possess such a vessel, the strength of the High Seas Fleet would be significantly enhanced," replied Prince Heinrich, Commander of the High Seas Fleet.
Grand Admiral Tirpitz nodded, fully aware of the gap between the German and British navies. He recognized that to conquer the British navy, the German navy must eschew conventional methods. However, the current reluctance among the experts of the Naval Technical Committee regarding Qin Tian's design made the realization of his vision exceedingly challenging.
Of course, if Kaiser Wilhelm II and Grand Admiral Tirpitz utilized their influence to forcibly advance the construction of the new battleship, others would have no choice but to acquiesce. Yet, such an action would gravely undermine the traditions and regulations of the German navy, leading to a series of ensuing complications.
"Your Excellency, are there solutions to the novel aspects within Prince Oscar's design?" Prince Heinrich inquired.
If a member of the royal family could emerge as an exceptional naval ship designer, it would undoubtedly be a point of pride for the monarchy, a sentiment Prince Heinrich would readily endorse.
"There are challenges, yet if we concentrate our efforts on public relations, the issues should not prove insurmountable," Grand Admiral Tirpitz replied.
"Then the next steps hinge upon the decisions made by the Naval Technical Committee," Prince Heinrich sighed.
"Esteemed experts, do any of you harbor further doubts?" Count von Warren queried.
"Your Highness, I have observed that the main artillery in your design features a 305mm gun. However, we currently possess only the antiquated 305mm guns, which lack substantial power and range, coupled with a low rate of fire. Overall, their performance falls short of Krupp's 280mm 45-caliber cannon. Therefore, I propose that we consider employing the 280mm Krupp gun instead," suggested Brigadier General Gusard.
"While the 280mm Krupp gun indeed boasts commendable performance, its smaller caliber significantly hinders the projectile's armor-piercing capabilities. Confronted with an enemy's heavily armored battleship, we would face considerable limitations. Given Krupp's capabilities, expediting the development of a 305mm gun should pose no challenge. As I understand it, the British have already widely adopted the 305mm gun and are even developing larger 343mm guns. In terms of main gun caliber, we are considerably lagging behind the British," Qin Tian countered.
"No, we cannot allow Oscar to proceed any further; otherwise, those experts might be swayed by his arguments," Crown Prince Wilhelm thought anxiously.
"Ladies and gentlemen, time is of the essence. Prince Oscar has addressed your inquiries. Are you ready to reach a conclusion?" Crown Prince Wilhelm asked with a beaming smile.
The experts of the Naval Technical Committee began to deliberate.
"My apologies, Your Highness, but I believe we should exercise greater caution; your design is rather audacious," Sir Dietrich remarked.
"Your Highness's design incorporates numerous new technologies, many of which we have yet to master. Furthermore, there is no concrete evidence demonstrating the superiority of heavy artillery. Thus, I believe this design warrants further scrutiny," Bruckner added, voicing his opposition to Qin Tian's proposal.
Subsequently, the other experts echoed their dissenting opinions, with none supporting Qin Tian's design.
"Your Highness, the consensus within the Naval Technical Committee is evident: while your design may hold merit, it is unsuitable given the current circumstances and cannot be approved at this time," asserted Count von Warren, chairman of the Naval Technical Committee.
"Oscar, do not lose heart; although your design has been rejected, you are still young and will have ample opportunities in the future," Crown Prince Wilhelm comforted. Yet, Qin Tian discerned a barely concealed glee in his eyes.