In naval warfare, a larger caliber of main guns undoubtedly provides a distinct advantage. Qin Tian hopes that Miss Beta Krupp, along with future leaders of the Krupp Company, will grasp this fact and intensify research on large-caliber artillery, ensuring that Germany no longer lags behind the British in this critical area.
Germany's naval forces have indeed been at a disadvantage regarding main gun caliber, facing British 305mm, 343mm, and 381mm guns with their own 280mm, 305mm, and 380mm artillery. Despite the superior quality of German military technology allowing their navy to hold its own against the British even with smaller calibers, and even gaining an advantage due to issues with British shell fuzes, it is clear that had Germany's main guns been competitive from the outset, they would have had a greater chance of success.
At this moment, Qin Tian is determined to propel the rapid development of German military technology through his own efforts, aiming to provide Germany with a better chance in future conflicts.
"May Miss Krupp honor her commitment to expedite the development of large-caliber artillery," he mused as he settled into the car for his return journey. While Miss Beta Krupp is undoubtedly a remarkable businesswoman, she still lacks the decisive boldness necessary for such endeavors. It is regrettable that Gustav has yet to marry into the Krupp family; partnering with him would likely result in fewer complications. As a visionary leader capable of elevating the Krupp military empire to new heights, Gustav would be invaluable.
Qin Tian has given the Krupp Company two years to develop the new large-caliber artillery. The expansion of the Deutsche Schiffbau AG will not be completed until the latter half of the year, at which point construction of the Nassau-class battleships will commence. For a shipyard with no prior experience in battleship construction, two years should suffice for the Nassau-class vessels to be launched. By that time, the large-caliber guns developed by Krupp will be ready for installation.
An exceptional battleship must achieve a balance between speed, firepower, and defense. Overemphasizing any single aspect will invariably detract from the overall performance of the vessel.
With armor and main guns entrusted to the Krupp Company, the issues of defense and firepower for the Nassau-class battleship should be effectively resolved, provided that Krupp fulfills its commitments and does not falter at critical junctures.
The remaining factor is speed, determined directly by the battleship's propulsion system.
Qin Tian's design for the Nassau-class battleship employs a combination of oil-fired boilers and steam turbines. This configuration will optimize the ship's power output, granting the battleship greater strength, speed, and endurance.
In terms of steam turbines, Qin Tian has already sent representatives to the United States to procure the necessary technology from Curtis. Currently, Curtis's steam turbines have not received significant attention, resulting in poor business for the company, which is now on the brink of bankruptcy—an ideal time for acquisition. Faced with a purchase offer from Germany, Curtis has no choice but to accept.
Once the full suite of relevant technologies is secured, assembling German engineers to develop even more powerful steam turbines will be straightforward.
As for the oil-fired boilers, Qin Tian has turned to the leading manufacturer of naval boilers in Germany, Sulzer Boiler Company, to conduct the research. Oil-fired boilers outperform coal-fired ones significantly, and storing oil aboard ships is far more convenient than managing coal.
Despite Germany's oil scarcity, its boiler manufacturers possess technological expertise in oil-fired boilers, though these solutions are not well-suited to Germany's circumstances. Historically, most boilers produced have been coal-fired due to the abundant coal resources in the Ruhr region, alleviating concerns about potential shortages in wartime.
Qin Tian placed an order for 48 oil-fired boilers with Sulzer Boiler Company, which greatly excited them. The profit from 48 boilers is substantial, and even with the need for investment in critical technological developments, this poses no significant burden for Sulzer.
Moreover, Qin Tian assured that the order for 48 boilers is merely the first batch, with future purchases from the Deutsche Schiffbau AG expected to be even larger. He also urged Sulzer Boiler Company to invest more in research and development to produce higher-performance boilers.
As battleships grow in size, their armor will become thicker, and the weight of their main guns will increase. In such circumstances, a more powerful boiler and steam turbine are essential to maintain speed; otherwise, the battleship's velocity will suffer significantly.
In practical combat, this could result in an inability to chase down enemy ships or evade their pursuits, a nearly fatal situation.
Sulzer Boiler Company readily agreed to Qin Tian's requirements, eager to secure a cooperative agreement with such a significant client as Deutsche Schiffbau AG for greater profits.
By the end of January 1905, Qin Tian departed Berlin for Augsburg in Bavaria, with the goal of recruiting a technological expert to join his new company.
Indeed, Qin Tian now intends to establish his own enterprise, aptly named the Deutsche Power Manufacturing Company. This company's primary products will encompass various engines, including automotive engines, naval steam turbines, aircraft engines, and submarine diesel engines.
Although the company has been registered and personnel recruitment has begun, it currently lacks a formidable technical expert. Consequently, Qin Tian has set his sights on Rudolf Diesel, the father of the diesel engine.
As the inventor of the diesel engine, Diesel is undoubtedly a genius. His invention represents a monumental leap forward in engine technology. If he were to join Qin Tian's company, it would significantly enhance Qin Tian's achievements in diesel engine technology—critical for future tank engines and submarine propulsion.
Additionally, Qin Tian aims to save Diesel, ensuring that this brilliant mind does not leave the world too soon.