After all, the operating cost of the KN-2000+ per hour is not much cheaper than that of the F-16. No wonder the elites are always thinking about retiring this thing, but the army just won't agree.
Among Soviet-made attack aircraft, let's not even talk about the Su-25. The MiG-27 with its variable-sweep wings is also cheaper than the Warthog, but its crash rate is a bit higher in India's hands. Even though it's relatively cheaper, the market isn't very large.
Therefore, Xia Yu had the motivation to modify the A-10 into a two-seat version, which the MiG-27 completely ignored, and even its design blueprint, the MiG-23B ground attack variant, was ignored as well.
Visiting his private museum is fine; I'd rather not operate it to the public.
"Mr. Ellison, attack aircraft only require slightly less skill from pilots than fighter jets. If there were a piece of equipment that would allow you to easily enjoy the thrill of unleashing firepower even at 90, would you rather invest in it outright or pay a high price to lease it?"
Xia Yu glanced at the time and began conducting final market research.
No matter how good one's physical condition is, a subsonic attack aircraft can only be used until the age of 80.
Reaching 90 years old and having diarrhea is a minor issue; a zero electrocardiogram is a major issue. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to start a health regimen.
"Hehehe, I get what you mean, AC-130, right? This thing may not be fast, but it's really cool!"
Let the A-10B, AC-130H, and F-14D appear on the same stage and blew the rich guys' money out of them.
Yes, with the continuous military investment over the past two years, the frequency of the Busa military's use of transport aircraft has also increased accordingly.
Larry displayed the composure and domineering presence of an ultra-wealthy person when spending money like water.
Larry smiled knowingly.
"Our business is small; we don't even earn as much as Mr. Ellison's assets increase every year."
Yeah, what's wrong with parking one more private jet in the hangar? It's only fifty or sixty million dollars.
Xia Yu thought to himself, "That's good, this deal is doable."
Overloading has put an unbearable strain on the already aging C-130H, forcing them to borrow C-160s from Jihuo Defense to make up for the lack of transport capacity.
You can't even buy half a yacht for 50 or 60 million, but you can own a custom-made gunship.
Xia Yu's job is to get goods at low prices, modify them, and then sell them.
It's not a big deal in the short term, but it's not a long-term solution either. Upgrading the transport aircraft squadron is a hurdle that Busa must overcome.
"I also dreamed of owning an AC-130, but it's too cumbersome compared to fighter jets and attack aircraft. You need a dedicated gun crew just for that 105mm howitzer, and the four-engine model is troublesome to maintain."
Xia Yu summarized the situation in detail and proposed a new solution.
"Let's keep it in 20 years, then we can do a magnesium-themed project."
"Now that you mention it, I'd like to give it a try. The crew can be kept to five people, and all the weapons can be operated by one person. The price is less than that of a Gulfstream G650. I wouldn't mind having another private jet."
Of course, before taking action, he needs to conduct market research to determine whether to operate independently or to manage the business after the sale.
Moreover, this time we need to buy new transport planes, the kind that can fly for thirty to fifty years straight.
Larry is willing to spend two or three million to enjoy an afternoon of fun, and then bring over all the supercars he's driven to the point of being scrapped over the years to use as target practice vehicles. How interesting would that be?
"I see. The AC-130's crew is too bloated, and the four-engine platform isn't very buyer-friendly. So, Mr. Ellison, are you interested in a highly integrated mini gunship that uses an easier-to-maintain twin-engine platform?"
Gunships are unique weapons for crushing weaker opponents. Portable anti-aircraft missiles may require multiple rounds of concentrated fire, while those old and outdated heavy-duty missiles can kill with a single shot from Old Sam.
And this is just the first source of income; maintenance, crew members, and ammunition resupply after the purchase will provide a continuous stream of revenue.
Then it can be repaired and converted into an AC-130H model.
Larry chatted fluently with Xia Yu.
So when the Busa Air Force complained that their C-130H was becoming increasingly difficult to use due to its age, an idea popped into Xia Yu's mind:
That means why not take this opportunity to push their transport aircraft squadron to upgrade, retiring this C-130H and purchasing two lower-spec Y-8s?
Xia Yu said without much thought.
If there's not enough money, we'll take out a loan, using Kong Lujia's fiscal revenue for the next few years as collateral. As for the retired C-130H, it can also recoup some costs; Xia Yu is willing to take it over at a friendly price of $3 million.
Xia Yu said modestly.
Old Larry was itching to get started after Xia Yu's suggestion, but the guy didn't care about putting out the fire; he could only urge him to work overtime to deliver the goods.
This is also a major reason why Xia Yu has never introduced the AC-130.
It's not that he can't afford to hire people; he simply prefers weapons and equipment with a higher degree of automation.
He didn't want a sitting duck in the sky; even losing just one engine to a portable anti-aircraft missile would be a huge problem.
I've only heard that Russia had the idea of modifying gunships using the An-12 platform. The Germans didn't say anything, and neither did the French, so there was no original AC-160.
Regarding the specific number, he needs to gather more data, but he should be able to sell 5 to 10 units because the price is really cheap.
Even after modification and the addition of long guns and short cannons, the price is only around 15 million. After deducting costs, each aircraft yields a profit of 2 to 3 times.
If you want to have a really good time, the average cost per use is one to two million, which is basically 50% of renting an AC-130H. The more you use it, the more you save.
The mini gunship he referred to is actually the AC-160, a gunship aircraft modified from the C-160 platform.
Larry could roughly see the profits on Xia Yu's books, but he still underestimated the cheating players; the net profit was at least 1 billion.
If the French won't sell, he can still find the Germans; the unit price for bulk purchases of the old C-160s can be reduced to less than 8 million.
Of course, Xia Yu also made a considerable amount of money.
“You know how to do business. The revenue from such a themed event is probably at least 1 billion.”
"Therefore, I prefer the experience of consuming gunships rather than buying and owning them."
"You said the AC-160 isn't urgent, but it would be better to launch the AC-130 as soon as possible."
There's potential to develop a civilian market; there are quite a few people around the world who like this thing.
Larry's personal net worth increases by more than 10 billion every year, while the combined revenue of all of Firepower Defense's businesses is indeed not enough to reach 10 billion annually.
"There will come a day when your industry is different from ours in the IT world."
He offered words of comfort to Xia Yu, but his words carried a deeper meaning.
Private military contractors are indeed different from ordinary industries. At least Xia Yu's name will not appear on any rich list. Everyone can only estimate his net worth based on the size and strength of Jihuo Defense.
"Hopefully. It's almost time. Captain Ellison, please go back to your room to change into your captain's uniform for the opening ceremony in two hours."
Xia Yu said, looking at the crowd gradually gathering on the beach.
"You're right, I, the captain, won't be able to board the carrier-based aircraft until this afternoon, and I still have to give a speech for you this morning."
Larry was always in the limelight, but he still complained about it, clearly forgetting who had made the call.
"Splash splash"
Soon, the sound of helicopter rotors began to blare frequently, and people were continuously being transported directly from the airport and the tank museum to the São Paulo.
Yevgeny also traveled from Zhongfei to Guo in his Legacy 600. He remembered the first time he met Xia Yu, who said he wanted to build the best aircraft carrier restaurant. Who would have thought that a few years later, he would actually make it happen.
After jumping out of the Super Hornet's cargo hold, Old Yev scratched his bald head and strode towards Xia Yu, who was entertaining guests on the island superstructure.
"Sherlock, it's been a long time! I haven't thanked you yet for helping me pull those people away last time!"
He stepped forward and greeted them.
Transporting goods from Libya to Chungfi by land is too difficult, and Gna only has one Il-76 in Afika, requiring several trips even with mixed cargo and passengers.
Fortunately, the C-160 from Jihuo Defense was available. After delivering supplies to Hans and his team in Nizhiliya, it flew to Libya to help transport personnel and equipment.
“It’s been a while. Getting people to come is a small matter. The person who should be thanking you for coming today is me.”
Stay in touch, visit each other often and offer small favors, so that you can ask for help when it really matters.
Given Old Ye's relationship with that person, Xia Yu will need his help a lot!
"Let's not talk about that anymore, let's have a good drink tonight."
"Okay, I'll treat you to authentic Chinese food and the best Moutai."
Xia Yu readily agreed.
Battlefield rations prioritize a balanced diet to replenish energy, with taste being a secondary consideration.
A luxurious Chinese restaurant that can be opened on an aircraft carrier is all about elaborate dishes that are visually appealing, fragrant, and delicious, designed to satisfy the guests in the more than 20 suites.
Both are authentic, but the budget and dining environment are different.
As for Moutai from different years, it is the restaurant's main source of profit, with a premium of several hundred percent over the domestic price.
"Then I'll wait, you go ahead and get busy!"
Upon seeing a general named Su Dan, Old Ye Fu said a few words to Xia Yu and then went over to greet him.
In addition to his businesses with Libya and Chungfei, he also wanted to develop Sudan's business, such as providing training services for the government army.
Having a large number of retired non-commissioned officers, this backbone of grassroots command not only ensures Grenfell's combat effectiveness but also allows them to take on numerous regular army training contracts.
Their ability to conduct concentrated fire defense at the battalion level is far inferior to theirs, but the differentiation in their business focus also avoids competition.
The vast city of Afica has endless contracts, and the next phase of Jihuo Defense's development direction is to expand beyond Afica, capture overseas orders, and promote the development of its European and Asian branches.
Afica, on the other hand, shifted its focus to promoting the development of the private museum market, while the Sahel region took a supporting role in combating illegal activities.
As for the al-Shabaab party, which Xia Yu has been following closely, it's definitely out of the running this year. Let's see how it goes in 2019. Maybe we can get Kenniya and the African Union to make some moves and give them a good beating.
Since no one is paying the bill, the concentrated fire defense team certainly can't fight for free, after all, the cost of deploying all personnel is quite high.
Before he rolls off to the Sahel to eat sand, the most important thing is to get his treasure trove sorted out first.
"Calling the fennec fox, this is the weasel, what's the situation on the ground?"
Xia Yu contacted Lao Ke via radio.
"No problems have been found so far. Tourists completed their initial security checks before entering the beach area."
Christian replied immediately.
The first security checkpoint serves to limit the flow of people. Black Point Pier can only accommodate a maximum of 10,000 people. Once it is full, only one person can leave before another can enter.
Furthermore, ensuring on-site safety is paramount. The secondary security check upon boarding is even more stringent to ensure that nothing that shouldn't be there appears on the São Paulo.
As for how many of the 10,000 people expected to visit the ship, Xia Yu could only say that 5,000 tickets had already been reserved, and with the tickets sold on-site, today's ticket revenue would be several hundred thousand yuan.
It may seem like a small amount, but the value-added services excluding admission tickets are the main source of revenue for the aircraft carrier museum.
Although there were no anti-ship or air combat activities scheduled for today, the regular fighter jet experience sold out for all afternoon flights. The air defense sector was even more popular, with the only affordable option for ordinary people being a four-shot cannonball magazine.
Around 10 a.m., Paul, Mr. and Mrs. Huang, Liv and Xiaoyouzi arrived at the scene by shuttle boat.
After they arrived, most of the expected guests had already arrived. They went from the flight deck to the VIP area on the beach to wait for the opening ceremony to officially begin.
"I hereby declare the Afica War Museum, the St. Paul Maritime Branch, officially open! Fire a salute and cut the ribbon!"
Xia Yu stood on the podium and announced directly.
"Knock knock knock knock"
The twin 128mm and twin 88mm anti-aircraft guns, loaded with custom-made ceremonial cannon shells, emitted a deafening roar.
He, the mayor of São Paulo, the Minister of Defense, Paul, Larry the Elder, Anca the Elder... all cut the ribbon together.
It's open for business now.
Tens of thousands of tourists were somewhat confused about Xia Yu's rhythm, but the roar of fighter jets came from afar.
It was the Ghost Squadron trailing colorful smoke. They flew in from the horizon, performing all sorts of cool stunts. As they flew to the five-sided plane to prepare for landing, the Pivot Squadron followed closely behind.
The São Paulo emptied its hangar last night, and all its aircraft were transferred to Pointe-Noire Airport.
It's all for today's opening performance. During the daytime opening, the fireworks are too dim to see, so we can only use colored smoke.
However, the appearance of Phantom, Fulcrum, and Super Etendard in turn is still quite impressive, because it is difficult for anyone to put together carrier-based aircraft from three different countries.
"Look, what kind of fighter jet is that?"
The fourth group consisted of only one airplane, its chubby fuselage as light as a hawk.
"It's a sea harrier from England!"
Alvin piloted the Guardian Company's meritorious Harrier down to the flight deck of the St. Paul.
This brings together four types of carrier-based aircraft from four different countries, which is quite impressive, but these are just jet fighters.
"Buzz"
One by one, the World War II-era electric fans arrived: the F-4U Corsair, the F-6F Hellcat, the Seahurricane, and the B-25 appeared in turn, until the very last one.
"Woo"
A Stuka painted with the Iron Cross swooped in with a death whistle playing in the background. The pilot, Carl, who had been sponsored by Red Bull, pulled up the nose and flew low over the flight deck of the São Paulo.
"Buzz"
The action of continuing to skim over the dense crowd of people on the beach ignited the emotions of everyone present.
Paul, holding the little grapefruit, had a wide grin on his face, but his eyes were unknowingly getting wet.
That's wonderful! He had been looking forward to this moment and thought he would never see it. Xia Yu fulfilled this wish for him before he left this world.
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