Chapter Twenty-Three Engineering Challenges

The four engineers look back and forth at each other. No one seems to wants to speak first, to make any kind of commitment and possibly end up playing the fool.

“Look, we have measured those torpedo tubes down to the last millimeter,” Abdullah exclaims with frustration. “We know what we are working with. Can we fire the missiles from submarines or not?”

Givon, normally the quiet one, speaks first. He may be quiet, but his thoughts on the subject are clear. “Not the way they are currently designed. In order to fire that missile from one of the Kilos, its physical structure must be altered. Torpedoes are not missiles, and missiles are not torpedoes. We must alter the fin design, so that they can fly effectively once they break the surface.”

Farhani picks up on Givon’s thought. “When we have the proper fin designs, we then have to create a special propulsion system, one that will allow the sub to fire the missiles electronically, to clear the tubes.”

Nouri disagrees. “Kharam – you’re always the optimist. That’s only part of the propulsion problem. We need a discharge force great enough to allow a modified Shahab-3 to clear the submarine and get far enough away before its booster rocket fires and takes it to the surface.”

Abbas, always the doubter, shakes his head. “Muhammad, everything built into that current missile is designed for dry land. This is a very different usage. Honestly, I have to wonder if ten months gives us enough time to solve all these problems.”

“Gentlemen, I hear what you’re saying,” Abdullah says mildly. “We know that the Americans have overcome this issue. If they can, we can. If we cannot, then I guess we no choice but to steal their secrets.” Abbas looks up, wide-eyed. “Which at the moment is not an option on the table,” Abdullah quickly assures them all.

“Rahim and Kharam, I want both of you to take a missile housing and begin working on the necessary alterations so it can clear the torpedo tubes and to make its flight efficient.” Givon and Farhani look at each other and rolls their eyes.

“Majid, Taher, I want you two to work on the initial firing system to get a missile underway and safely clear of the submarine before ignition.” Nouri nods. Abbas shrugs.