Having made a circuit of the various test projects surrounding the Dwarf Steam Tank, Zhou Xu had basically seen them all.
However, the Dwarf Steam Tank tests in the field were still continuing. After all, apart from basic performance tests, stability and durability had to be verified through prolonged, high-intensity use.
Zhou Xu beckoned to Qin Fen, who immediately understood and handed over the document containing the calculated production costs.
At the same time, Qin Fen remembered something else and said...
"By the way, Your Majesty, there's one more matter I need to report. For safety reasons, this Steam Tank's engine has an average service life of two hundred hours."
"In other words, once it reaches that limit, we recommend replacing the engine."
Zhou Xu frowned when he heard this.
This would undoubtedly greatly increase the investment cost.
Considering that the Steam Tank had been built entirely to Dwarf dimensions, meaning they wouldn't be able to find anyone to take over the tanks after they were retired, Zhou Xu had already been struggling over the scale of production. With this added on, he was even more conflicted.
"So the engines that are removed will simply be scrapped?"
"Not exactly."
Realizing that he hadn't explained in enough detail, Qin Fen hurriedly added,
"In fact, they should still have quite a long remaining service life. They're simply no longer suitable for use as tank engines. The removed engines can be installed in Steam Excavators or other suitable steam-powered equipment."
Hearing this answer, Zhou Xu's brows relaxed somewhat. At least they could be recycled and reused, which made him feel much better.
"Can this Steam Tank be upgraded in the short term?"
"After it sees actual combat, we may make some minor adjustments based on the feedback. But as for a large-scale upgrade,