Farmer Successfully Constructs Own Underwater Vessel in China - Farmer successfully constructs his own underwater vessel in China
In the serene landscapes of northern Shaanxi province, a remarkable feat of engineering has been making waves. A local villager, identified only as Zhang, has successfully constructed a submarine, marking a rare instance of individual submarine-building in China.
Zhang's submarine, affectionately named the "big black fish," was ready for its maiden voyage in 2016, following a four-year construction process that required significant financial investment and determination. The project cost Zhang around 5000 Yuan (approximately 600 Euro) on steel plates, engines, and other materials.
Inspired by a submarine he saw on television eleven years ago, Zhang, a former carpenter with experience in shipbuilding, embarked on this ambitious project. Despite his wife's reservations, labelling the project as "expensive, risky, and unnecessary," Zhang pursued his dream with unwavering determination.
The construction of the submarine was not without its challenges. Zhang faced leaks in his initial submarine, which he later rectified by pouring two tons of concrete into the hull. To further enhance his vessel, Zhang invested an additional 4800 Euro and added two tanks.
Zhang's submarine measures seven meters in length, making it one of the few privately built submarines in China. Another Chinese individual, who also remained unnamed, constructed a more than nine-meter-long submarine in 2015, further demonstrating the growing interest in submarine construction among individuals.
However, it is important to note that private or individual construction of submarines is extremely rare in China due to the technical difficulty, cost, and government control over such strategic technology. Submarine construction typically occurs within state-owned enterprises under strict military or civilian governmental oversight.
Despite the rarity of such projects, Zhang's submarine project serves as a testament to the spirit of innovation and determination that exists even in the most remote corners of China. As for Zhang, he is already planning to build an even larger submarine in the future, demonstrating his undeterred passion for this unique hobby.
This article does not claim to provide a comprehensive overview of all private submarine-building efforts in China, but rather focuses on one inspiring story that has captured the attention of many. For those interested in learning more about specific historical or military submarine projects in China, further information is available upon request.
In his self-built home-and-garden in Anhui, Zhang, a Chinese farmer, watched CCTV and was inspired to fulfill his dream of designing and constructing a submarine, reminiscent of the TV show he once saw. After years of outdoor-living and meticulous work, he constructed the "big black fish", one of the few private submarines in China, showcasing his unwavering lifestyle of innovation.
