Chapter 472 Selection of carrier-based trainer aircraft

 In the United States, private flying is very popular. The airspace below 500 meters is open. As long as it does not fly above an altitude of 500 meters, the Air Force will not interfere. Moreover, there are many private aviation schools, flying clubs, etc. in the United States.

Former naval pilots like Delano, who want to have fun after retiring, can not only buy civilian aircraft, but even many military aircraft. The retired aircraft can use their remaining heat in their hands. It's not impossible, of course, it has to be some old model.

 It is impossible to buy a Tomcat fighter privately, otherwise you will be suspected of stealing parts.

As for trainer aircraft like the T-45, it is easier. After all, it is not a fighter jet.

This aircraft is a product of the U.S. Navy's "Jet Flight Training System" (VTXTS) program. Compared with the T-2 and TA-4 they used before, the performance is more advanced and the training cost is lower.

 This project was initiated on November 18, 1981, and entered comprehensive model development in October 1984. The two prototypes made their first flights on April 16 and November 1988 respectively. The first production aircraft, the T-45A, made its first flight on December 16, 1991, and was delivered to the U.S. Navy on January 23, 1992.

However, the U.S. Navy was not satisfied with its cockpit, so it developed a T-45C equipped with a "21st century cockpit". This aircraft made its first flight on March 19, 1994. All T-45s delivered starting from October 1997 are of this standard.

As for the first prototypes, they are of course useless, but there is still flight time. As a former U.S. Navy pilot, Delano would have no problem buying one from Boeing and playing with it himself.

 However, this is only limited to playing by himself.

“I can buy a prototype and bring it over, but it’s not easy to ship it over,” Delano said.

Qin Tao nodded: "Okay, I'll give you ten million dollars, and you can buy the plane. As for the transportation problem, I have a way."

When Qin Tao explained the method of transportation, everyone present opened their eyes wide.

 Is this okay?

Isn’t this too childish?

However, thinking about Qin Tao’s consistent approach: exchanging clothes and cans for warships, and later using a floating dock to carry an aircraft carrier, this operation can now be understood.

There is nothing impossible, only unimaginable. For Mr. Qin, even if you think about it, it is conceivable.

"Qin, it doesn't cost ten million. That prototype has a short flight life. You can buy it for five million at most." Delano was very honest.

“The remaining five million is your hard work fee.” Qin Tao said.

 Five million in hard work! Stroll's eyes widened, he swallowed, and then said: "Delano, I probably can't handle this kind of thing alone. Do you want me to help you? I also know people from Boeing. "

After all, Delano was introduced by Stroh. Now that Delano was allowed to earn five million by himself, Stroh was a little jealous and couldn't help but ask for it.

Delano turned his head and glanced at Stroh: "No, I can do it alone."

 The two began to have differences!

Qin Tao looked at this scene funny. Sure enough, money is a good thing. There is no one in the world who doesn't love money.

"Mr. Stroh, you don't have to worry. You can go back. I heard that you have other people you want to contact. You can come together. If one person comes, I will give you a commission of one hundred thousand dollars. If fifty people come, That’s five million,” Qin Tao said.

"Okay!" Stroh nodded. If he could fool Delano, he could also fool other people. If he fooled one person, he could get one hundred thousand dollars!

 What else to say? Call everyone you can!

Just two people teaching is not enough. After all, there are many professional skills that require specialized people to teach. If we have fifty people teaching different types of work, we can teach almost everything.

 At this time, both Stroh and Delano were full of excitement. As long as they finish this job, they will be prosperous!

This is a little bit of foreshadowing. If they hadn't started leaking secrets continuously, they might still be hesitant now. As long as they do it bit by bit and can't look back, plus the temptation of money, they won't hesitate anymore. .

Now, the personnel concerned finally don’t have to worry about anything anymore. The next step is how to get a T-45 back.

 Stroh and Delano did not stay at the base for long. They returned home excitedly that day. They couldn't wait.

Qin Tao is not in a hurry to leave, he has more important things to do.

If you get back a prototype of the training aircraft and it turns out you don’t know how to modify it, it will be in vain!

 So, on the one hand, Qin Tao reported the entire operation to his superiors through Xu Zhengyang, and on the other hand, he went to the aircraft factory for inspection.

 The next day, Qin Tao came to Factory 320.

In China, the first-tier factories that produce fighter jets are Factory 112 and Factory 132. The Su-27 project is being domestically produced, the production of self-developed fighter jets and the production of J-7 foreign trade aircraft are all prosperous. of.

As for the aircraft factories in the old areas, they produce large aircraft, such as the H-6, which are also very famous.

 As for the domestic production of training aircraft, it is not so prosperous.

 The 320 Factory located in Hongdu seems to be unknown now, but at that time, this factory was also very famous. For example, the first domestic aircraft took off from here! It was 1954, and the domestically produced Jijiaowu Shangtian ended the history of being unable to produce aircraft in China.

 Since that time, Factory 320 has had an indissoluble bond with training aircraft.

At that time, this factory was also very popular. Not only aircraft, they also produced other products. For example, the first three-wheeled motorcycle, the Yangtze 750, was also produced from this factory and was also related to the Navy. For example, the Navy's first ship-to-ship missile, Shangyu No. 1, also came from this factory.

Moreover, the 320 Factory also has a technical expert, Lu Lao. Therefore, it initially proposed the J-12 fighter jet and later developed the Qiang Liu. However, these projects eventually came to an end. If it were not for the reputation of the K-8 trainer aircraft, I am afraid that the 320 The factory is about to collapse.

Now, Qin Tao came to the 320 Factory. As a shipbuilder, he came to see the aircraft again. Neither Qin Tao nor anyone else felt that there was anything inappropriate about this cross-professional behavior. After all, at present, domestic The most dazzling J-31A project was planned by Mr. Qin.

When Qin Tao stood on the runway of Factory 320, looking at the blue sky and white clouds surrounded by greenery, he couldn't help but sigh: "The scenery here is really beautiful!"

"Yes, the environment here is very good. Mr. Qin, welcome to Hongdu. I am the designer of K-8. You can just call me Lao Shi." Mr. Shi smiled and extended his hand to Qin Tao. .

The two hands were held together, Qin Tao shook his head and said: "Old Shi, do you want to shorten my life? Is it something I can call you Old Shi?"

"Mr. Qin, you don't even know how excited we were when we heard that you were coming. We look forward to you giving us a new look. Why can't Lao Shi say that?" Mr. Shi said with a smile. .

“It depends on whether you have the ability.” Qin Tao said, “The requirements for this project are quite high.”

"Without diamonds and porcelain work, we can't do anything else. Building training aircraft is definitely the best in the country!" Mr. Shi patted his chest: "Let's go, Mr. Qin, let's take you to our production line first."

 Everyone was talking while walking, and Mr. Shi also introduced the origin of their training aircraft to Qin Tao.

"We have long understood that the existing JJ5 is too old and will disappear from the stage of history sooner or later. Therefore, we have been doing research and development of new machines. In 1982, we began to conduct project demonstrations. However, due to various reasons, it has been stuck in the project establishment stage and has not been recognized by the military.”

 “Because the army has no money.” Qin Tao simply replied.

It goes without saying that in the 1980s, the army was so poor that its main fighter aircraft were not updated, let alone a passable training aircraft.

“It’s not just a matter of money, we also don’t have a suitable engine.” Shi Lao said: “In the most difficult time, there were only three of us left. Later, in 1986, we suddenly had an opportunity.”

  86 years?

Qin Tao didn't know much about these things, and there was doubt in his eyes, so Mr. Shi smiled and said: "At that time, Lao Ba also wanted to get a brand new training aircraft, so we hit it off with Lao Ba. We have taken a path of international cooperation, which is a precedent for us. Of course, it cannot be compared with the scale of the J-31A that you, Mr. Qin, have done."

   Hong Kong and other companies have to step aside. K-8 is the first to cooperate with foreign countries.

"At that time, Lao Ba's request was very close. We were required to build a prototype within three years, and it had to reach the world's advanced level." Shi Lao said: "At that time, we had no way out, so we risked our lives! Everyone worked continuously for three years, and finally , we built a prototype that met Lao Ba’s needs.”

 Looking back, Shi Lao still felt very emotional that this road was not easy to take, but they had no choice.

"Later, the military also took a fancy to it. In 1992, China decided to purchase this kind of aircraft. At the same time, the localization of the engine also began, and it was named Turbofan-11. This year, this engine has started to ignite. It is estimated that It will take a few years to perfect, and in another five years, it should be installed on our own aircraft."

 Speaking of these, Mr. Shi felt proud again.

After all, the engines of domestic advanced fighter jets are all purchased from outside. The original Jiaoba project was restricted by the engine. If it were not for Laoba, this project would definitely have failed.

Of course, Laoba has the conditions. They can just purchase American-made engines directly. Therefore, Laoba’s K-8 has higher performance. The domestic model uses an engine imported from Lao Maozi, and its thrust is slightly lower. Some, but I can imitate them, which is the biggest advantage.

As he spoke, everyone had arrived at the factory. On the assembly line, several aircraft were being produced.

"Laoba will also set up a production line there, and we will produce and assemble it together. For Laoba, it will also be a breakthrough in the aviation industry. On the aircraft, we use a large number of composite materials, which effectively reduces the weight of the aircraft. This Over the past few years, pilots from other countries have come to test fly our Jiaoba, and they all spoke highly of him."

“How does it compare with the American T-45 training aircraft?” Qin Tao asked.

“We can guarantee that the various performances of this trainer aircraft are not inferior to those of the Americans. They are going to carry them on aircraft carriers, so the airframe and landing gear have been strengthened. Our aircraft is better than theirs.”

“What if our aircraft are also strengthened?” Qin Tao asked.

 Shall we also strengthen?

 Lao Shi turned to look at Qin Tao, and suddenly thought of something: "Do you plan to turn our training aircraft into a carrier-based training aircraft?"

 When he said these words, his breathing quickened.

The Oriental Sea Dacheng has begun to be renovated. Although everyone has little to do with the navy, they can vaguely think of something. Moreover, the brother unit, Factory 112, is manufacturing an aircraft with canards. Obviously, this The aircraft is the same as the Su-33. As for what it does, if you think of the Dongfanghai Fortress, can you still not know?

 However, they did not expect that it was actually related to their 320 Factory, and they would also participate in this project!

“Do you have this ability?” Qin Tao asked.

"Mr. Qin, we have never been involved in the production of carrier-based aircraft. However, we designed the Jiaoba ourselves. We know this aircraft very well. Next, we need to conduct a new strength calculation. As for the standards, we can follow According to the data from the 601 Institute, this is still possible, but whether it is strengthening the airframe or replacing the landing gear, the aircraft will gain a lot of weight. Moreover, because it is a recalculation, more funds may be needed."

This is almost the same as developing a new aircraft. There are many items that need to be carefully considered. If you are not careful, major accidents may occur.

“Can this kind of aircraft fly within a year?”

within one year?

 Lao Shi frowned a little, this requirement is even higher!

 “If there is a need from our superiors, we will do our best.”

Hearing what Mr. Shi said, Qin Tao nodded with satisfaction. What he wanted was such an attitude. He also knew that the 320 Factory, which had carved a way out of the market, must also have the courage.

"We are currently operating. If it works well, we will be able to obtain a US Navy T-45 trainer aircraft in the next month or two. I don't know how similar our aircraft is to the British Eagle trainer aircraft. Is it possible? Get inspired by this prototype of the T-45 trainer aircraft.”

(The domestic Jiaoba is very similar to the British Eagle trainer. However, East China Heroes could not find any information saying that our Jiaoba referred to the Eagle trainer when developing the Jiaoba. There was also no information found that Laoba had an Eagle trainer. , Therefore, the Hero of East China will not make these assumptions to avoid being scolded. However, we can set that the similarity between the two aircraft is very high.)

"The U.S. Navy's T-45 training aircraft? It would be great if there was such an aircraft!" Mr. Shi immediately became excited: "Sure enough, everyone said that if you follow Mr. Qin, you will never suffer any loss. Mr. Qin All the preparations will be made."

Qin Tao smiled: "Mr. Shi, don't be too happy. These are my personal ideas and have not yet received support from my superiors. Therefore, you may not be able to obtain R&D funds. Of course, if your superiors If you don’t provide funds, when you provide equipment to the navy in the future, your procurement costs will be higher, and you must allocate research and development funds.”

Qin Tao didn't know if he was a hot pole picker. Hearing that Boeing had a prototype, he decided to get it back. He even gave Delano 10 million US dollars in advance to let him go for activities, and then came to the 320 Factory. , However, the Navy is still discussing it. What if the Navy does not support it?

Even if the Navy does not support it, Qin Tao has a way to complete this kind of project. After all, it is just a simple training aircraft and does not cost much. In the development stage of this K-8, Lao Ba only invested 6 million US dollars in development funds. Even taking into account inflation over the past ten years, that's $10 to 20 million.

As for the modified trainer aircraft, if there is a prototype, it can be built at a cost of another 10 to 20 million U.S. dollars. This is much cheaper than the research and development expenditure of a fighter aircraft, which often costs hundreds of millions. As for purchasing costs.

If the Navy does not invest money, a training aircraft will cost at least 100 million yuan per one for the Navy. If the Navy purchases ten of them, it will make a profit.

 Can’t get R&D funding?

Hearing what Qin Tao said, Mr. Shi frowned again.

They have been self-reliant for many years. When they started building K-8, they raised their own funds. Later, Lao Ba joined in and finally succeeded in building the aircraft. However, precisely because they have gone through such a path, they also know that, How difficult this road is.

Especially, it is a carrier-based training aircraft. This kind of aircraft definitely does not have much equipment. Is it worth spending a lot of money to research? If it raises funds by itself, will it put a heavy burden on the company, or even end up in vain?

  Qin Tao said nothing, waiting for Shi Lao's answer.

Mr. Shi thought about it over and over for a long time in his mind. Finally, Mr. Shi decided: "Mr. Qin, even if we raise funds by ourselves, we will do it!"

 “Aren’t you afraid of wasting your time?”

Mr. Shi smiled: "Mr. Qin, if someone else comes, we will definitely be afraid, but if you come here in person, what else do we have to fear? We believe in you! I thought about it just now, all the things you have participated in None of the projects are loss-making, so I have nothing to worry about.”

 This is all for Qin Tao’s sake!

This made Qin Tao a little flattered. However, since Mr. Shi has such courage, Qin Tao will not be polite. He continued: "Old Shi, if the superiors don't support it, we will do it ourselves. If we lack R&D funds, we will do it ourselves." Our Mingzhou Group can bear part of it, and when it is completed, we will offer a high price to the Navy and make a huge profit from them!"

 When these words came out, everyone laughed.

 Mr. Qin is really awesome!

He was the only one who dared to speak so confidently about blackmailing the navy.

"Since we have to do it, we have to start now. Mr. Qin, do we want to go to the conference room to discuss it? You can also give us some ideas."

Qin Tao nodded: "Okay, I have also collected some information, which can be used as a reference for you."

 Mr. Qin has really laid a lot of groundwork!

Mr. Shi was very excited: "Mr. Qin, please rest assured, no matter how much money we invest, we will still build this aircraft!"

In the conference room of the 320 factory, Qin Tao began to explain.

"It took the Americans more than ten years to build the T-45 carrier-based trainer aircraft. There were many problems. For example, this aircraft is a land-based trainer aircraft. In order to take off and land on an aircraft carrier, The structure also needs to be strengthened. The relevant British companies do not have this technology, so they specifically asked McDonnell Douglas to cooperate." (McDonnell Douglas was later merged by Boeing.)

“Among them, the body structure has been comprehensively strengthened, the landing gear has been redesigned, the front landing gear has been changed from a single wheel to a double wheel, and a special landing hook has been added to the back of the body.” Qin Tao explained to everyone.

"At the same time, the wing has also been redesigned, not only increasing the area, but also adding **** on the leading edge of the wing. At the same time, the area of ​​the vertical tail and horizontal tail has also been increased, and the ventral fin has been changed to a single-piece ventral fin. Installed an engine with greater thrust.”

Hearing Qin Tao's words, everyone had serious expressions. Such modification is almost the same as the new design. No wonder the Americans took so long!

 What about us?

 After we obtain the T-45, should we simply do a mapping and imitation? We are best at this!

“Even so, the old aircraft companies still encountered a lot of troubles after designing this kind of aircraft, the most terrifying of which was the Phantom Dive.”

Phantom dive is a problem McDonnell Douglas encountered when it was developing the Phantom fighter jet. It should be a common thing for pilots to dive and then pull up the fighter plane. However, this Phantom dive is when the aircraft dives. It becomes uncontrollable. No matter how hard the pilot pulls the control stick, the plane will continue to dive downward!

Although the Phantom fighter jet was developed by McDonnell Douglas, the Phantom is different from the training aircraft. Therefore, McDonnell Douglas spent a lot of effort. Later, it specially designed a "side-mounted unitary root edge strip", which is in front of the horizontal tail. By adding a long side strip, the T-45 "Goshawk" completely got out of the "ghost dive" dilemma.

Now that Qin Tao told what he knew, everyone frowned even more. This is definitely a tough battle!

"Everyone, our navy is going to the ocean. We will definitely have aircraft carriers in the future, and we will also need specialized trainer aircraft for training. Factory 320 is the strongest trainer aircraft research and development unit in the country. I believe that you will be able to complete this task. , help our navy go to the ocean!"

 When Qin Tao said these words, everyone present felt the passion in their chests.

“Mr. Qin, please rest assured that we will successfully complete the task!” Mr. Shi was very excited.

At this moment, a staff member gently walked up to Mr. Shi and whispered a few words to Mr. Shi. Mr. Shi's expression suddenly changed: "What? Old Tao is here? Isn't he here?" Are you recuperating in the hospital? Why are you here?"

 “He is in the office and wants to see you right away.”

Mr. Shi nodded and looked at Qin Tao: "Mr. Qin, I'm very sorry. I have something to do and need to leave temporarily."

 (End of this chapter)