Chapter 571 The Navy’s early warning aircraft project should start

   "Everyone, I am here this time, and there is one more important thing." Now that the AWACS is mentioned, Qin Tao must of course bring up related projects.

   Everyone looked at Qin Tao.

"About the platform of the Navy's carrier-based early warning aircraft." Qin Tao said: "At present, we have obtained the prototype of Lao Maozi's Yak-44 early warning aircraft. If we have all ideas in 603, the Navy can provide you with the prototype of this early warning aircraft. , I hope you can imitate a similar airframe platform.”

  The Falcon incident is just an introduction. Stimulated by this incident, domestic scientific researchers will put all their efforts into flying the domestic early warning aircraft into the sky within a few years.

At present, all kinds of domestic preparations have been prepared. The relevant T/R components have been produced normally in the 14th Institute. The computer system is in charge of Godson. Experience, coupled with the experience accumulated on the Navy's Aegis battleship, it can be said that there will be no major changes in the development of this early warning aircraft.

(Someone complained before, saying that we are not a warship of a big country? Why do we write everything? The hero of East China is still restrained, and it is not a hodgepodge. That is also for the early warning aircraft of our navy! Even if it is engaged in aerospace, it is also for our global positioning system, detection system, etc., and ultimately it is for the navy. I wrote it, let’s not touch the entertainment industry, because the heroes of East China don’t understand it.)

"President Qin, we have also done some preparations for the Navy's carrier-based early warning aircraft." Hearing Qin Tao talk about this, Mr. Chen also became interested: "In the 1980s, we once demonstrated the 40,000-ton medium-sized The JZY-01 carrier-based early warning aircraft has already been demonstrated when it was an aircraft carrier. According to our original plan, it was to transform the early warning aircraft verification aircraft on the basis of the Yun-7 platform. However, since the 40,000-ton aircraft carrier has not been finalized, this The early warning aircraft verification aircraft ended without a problem.”

  With the domestic research and development level, it is very difficult to develop a new early warning aircraft. Therefore, the country can only use the existing platform to modify it. After looking around, the Yunqi platform is the most suitable.

This is a model copied from Lao Maozi's An-24 transport plane. However, due to the chaos of the year, although the first one was assembled in 1970, it was not until 1982 that this transport plane was finally finalized. , has become an important transport aircraft in China, and it has been in production all the time, and even in later generations, it is still continuing its long vitality with the model of Xinzhou 600.

  The size of this aircraft is about the same as E-2, so it is a matter of course to transform the verification aircraft of the early warning aircraft on the basis of this aircraft.

  Hearing Chen Lao's words, Qin Tao's eyes lit up immediately: "Okay, since we have technical reserves, it should be easier!"

Hearing what Qin Tao said, Mr. Chen had a difficult expression on his face again: "Boss Qin, it's not very easy. We can modify our Yunqi according to the shape of the Yak-44, but if it is a machine The way of carrying a large plate on the back means that the air resistance is greatly increased! At present, we lack corresponding engines in China.”

   This is the most critical question.

  The aviation industry has always been plagued by engines. Although it has been working hard, it is making slow progress.

At the beginning, the surveying and mapping imitated the An-24, and the above engine AI-20M was also surveyed and mapped. It was officially finalized in 1977 and was called the turboprop 6. Seven or four-engine Yun-eight, as long as it is a propeller aircraft, almost all of them use this kind of engine.

  When it was first introduced, the power of this engine was only 3,124 kilowatts. Later, after improvements, it was increased to about 3,340 kilowatts. It was not until the turboprop-6C in the 21st century that it was raised to about 4,000 kilowatts.

  Is this power high? Of course not!

  The newly upgraded E-2D "Advanced Hawkeye" is an improved T56-A-427A with a maximum output power of about 4400 kilowatts. Lao Maozi's Yak-44 uses D-227, and the power has exceeded 10,000 kilowatts.

  Our existing engine is not powerful at all! If there is no advanced engine, the aircraft cannot guarantee stable flight at all, and even if it has a catapult, it cannot successfully take off on the aircraft carrier, then this kind of aircraft is tasteless.

Qin Tao nodded: "The engine is indeed a big problem, but last time I got ten D227 engines from Lao Maozi, which should be enough for us to assemble four early-warning aircraft. Let's make do with this engine first. Later, our With the development of technology, we can have better engines to match. Of course, we can’t just copy the Yak-44, our current aircraft has begun to use composite materials to reduce weight, and these can be used in our aircraft.”

(I always feel that the 14,000-horsepower D-227 is a waste to use on the Yak-44. It is twice as powerful as the Hawkeye. It is said that the body is about the same size. Is it for skiing? It is also said that the Yak-44 -44E is equipped with a D-27 engine with a single engine power of up to 5145kW, not a D-227.)

  As for the self-developed more advanced engine, Qin Tao also has a theoretical basis. When developing the new MA 700 airliner, he chose the PW150C turboprop engine produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada. This was the third-generation turboprop with the best sales at that time, and its performance was fully satisfactory; and sharing the cake with foreign manufacturers could open up the European and American markets and facilitate obtaining airworthiness certificates.

However, this plan was miscalculated in the end. For various reasons, Pratt & Whitney Canada tore up the contract, but the country was also prepared to develop the AEP500 with the world's advanced level. This engine is more fuel-efficient than foreign imports, and the power has reached five More than a thousand kilowatts.

  So, although there is a lack of engines now, I will definitely not worry about this in the future.

  Hearing what Qin Tao said, Mr. Chen's eyes lit up: "If we have a qualified engine, it is not difficult to develop a carrier-based early warning aircraft for the navy, as long as the navy provides us with sufficient funds!"

   It is too common for them to use the stock engine. The current Flying Leopard fighter-bomber uses the stock Spey engine! There is a batch of engines, let's talk about it first.

  Qin Tao nodded: "At present, for you, it is pre-research. You can drag the Yak-44 over and make a comprehensive survey and map. After the Air Force's early warning aircraft is successfully developed, the Navy's early warning aircraft project will be launched."

  The early warning aircraft project mainly includes two aspects: airframe and radar. In terms of airframe, the air force uses Il-76, and the navy needs self-development. After all, the navy has to go on board! In terms of radar, after the air force's early warning aircraft is successfully developed, reduce the size, reduce the T/R unit, and make a small mushroom plate, which is the navy's early warning aircraft.

  In this way, the Navy can greatly save research and development funds. Now, the navy's early warning aircraft body can be started, so that after the air force's research and development is successful, it will be able to catch up with the navy's No. 2 ship. If Magong's side goes well, the No. 2 ship may be able to eject. This requires a dedicated carrier-based fixed-wing early warning aircraft.

   "Don't worry, Mr. Qin. As soon as the Yak-44 comes over, we will immediately deploy manpower to survey and map imitation. However, if we only produce carrier-based early warning aircraft, the quantity is too small, and the cost must not be low."

Qin Tao nodded: "Yes, if there is only an early warning aircraft, it must be too wasteful. However, the navy still needs other aircraft, such as ship-based anti-submarine aircraft, ship-based transport aircraft, etc. Let's develop the early warning aircraft first. There will be many more opportunities.”

Helicopter anti-submarine is always inferior to fixed-wing anti-submarine aircraft. Yankee's aircraft carrier has a special S-3 anti-submarine aircraft. At the same time, the E-2 body platform also has a modification of the C-2 transport aircraft, letters from aircraft carrier crews, etc. , were all transported by this type of aircraft.

  Our side does not have the luxury to develop another one, but it is logical to use the existing one to modify it.

Everyone nodded. Compared with land-based aircraft, carrier-based aircraft need to undergo various changes, such as strengthening the landing gear, strengthening the airframe, etc. Therefore, it is also very appropriate to refit it into other carrier-based aircraft. In this way, the value of the platform will also increase. can maximize the benefits.

   "Of course, I have to make a request. The weight of this carrier-based early warning aircraft should not be too large. Even if it cannot control the 26 tons of the E-2, it will be 28 tons at most, and it must not exceed 30 tons."

The maximum take-off weight of the Yak-44 is 40 tons, which has brought a lot of adverse effects on its use prospects. After all, whether it is ejection or ski jump, take-off is difficult enough. Once an engine fails, it will be fine. will fail.

  But the main problem of the old man is that the electronic equipment is not strong enough, it should be easier on his side.

  Old Chen nodded: "That's for sure, we have the ability."

  The time finally entered 1997. On New Year's Day of this year, Qin Tao and his party took a business jet specially purchased by Mingzhou Group and landed on the runway of Chkalov Aircraft Factory.

  Here is also covered with snow, a scene of auspicious snow heralding a good year, with large flakes of snowflakes flying in the air.

  After getting off the plane, Qin Tao saw a familiar figure, and immediately smiled: "Mr. Sergey, we meet again."

  The old buddy Mikhail left, but Sergey is still the director of the factory. Seeing old acquaintances is much better than new faces.

"Yes, Mr. Qin, we met again. Our factory is ready to reopen. Are you here to order forty Il-476 transport planes?" After the meeting, Sergey I asked excitedly.

   Both of them exhaled white mist from their mouths. It was a cold winter.

  Qin Tao's mind was agitated, how could he forget this?

The last time he came to fool around, Qin Tao promised to buy forty Il-476 transport planes. It was under this promise that the other party sold the A-50 airframe to Dongfang for five million dollars. Then use the money to prepare for re-production.

   As a result, there is no more content.

  Qin Tao has never planned to continue purchasing transport aircraft from here, so he has long forgotten about this matter. Now, the other party suddenly mentioned this matter, and Qin Tao was caught off guard.

  But he reacted immediately, nodded and said: "Yes, we are here to investigate and see if you have the ability to resume production. If so, we will place an order for 40 passenger planes."

   "Of course." Sergey said: "As long as you place an order, we can produce it at any time. Should we notify the Ilyushin Design Bureau?"

They are only responsible for the production of this aircraft, and the design work is done by the Ilyushin Design Bureau. Dongfang wants to order the latest Il-476, so they have to use Ilyushin as the general contractor, and they are only the final assembly plant , There are still a large number of parts that need to be coordinated, which determines that they cannot directly negotiate a contract with Dongfang, but need to follow the path of Ilyushin.

   "Don't worry about this, let's inspect the factory first."

  Sergey nodded: "Mr. Qin, please follow me."

  Tang Changhong followed Qin Tao, the first time he came to the most important transport aircraft production plant in the era of the Red Empire, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

  The annual output of transport aircraft here is dozens of sets, which is much higher than that of Factory 172. How do you coordinate production here? He is very excited.

   After entering, the first thing I saw was a huge and wide factory building, a row of six yellow-skinned passenger planes.

   "These are Il-114 airliners. We are currently assembling this world-advanced airliner and using it to replace the previously outdated An-24 aircraft."

  Qin Tao nodded: "This kind of plane is not bad. If the price is cheap, our Mingzhou Group is willing to buy one."

After the military Il-76 transport aircraft was forced to stop production, they are still barely maintaining the production of passenger aircraft. This Il-114 passenger aircraft is their last hope, but this aircraft has not changed their fate. .

   After all, in the field of passenger aircraft, Lao Maozi's technology is backward, and it cannot be compared with Western passenger aircraft at all. Only a dozen of this type of passenger aircraft have been produced before they are completely discontinued.

   At this time, Sergey was extremely excited when he heard Qin Tao say this: "Okay, we welcome you very much. The price must be the cheapest in the world!"

   "I don't seem to see the workers?" Qin Tao asked.

  Actually, if you look closely, you can find that the dust on the body of these passenger planes shows signs of being wiped, and some rust has been exposed in some places, indicating that the assembly work of these passenger planes has long been stopped.

Il-114 was developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau in 1982. On August 7, 1992, the first production aircraft flew for the first time. It is said that as long as the price is cheap, there is still a market, but on July 5, 1993 The second prototype crashed in an accident on the 1st, bringing the entire project to a standstill.

   If Qin Tao guessed correctly, the airframes of this batch of facades were also produced at that time, and then they fell into dust. Now, they have been refurbished.

   At this time, hearing Qin Tao's question, Sergey said with a smile: "It's the New Year's Day holiday, and the workers are not at work yet."

  Qin Tao and the others came at a really coincidental time, just in time for the holidays. This kind of New Year's Day holiday is global in nature, and all countries have holidays.

   "Oh." Qin Tao nodded: "Today is the 3rd. If tomorrow, the workers should go to work, right?"

Hearing his question, Sergey's eyes flashed with panic, and then he tried to calm himself down: "Yes, Mr. Qin, you are right, if you come here tomorrow, there will be workers here. However, according to our plan, we will fly to the Ilyushin Design Bureau tomorrow."

   "Well, yes, after today's visit, we will go to the Ilyushin Design Bureau to discuss specific matters tomorrow." Qin Tao nodded and continued to walk forward, looking at the empty final assembly plant in front of him.

  An average annual output of 50 Il-76s, and a peak of 70 a year, this factory is of course very huge.

  After the collapse of the Red Empire, production continued here for a while, but in 1995, after the last transport plane was pieced together, it could no longer support production.

   Right now, most of the space is empty, save for a few airplanes that have been dismantled after donated organs.

   "As long as you place an order, we can continue construction here immediately. We can assemble 40 transport aircraft at the same time here. After assembly, these aircraft can be delivered at one time." Sergey continued to draw big cakes.

   "Well, not bad." Qin Tao nodded: "We are very satisfied with the situation here. Tomorrow, we will go to the Ilyushin Design Bureau to negotiate."

  Sergey was overjoyed.

   "President Qin, we will hold a banquet tonight to entertain all guests!"

   Tang Changhong was very curious.

  We are here to buy the technical data of Il-76! But so far, President Qin hasn't mentioned this matter at all.

  Outside, heavy snow is still falling.

   The cafeteria was bustling with people holding wine glasses and toasting to each other.

   "President Qin, why did you suddenly make up your mind to purchase our brand new transport aircraft?" Sergey asked.

   "Well, you must have heard about what happened recently." Qin Tao looked helpless: "The early warning aircraft research and development contract we signed with David has been forced to terminate."

   This matter cannot be hidden. Although it has not been made public in the society, many people in the circle already know about it.

For the Chkalov Aircraft Factory, it is even more clear. After all, they have known about this deal for a long time. It was when the deal was concluded that Dongfang purchased an A-50 airframe from them. Moreover, this project It is to transform three early warning aircraft, so they are still looking forward with joy, and they can sell two more special A-50 airframes to Dongfang.

  Where did I expect that this deal fell through!

   "Yeah, we heard about it." Sergey nodded.

"This incident has greatly stimulated us. Even without the Davids, we will independently complete the research and development of this early warning aircraft. Therefore, we need more airframes. This time, we will purchase forty Il-476s. Transport aircraft, two of them, we will use as a platform for early warning aircraft."

"President Qin, with all due respect, there is still a big difference between the early warning aircraft platform and the transport aircraft platform." Sergey said: "For example, the early warning aircraft consumes a lot of power, so a special generator must be installed. There are a lot of electronic equipment, and heat dissipation is a big problem, so special cooling vents are required, and professional air-conditioning equipment is required. There is also a special pressurized cockpit to meet the needs of personnel. Instead of modifying it yourself, it is better to put it in Here, as long as you add money, we are willing to convert two of them into a dedicated early warning aircraft platform."

Their factory has not opened for a long time, and they are counting on orders from Dongfang to make money. At this time, Qin Tao was unambiguous when he heard Sergey's words, and immediately nodded: "You are right, we can't modify it ourselves. As long as your price is right, we can directly modify it here!"

  Sergey was overjoyed, he raised his glass: "Come on, let's drink!"

   "We will go to the Ilyushin Design Bureau tomorrow and place an order after we have a detailed understanding of the design plan." Qin Tao said.

  Tang Changhong was puzzled by Monk Zhanger over there, wondering what kind of medicine Mr. Qin was selling in this gourd.

  After finishing the drink and returning to the guest house, Tang Changhong couldn't help asking: "Boss Qin, we're not here to buy a transport plane this time!"

  Qin Tao smiled, and pointed to the snowflakes on top of his head: "Mr. Tang, the snow is so heavy tonight!"

   "Well, there is a lot of snow here, and the weather is also very cold, but..."

   "But what? Don't worry, Mr. Tang, let's go to sleep and wake up the next day. Maybe there will be some surprises."

  Woke up with a surprise the next day?

  Tang Changhong was very curious. That night, he lay on the bed in the guest house and couldn't fall asleep.

The heavy snow outside was still falling on the ground. In the middle of the night, there was a sudden noise outside, which made Tang Changhong unable to sleep even more. He opened the curtains and found many people under the dim street lights. Hastily rushed to the assembly workshop.

   What are these people doing?

   Tang Changhong became even more curious.

  The next day, early in the morning, there was a knock on the door next door.

   Boom, boom, boom!

   "Who is it?" Qin Tao's voice sounded, he was obviously not awake, and he was still muttering: "Is the plane to the Ilyushin Design Bureau ahead of schedule?"

   Crunch!

  When the door was opened, Sergey's urgent voice came: "Mr. Qin, something went wrong, we need your help!"

   Tang Changhong was very curious. The movement in the middle of the night yesterday showed that something had happened, but what happened?

   "What's the matter?" Qin Tao also muttered curiously.

   "The heavy snow last night was so heavy that it collapsed the factory building of our assembly workshop!"

  The snow has crushed the factory building?

  Is this too ridiculous? Tang Changhong couldn't believe his ears.

  Over there, Qin Tao was also surprised: "What? The factory building collapsed? What a blessing! If we place an order and produce transport planes in your factory, those transport planes will be crushed? Who will count then?"

  (end of this chapter)