Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

Old Lu introduced the project excitedly for more than half an hour, constantly elaborating on its feasibility, and everyone else cast expectant gazes.

There was no way around it; the Air Force had fallen behind the times for too long! In recent years, the Air Force had watched the rapid development of global aviation technology, while it had fallen further and further behind. All the aircraft proposed with high specifications had failed. The only thing they could successfully develop was an enlarged, twin-engine version of the J-8 based on the J-7. Everything else was just a pipe dream. They desperately wanted an advanced third-generation fighter to fly in the skies of their homeland!

Now that they had a Tomcat prototype, what were they waiting for? Let's get to work!

"As for the avionics system, I heard that Factory 960 obtained an AWG-9 radar last year and has since begun reverse engineering it. We believe that by the time our twin-engine Q-6 progresses to the prototype stage, they will have also developed this radar to maturity. At that time, coupled with our PL-4 missile, we will definitely enable the Air Force to have advanced medium-range interception capabilities. President Qin, what do you think?" Old Lu looked at Qin Yang.

"We have been working on this project, but it will take many years to produce results," Qin Yang replied simply.

"President Qin, what is your opinion on this reverse engineering project?" Old Lin seized the opportunity to ask.

"Me? I'm just a layman. You guys are either aircraft engineers or pilots. I only sat in a fighter jet for the first time not long ago, and I almost threw up in the cockpit. I have nothing to say," Qin Yang replied.

"President Qin, don't be modest. There's nothing you can't do, whether it's flying in the sky or diving into the sea."

"Alright, then I'll just say a few words," Qin Yang said. "According to Old Lu's plan, the current aircraft wants to achieve the performance of the original version, relying entirely on the WS-6 engine. Does our aviation industry have the ability to independently develop and produce an advanced turbofan engine?"

"Of course, we can! Our WS-6 has already completed bench testing and will soon be able to conduct flight tests!" A technician present said, "If the J-9 project hadn't been canceled, this engine would already be flying in the blue sky!"

Qin Yang nodded: "I'm not too familiar with the specifics of aero engines, but I heard that when the Americans were developing the F-15, the配套F100 engine had many failures after being delivered to the troops. This time, the Tomcat fighter crashed because of the TF30. If we use our own developed engine when reverse engineering the Tomcat, will it be smoother than the Americans?"

Qin Yang wasn't in the aviation industry. He didn't know if the WS-6 was really up to par. However, he knew that in his own timeline, the WS-6 was abandoned. This engine was planned to be equipped on five types of aircraft, but unfortunately, none of them succeeded. He didn't know if it was the aircraft that dragged down the engine, or the engine that dragged down the aircraft.

But Qin Yang knew that a mature aero engine was built with funds, time, talent, and the lives of test pilots. The people in front of him clearly didn't have such preparations.

Everyone calmed down.

Even the Americans couldn't quickly solve the engine problem. If they forcibly launched a reverse engineering project and pinned their hopes on a WS-6 that had never been installed on an aircraft, wouldn't that be too idealistic?

If there was no suitable engine, then this reverse engineering project couldn't be carried out at all! If Qin Yang disassembled this good prototype and sold it for parts, it would be a clear loss!

"President Qin, do you have any suggestions?" Leader Zhang asked.

"I said, I'm just a layman. I'm not looking down on our domestic aero engine research institutions. I just think we need to fully consider the difficulty of this project," Qin Yang said. "As far as engines are concerned, the most mature turbofan engine in our country should be the imported Spey, right?"

Leaving the conference room, Qin Yang's mind was still in a mess. He knew that both the Air Force and the aviation industry were eager to improve their strength by reverse engineering the Tomcat. However, the problems Qin Yang raised were troubling them. Therefore, the result of this meeting was no result at all.

Was he meddling too much?

"Brother Yang, Brother Yang!" Nie Xiaoqian saw Qin Yang walking over with a heavy heart and asked with concern, "Are you tired?"

"Not tired."

"If you're not tired, we still need to meet someone."

"Who?"

"Raphael."

"Here for the final payment for the Exocet missile?" Qin Yang asked.

Nie Xiaoqian nodded: "That's right. The Exocet missile has already been purchased through our Fangbei Company. Yesterday, the missile arrived at our port and cleared customs smoothly. Next is the final payment. However, this person should be here for more than just the final payment. After all, our company has never delayed final payments in business. They only need to send a telegram to urge us."

Qin Yang nodded: "I guess they're here to promote their fighter jets. Let's go meet him."

Qin Yang perked up.

The Exocet missile project was discussed last year. Facts have proved that Qin Yang's strategy of paying in installments was correct. The French were dragging their feet and only delivered the missile now. This project was coordinated by Fangbei Company, but the money was paid by Factory 960. If this project failed, Factory 960 would lose a lot of money, but now it seems that it didn't delay things.

Recently, Qin Yang has been busy with the Tomcat fighter jet. The French delivered the Exocet missile. It seems that the French are anxious!

The familiar Old Mo Restaurant, except this time it was a private room. Opening the door, Qin Yang saw Raphael waiting there. However, there was not only him at the table, but also a new face.

"President Qin, it's a pleasure to see you," Raphael said happily. "I'm very happy that you and your wife could come to the banquet. By the way, President Qin, let me introduce you. This is Pierre."

Qin Yang extended his hand: "You're from Dassault Aviation?"

Pierre was stunned. He hadn't even introduced himself yet, and the other party already knew?

"President Qin, how did you know?"

"Guessing."

"President Qin, you're amazing. Since you've guessed my identity, then you must also know the purpose of my coming here?"

"Of course," Qin Yang said. "I am very dissatisfied with the Air Force's choice. Although American planes are cheap, they always come with various additional political conditions. French weapons are the best; you don't have to worry about other issues. However, your actions are too late! The Tomcat fighter has already come to demonstrate flight. When will your plane come?"