Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

Aero-engines are the Mount Everest of industry. You can count on one hand the number of countries in the world that can independently develop and manufacture high-performance military aero-engines. Among the many internal parts of aero-engines, turbine blades are the most technologically advanced.

The compressed air from the front compressor enters the combustion chamber to burn, generating high-temperature and high-pressure gas, which impacts the turbine blades behind it. The higher the temperature these blades can withstand, the stronger the engine's performance. Back in World War II, the turbine blades of German aero-engines could only withstand temperatures of just over 500 degrees Celsius. Now, they can reach over 1,000 degrees Celsius. For example, the French M53 engine has a turbine inlet temperature of 1,200 degrees Celsius.

With the new generation of engines, this temperature has further increased to over 1,500 degrees Celsius.

At over 1,000 degrees Celsius, steel would melt. To withstand this temperature, special materials and special processing techniques are required. If we could see the French processing process with our own eyes, imitation would be much easier!

Zhang He diligently led the French technicians to the relevant units to process the blades, while everything else continued as planned.

On the third day of the French arrival, a conference room in a certain location in the capital.

"Distinguished leaders, through this contact, you should have a deeper understanding of our Mirage 2000, right? May I ask, are you interested in purchasing our fighter jets?" After another half-hour of eloquent introduction, Pierre looked at the leaders present and began to ask the most critical question.

"Of course, we are very interested in this fighter jet," Old Lin said. "Compared to the heavy Tomcat fighter, we believe the medium-sized Mirage 2000 may be more suitable for our needs."

Pierre was overjoyed: "Then, shall we discuss the specific transaction next? For a country with such vast territory as yours, at least hundreds of Mirage 2000s are needed to meet your needs, right?"

"Yes, as long as the price is right, we can consider purchasing in large quantities," Old Lin nodded.

"In terms of price, we absolutely guarantee your satisfaction," Pierre said. "This is Europe's most advanced fighter jet. It can be used as a powerful high-altitude, high-speed interceptor and can also perform close-range dogfights. It is an all-rounder in many aspects. Such an aircraft only costs 60 million US dollars per unit. How about that? Cheap enough, right?"

"Our Mirage 2000 fighter is a single-engine aircraft, so the maintenance cost is low," Qin Yang quickly said. "Our country is poor and simply does not have the ability to maintain a heavy fleet. Even if the purchase cost is the same, the operating costs later on will be different!"

"That's right, that's right. The maintenance cost of our Mirage 2000 is very low. The Tomcat fighter requires dozens of hours of ground maintenance for every hour of flight. It is very complex and cannot compare with our Mirage 2000!" Pierre quickly added.

"Hmph, maintenance is a matter for the future. What we are looking at now is the purchase price."

Western countries generally look at the cost of the entire life cycle when purchasing equipment. Aircraft like the J-7 are cheap to purchase, but the engine needs a major overhaul every hundred hours or so, so the cost is quite high.

However, the domestic air force does not consider it this way. Maintenance is a matter for the future, and procurement is a matter for the present. Can these be the same?

As a result, the entire meeting broke up unhappily.

"President Qin, you promised us at the beginning," Pierre said with a face full of unwillingness as he walked out of the conference room, finding an opportunity to talk to Qin Yang.

"Yes, I did promise you, but I never thought you would ask for such a high price," Qin Yang said. "A single-engine medium-sized aircraft is selling for the same price as a twin-engine heavy aircraft. The air force isn't stupid. Isn't it obvious how they would choose?"

"Then, are we out of hope?" Pierre asked.

"Can't you make less profit? Isn't small profits and quick turnover possible?"

"Of course not. Our initial research and development costs were so high, and the funding allocation is just that much. It might be cheaper in the later stages," Pierre said.

It is inevitable that French goods are expensive. Whether it is the United States or the Soviet Union, the development of an aircraft involves thousands or even thousands of units. With a large number, the allocated research and development costs are naturally reduced. But France can't do it. Even if they try to expand sales channels, they can't sell many units. The research and development costs are there. Wouldn't they lose money if they didn't increase the price?

"Can't you switch the order?" Qin Yang was also helpless. "You should first use low prices to open up the Eastern market. When the East gets used to it, they will have to buy it even if you increase the price later."

"No, absolutely not. This is our principle. We never lower prices for military sales. However, it is possible to persuade a few key figures by issuing a public relations fee," Pierre said. "Qin, today it seems that that Lin is a key figure. If we issue a sum of money, can we get him to change his mind?"

Qin Yang was really tempted, but after thinking about it, he still firmly shook his head: "No, this person has principles and will not violate them for money, just like you."

"Then, is there any other way?"

"In short, I will never admit defeat," Qin Yang said firmly. "I believe there will definitely be a way!"

Time passed slowly. After a minute, two minutes, five minutes, Qin Yang patted his head: "I have an idea!"

"What idea?"

"Leave the Mirage 2000 here!" Qin Yang said firmly. "The ones you flew here are two-seater models. You can just take a few pilots for a flight, so that our Eastern pilots can also experience the powerful Mirage fighter. These bumpkins have only flown the J-7 at most. Where have they flown such a powerful fighter as ours! When they fly it more often, they will naturally praise it and say good things about the Mirage 2000."

Leave it here? This is an important prototype aircraft and is also undertaking many scientific research flight test projects!

Qin Yang did not give him a chance to interrupt and continued: "During this period, I will go to my future father-in-law again. He also has a lot of say. Let him slowly create momentum. After a few months, the air force should not be so firm. After a few more months, the air force may be able to agree."

"A few months?" Pierre's heart began to waver. If it was a few months, he could still wait.

"That's right, at most half a year. I will try to persuade the higher-ups to go to your country to talk. If the negotiation is successful, they will directly purchase it. The air force will have to take it whether they want it or not!"

Pierre nodded: "This needs to be communicated with the country. I have to go back. The plane will stay here first, and the two engines will also stay here for testing. Do we need to send some technicians to assist?"

"If you provide salaries and travel subsidies, of course, there is no problem. If we have to pay for it here, I guess it will be difficult."

Pierre thought for a moment: "Okay, then let's leave two engineers behind."