Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

320 Factory.

For the project of imitating the Tomcat fighter, Factory 320 specifically vacated a workshop. On one side of the workshop was a Tomcat fighter that had been disassembled into parts. Each part had a fixed position, a specific number, and a photograph taken specifically for it. Everything was in perfect order.

On the other side were the corresponding replicated parts. Once a part was replicated, it was placed there, waiting for the final assembly.

Old Lu was busy with design work in the drafting room every day, but he would also take time to come over and check on the progress. Every day, he waited for the number of parts to increase. Today, when he walked in, he was immediately attracted by a large triangular structural component. This component was very thick, with a thick trunnion bracket on the edge.

"The wing box is out?" Old Lu was immediately delighted.

"Yes, Factory 960 made the first titanium alloy wing box according to the dimensions we sent over. It was handed over to us for comparison and inspection. The dimensions are exactly the same, and the mechanical strength of the welded parts is the same as other parts, without any weakening," the subordinate said.

"Great! This is a tough nut to crack! Factory 960 has the strongest technical strength in the country!" Old Lu sighed with emotion: "When we built the Qiang-6 ourselves, we could only use stainless steel because the titanium alloy processing technology was not up to par. This wing box became the heaviest part of the entire aircraft. Now, we finally have a qualified titanium alloy wing box with high strength and light weight. Our variable-sweep wing fighter finally has the best wing box!"

"They said that the other wing box will be manufactured and delivered to us next week," the subordinate continued: "In this way, we have almost replicated the structural parts of the entire airframe. Should we…"

"How is the engine doing?" Old Lu continued to ask.

"The WS-10 has been replicated and is undergoing bench testing. It is said that the effect is good."

The performance of this WS-10 was not advanced, it was only a replica of the French M53 engine. But precisely because the technology was not very advanced, they were able to replicate this engine using existing technology, providing the J-11 fighter with a usable engine.

"Well, then we don't have to wait any longer. Starting today, assemble these parts and put together the frame of this aircraft first!" Old Lu said: "Within half a year, we will send the J-11 fighter into the sky!"

"Yes!" Everyone's heart was filled with excitement.

"Old Lu, Old Lu!" At this moment, someone ran in: "We just received a telegram from the capital."

"Read!"

"Order: Lu **, chief engineer of Factory 320, is hereby transferred to China National Aero-Technology Import \u0026 Export Corporation (CATIC) in the capital, to serve as deputy general manager."

With the continuous development of the market economy, various departments have begun to engage in foreign trade. The land system military industry has Norinco, while the aviation system has established CATIC. This department has a very high level. Being the deputy general manager of CATIC should be a promotion, but…

If Old Lu goes to CATIC, what will happen to the J-11 replication project?

Everyone present stopped their work and looked at Old Lu with worried eyes.

Old Lu took the telegram with his thin hand, glanced at it a few times, and then said calmly: "Factory 320 is my home. I am not going anywhere. The J-11 is my goal. I will never leave until it is sent into the sky. Everyone, continue working."

"Old Lu, this is an order from the higher-ups. If you don't go, it will be disobeying orders."

"Hmph, what if I disobey orders? I am not a soldier. Can I be shot for disobeying orders? Even if Leader Wang, who signed this transfer order, comes here and points a gun at my head, I will not leave!" Old Lu said.

"Old Lu, this matter is very strange. Look, should we contact General Qin?"

"General Qin is too busy. Where would he have time to deal with these things?"

"Yes!"

"Protect our labor achievements!" Without the need for the security department, the surveyors present understood what was happening and picked up their tools: screwdrivers, pliers. The worker leading the charge picked up a sledgehammer and carried it on his shoulder: "Hit one for every one that comes, hit two for every two that come!"

Gate of Factory 320.

"I say, comrade, why are you so disobedient? I have shown you my transfer order. I will be your leader from now on. It's right for you to stick to principles, but you also have to look at the documents from the higher-ups!"

A middle-aged man in a Zhongshan suit and glasses spoke. He didn't plan to use force. It was best to resolve this matter through peaceful means.

"I am illiterate," the person in the gatehouse said: "Our factory is currently carrying out a key project with a high level of secrecy. Who knows if you are spies."

"What did you say?" A young man behind the man in the Zhongshan suit was unhappy: "We came from Shenyang. All the people in the aviation industry units across the country were trained by us. Even your Old Lu came from our unit. How did we become spies? Watch your mouth."

"What, I just said 'maybe'. Why are you so angry and embarrassed? Are you guilty?"

"Bullshit!"

"Damn your mother, you dare to curse?"

The entrance became chaotic.

"Stop it!" At this moment, a voice rang out from inside.

A thin-faced old man walked out with a serious look.

"Old Lu, it's me, Old Li." The man in the Zhongshan suit quickly went up to greet him: "The higher-ups issued me a transfer order. I came all the way from Shenyang to the south without stopping. I haven't even had a sip of water yet. Tell the gatekeeper to let me in. We will complete the handover procedures, and you can go to the capital to take office. The capital, and CATIC at that, what a great position. Leader Wang is really good to you. I don't have such a good life…"

Old Li was interrupted by Old Lu before he could finish speaking.

"If you think the position in CATIC is good, then you go to CATIC. Let's switch."

"Old Lu, can the higher-ups' appointments be changed casually? Don't joke around. Come on, let's go inside and talk."

After the man in the Zhongshan suit finished speaking, he was about to walk inside. However, a large group of security personnel had already arrived and stood behind Old Lu.

"You can't come in." Old Lu said: "There are important national defense secrets here. If you take another step closer, don't blame me for being impolite. Security department, pay attention!"

"Yes!"

"Irrelevant personnel, anyone who dares to approach within our factory's security line will be treated as a spy!"

"Yes!"

Clatter! The security personnel cocked their guns.

Old Li's face darkened. Looking at Old Lu's departing back, he said angrily: "Old Lu, you are making a mistake. You are openly disobeying the higher-ups' appointment. You should know what the consequences of doing this are!"

Old Lu stopped, turned his head, and glanced at Old Li: "Get back to where you came from! Don't wave a chicken feather as an arrow. What's the higher-ups' appointment worth? Even if the higher-ups come, they can't enter the gate of my Factory 320!"