Rebirth of the 1980s: The Military Industry Empire

In the capital, spring arrived with flowers in full bloom, a riot of colors.

The courtyard of the Aircraft Building was also planted with many colorful flowers – red, yellow, purple – a beautiful sight, and the air was filled with a fragrance that was invigorating.

Old Gu walked with heavy steps, passing through large flower beds towards the office building. Behind him, Old Li looked somewhat dazed, wondering if it was alright to go in so directly.

From the meeting room on the third floor, bursts of enthusiastic applause could be heard, along with indistinct voices.

"This successful test flight is of landmark significance!"

"The development of our Air Force will depend on Factory 320 in the future!"

Hearing these praises, Old Li felt a mix of emotions. He remembered a time when Institute 601 was the unit that received such honors.

Speaking of the progress of domestic aviation technology and the development of the aviation industry, it all depended on their Northern Institute!

But what about now?

With a bitter smile, Old Li followed Old Gu to the door of the meeting room. Old Gu hesitated for a moment outside before pushing the door open and walking in.

Inside were soldiers in military uniforms, cadres in Zhongshan suits, and technicians in blue work clothes.

Xu Guohua and Brasi stood on the stage, wearing large red flowers on their chests, accepting the highest honors. Brasi was also very excited. He knew that through these projects, he had gained a foothold in the East, and if he worked hard in the East in the future, he would surely have a bright future.

"Today, I am very excited to be here to thank the Party, the country, and the people!" Xu Guohua began to speak, expressing his gratitude with excitement, and then continued to make demands.

"Next, we hope to start the next phase of experiments as soon as possible, putting our airborne radar on fighter jets for testing. To complete the final design work!"

The test flight project on the Yun-7 was coming to an end. Next, they needed to move the airborne radar to fighter jets for testing!

"Yes, it's time for actual aircraft testing. This project is of great importance, especially the choice of carrier aircraft, which must be carefully considered," said one of the leaders present.

This was the opportunity he had been waiting for!

Old Gu said loudly, "Institute 601 will solve the problem of the carrier aircraft. We can install our mature radar on our J-8II fighter jet!"

Everyone turned to look at Old Gu.

Old Gu was a veteran of the aviation industry and had visited the Aircraft Building many times. The guards recognized him, so they didn't stop him, allowing him to enter the meeting directly. He was uninvited, so everyone's eyes were filled with shock.

"Old Gu, didn't you used to say that you wanted to import the radar from the F-16 fighter jet and install it on your J-8II fighter jet? Why are you now interested in our domestically developed airborne radar?" Old Lin asked from above.

"Whether it's domestically developed or imported, isn't it all to provide the Air Force with the most advanced technology and equipment?" Old Gu said, "Now that domestic products can take on the heavy responsibility, we don't need to waste the country's precious foreign exchange."

"Really? If that's what you really think, then that's great," Old Lin nodded.

"Actually, in terms of advanced technology, the F-16's radar is still better," Old Li still refused to give in. "It's just that since we have made technological breakthroughs domestically and have similar technology, although it's a bit inferior, we still have to use domestic products."

Old Gu's face changed. Did you remember the purpose of our coming here? If you mess this up, it will be ruined!

Sure enough, many people at the scene cast angry glances.

Saying in front of so many airborne radar and missile developers that their weapons are not good, and that they are only using them reluctantly because they are cheaper, is a slap in the face, isn't it?

"Since American radar is so advanced, then you should go and use American radar. Don't come rushing to us," a cold voice said.

In the system, everyone knew that Chief Qin was famous for arguing with people. It was already a blessing if he didn't go looking for trouble with others, but now someone had actually taken the initiative to come and argue with him!

Chief Qin was definitely going to argue back.

"Chief Qin, what's wrong? Did we say something wrong about American radar technology being advanced? It's not shameful for our own things to be inferior to foreign ones. If we can't face our own shortcomings and are arrogant, how can we improve?"

Old Gu's face was serious. "Old Li, what are you talking about? We're not here to discuss which radar is more advanced!"

He seemed to have understood. Old Li had not given up on importing radar and was trying to create public opinion by pointing out the gap between the two. However, even if the domestic product was inferior, they still had to use domestic radar, because importing would cost foreign exchange.

"Yes, when you're under someone else's roof, you can't help but bow your head. Since we're here to ask for help, we have to be humble. I won't say anything, okay?" Old Li said, but the expression on his face was still unconvinced.

Qin Yang smiled. "Okay, Comrade Old Li, tell us, where is American radar so advanced?"

"The AWG-9 radar was developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation and uses technology from the 1960s. Although it uses a digital processor, it still uses a large number of analog circuits. The APG-66 radar is a brand-new radar developed by Westinghouse Electric Corporation for the F-16 fighter jet. It is more advanced than the F-15's radar and uses technology from the 1980s. It is fully digital, small in size, light in weight, highly reliable, and easy to maintain."

Because the nose is flat, the F-16's radar antenna is elliptical.

This was the opportunity Old Li had been waiting for!

In front of everyone, he told them not to be complacent just because they had domestic PD radar and had successfully launched missiles, because they were still far behind advanced Western technology. How could they reach world-class levels? Import!

He thought that Chief Qin would talk about the search distance and how many targets could be dealt with simultaneously. He had also prepared his arguments: the radar was large, it required a dedicated radar operator, maintenance was cumbersome, and so on.

He didn't expect Chief Qin to bring up this point.

What was the purpose of the J-8II importing radar? It was to provide the Air Force with the most important medium-range interception capability, but this radar was actually incapable of launching medium-range missiles?

"How is that possible? The F-16 is the most advanced fighter jet!" Old Li was dumbfounded.

"That's right, it's the most advanced. It's a fighter jet developed according to the energy maneuverability theory. Its appearance was born for dogfighting. Its radar doesn't have a continuous wave illuminator and can't guide medium-range missiles at all," Qin Yang said. "You didn't even investigate this clearly, and you're shouting every day about importing the radar from the F-16 fighter jet?"