Soviet Union 1991

Fourth update, supplement

The Ilyushin Design Bureau is preparing to restart the new Ilyushin aircraft project. After receiving Yanayev's support, Onozhlov ambitiously wants to make this new Ilyushin aircraft model an Ilyushin design. The most successful one in the game. [Becoming a product of competition with Boeing and Airbus.

With Yanayev's support, the Ilyushin Design Bureau quickly obtained sufficient funds, and Yanayev is also preparing a plan to replace the "Aerial Kremlin", the IL-62 special aircraft. Replacing it with the brand-new IL-96 represents the Kremlin's vigorous development of the Soviet aircraft aviation manufacturing industry.

When Onozhilov privately asked Yanayev what special attention was paid to the plane, Yanayev suggested that the new presidential plane needs to be built into the Kremlin in the sky. The wall panels are all made of wood, with deep and solemn tones. The facilities inside the plane are luxurious and need to be equipped with the most advanced communication system so that Yanayev can contact the situation in various regions immediately on the presidential plane. Moreover, IL-96 is not only a tool for the president to travel, but also a place for office tasks.

Many times, Yanayev's travels did not represent himself, but represented a country, symbolizing the national image of the Soviet Union. Therefore, we cannot be careless when it comes to private planes. Safety comes first, followed by comfort. For him, things like the frequent accidents of IL-96 due to material quality problems in history are absolutely intolerable to him.

Therefore, Onozhlov put all his efforts into the development of the ILliner this time.

The Ilyushin Design Bureau's improvement plan is carried out quietly, like a snake lurking in the grass. When the time is right, it bites the opponent hard and catches the enemy off guard. Boeing's bet on the 777 model has exhausted all their chips.

But some people still paid attention to the trends of the Ilyushin Design Bureau. Especially when Onozhilov announced improvements to the current Il-96, Boeing realized something was wrong. Since its commercial flight in 1993, the IL-96 has not posed a substantial threat to Boeing's market. This is largely due to the loss of the country's backing, and the Ilyushin Design Bureau's path has been somewhat difficult.

But things are different now. Ever since Yanayev proposed to change the special aircraft model to Il-96, Boeing has realized that this is an unusual political signal.

Yanayev stood inside the aircraft manufacturing plant, where the final assembly of the Il-96 will be carried out. The Il-96, which has completed the fuselage manufacturing, is undergoing final inspection. For the presidential plane, nothing can be done Sloppy. Even a small screw may cause an accident if not handled properly.

Yanayev stood in front of the giant engine of the Il-96. This is a completed product that will be assembled into the wing section to form the soul of a passenger aircraft. Yanayev said with some pride, "Compared to the IL-62, the IL-96 is more like the Soviet version of 'Air Force One'."

Yanayev's investment in the ILliner far exceeded Pavlov's expectations. He asked, "I just don't quite understand why the General Secretary is so concerned about the exhibition of the ILliner? Is there any special secret in it?"

"Have you ever heard of the butterfly effect? ​​Comrade Pavlov. A butterfly flapping its wings can cause a storm." Yanayev turned around and said with a smile, "And what I have to do now is to make that butterfly Flap your wings."

"So what will happen in the end?" Pavlov asked curiously. The only thing he could think of was that IL-96 could create more profits and play an important role in government revenue.

"If possible, the emergence of the Il-96 will further crowd out Boeing's market. Even if the Boeing 777 succeeds, the price of the new Il-96 that is comparable to it may be more than 30% cheaper. This is for For Boeing, the blow is fatal. We will not miss any opportunity to hit all walks of life in the United States."

Although the launch of the new version of IL-96 may only have an impact on the aerospace industry. But once Boeing fails in its big bet on the Boeing 777 model, the chain reaction will leave everyone stunned. Think about the future Chinese civil aviation market, when most of the aircraft in China's civil aviation market, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, etc., are Soviet IL models, how Boeing and Airbus will gnash their teeth.

"We are really the mortal enemies of the United States." Pavlov said with emotion. He did not expect Yanayev to have such far-reaching considerations. The new model of IL-96 was born to crowd out Boeing's market.

"Is there any result on the Japanese side? Hashimoto Ryutaro should have discussed this matter with his cabinet think tanks." Yanayev turned his head and asked.

"There is no reply yet. It seems that Ryutaro Hashimoto has been stalling for time. But now there is a problem. If Japan really encounters economic difficulties as Yanayev predicts, then they will still have extra financial resources to invest in the Far East. Project? "This is the question that Pavlov is most concerned about. Without money, it means that the plan to win over Japan into the Far East will not work at all.

Yanayev replied, "The Soviet Union will provide Japan with paid loans if Japan is in economic difficulty."

Yanayev's move can be seen as giving timely help, or it can be seen as adding insult to injury.

Yanayev explained, "The loan we provide to Japan has a purpose. First, it is to attract the other party to join the Far East development project. In this way, the loan will eventually return to us, and the Soviet Union is just using the power of Japanese companies to complete the infrastructure construction of the Far East. Secondly, this loan to Japan is restrictive, and it is also aimed at the relationship between Japan and the United States, so it depends on Japan's final attitude. If Hashimoto Ryutaro or the next Obuchi Keizo knows the current situation, Japan and the Soviet Union will have a win-win situation. If Japan does not know the current situation, , this loan is the last straw. "

Yanaev turned his head and looked at the new model, which was still in its infancy, and muttered to himself, "It's a pity that the Il-96 new model project will not be completed until next year, and COMAC testing will take another half a year, otherwise the Il-96 new model will be used to receive the Japanese delegation when they visit the Far East. However, during this period, we can only use the improved Il-96 to compete with Boeing for the market. When the new model is mass-produced, Boeing will be crying. We have two equally excellent models. I don't know whether customers will choose Boeing or Il-96 at that time." (To be continued.)2o8