Reborn, back to a small county town to become a wealthy family

Chapter 761 We Might Lose to DJI
"Boss, Kunpeng Technology's participation in the Berlin Air Show this time is not only an opportunity to showcase the company's products to aviation enthusiasts around the world, but also an opportunity to demonstrate our Chinese enterprises to other countries."

Luo Yang smiled and extended an invitation, saying, "Our company is confident in showcasing our products, but we have shortcomings in presenting our image. If we don't do something right, we are easily subject to distorted reports by biased media. So we hope that the district can provide some guidance, and it would be best if a few professionals could join our team to help us oversee things."

As soon as he finished speaking, a smile instantly appeared on Lü Lin's face.

The emergence of companies like Kunpeng Technology within the jurisdiction has garnered significant attention from the relevant authorities and leaders, who have provided necessary assistance during the company's development. This is an achievement of the government's work.

The development of high-tech industries like Kunpeng Technology is no longer limited to the domestic market; it has begun to showcase its technological achievements abroad, and in fact, it is in a leading position.

If the relevant authorities and leaders in charge had been involved, this achievement would have been even more impressive.

"President Luo is methodical in his work and considers issues meticulously and comprehensively. He truly deserves to be called an outstanding private entrepreneur in our district."

Lu Lin replied with a smile, "Since the company is facing difficulties and has applied for assistance from the district, we will definitely fulfill that request. Don't worry, President Luo and President Chu, I will arrange for a capable team to be organized as soon as possible to support Kunpeng Technology's team participating in the Berlin Air Show."

Chu Jianming received a call from Luo Yang, who summoned him to the district to report on the company's development. He never expected to hear this conversation.

"Leader, Chairman, I will arrange for someone to liaise with the district as soon as I get back."

After understanding the message from above, he quickly realized what was happening and expressed his willingness to cooperate.

"Don't forget about welcoming the leaders who led the team to inspect our company."

Luo Yang added, "Once the time is set, we will promptly notify the board office, and I will also accompany them."

The leader's time is also quite tight.

After finishing their business, Luo Yang and Chu Jianming took their leave.

"Chairman, would you like to take a look at the Science and Technology Park?"

Chu Jianming accompanied Luo Yang to the parking lot, chatting as they walked: "You didn't attend the test flight observation of the new model last time. Have you received any feedback on the details?"

Many of the feedback issues involved technical problems, and he was a cautious person who wanted to describe them again in person.

"I've looked at your summary report, and it seems the situation isn't very good?"

Luo Yang slowed his pace and asked as he walked, "Why is the flight attitude control becoming unstable?"

In his understanding, the new model that was tested last time was at most a Kunpeng 2.2 version, which was based on the original model but with a replacement of the power battery and some technical upgrades to the image transmission system. In addition, the navigation system and flight control system were combined, which should not affect the flight attitude.

"The technical department conducted a summary analysis after the test flight."

Chu Jianming explained: "First of all, there is the weight. Although the new model's battery life has increased by about 27%, the new power battery is 15% heavier than the old version. Because of the increased weight, the center of gravity of our drone has changed. When the drone's center of gravity is not in the ideal position, the drone will experience unstable flight, and turbulence will be more obvious."

"This problem isn't difficult to solve, is it?"

Luo Yang asked doubtfully, "Why not just adjust the shape of the power battery or readjust the center of gravity?"

"Chairman, it's not that simple."

Chu Jianming said with a wry smile, "The increase in load also causes the weight that the drone can bear to gradually approach or exceed its maximum load capacity. This can cause the drone to be unable to take off or to become unstable in the air. In particular, instability in the air can easily lead to a crash!"

"With just a 15% increase in weight, our Kunpeng 2 has reached its launch load limit?"

Luo Yang was surprised, because in his memory, he had seen drones carrying tens or hundreds of kilograms of supplies flying steadily. How come it was impossible for his drone to fail when its own weight increased by 15%?

Chu Jianming: "."

He quickly explained to Luo Yang the difference between the increase in the aircraft's own weight and its payload.

"Has the technical department provided a solution?"

Luo Yang doesn't care about those technical indicators; he only cares about the results.

The two walked and talked, and before they knew it, they arrived at the parking lot. Since they were discussing something, they stopped next to their car.

"The first thing to do is to improve the powertrain and its design."

Chu Jianming offered to light a cigarette for Luo Yang and then explained in detail: "The rated power and efficiency of the motor directly affect the thrust generated by the drone, which in turn affects the load it can carry. Therefore, one of the solutions is to increase the drone's power system."

"Tsk, this isn't something that can be resolved in a short time."

After listening, Luo Yang clicked his tongue and said, "Either we need to make a breakthrough in motor technology, or we need to increase the size of the motor to make it more powerful and efficient. But that leads to a vicious cycle, because a larger motor means a heavier drone, which in turn increases the overall weight of the drone."

"Chairman, the power motor currently used in our Kunpeng 2 is not the most advanced."

Chu Jianming looked at Luo Yang and said, "However, if we use more advanced imported products, the cost of the drones themselves will increase. According to our calculations, this alone will increase the overall cost by about 8.2%."

"Putting aside the issue of increased costs, let's quickly purchase some and try it out. If this can directly solve the problem, I think it's the simplest and most worthwhile option."

Luo Yang said decisively, "The new models will definitely develop in the direction of heavier load, more flexible and stable flight attitude, longer endurance and higher level of intelligence. Our drones need to be upgraded in all aspects such as power, flight control and materials. Even if it is not used on Kunpeng 2, it is only a matter of time. Let's treat it as preparation for the next generation of research and development."

His thinking is based on a strategic perspective, and his vision is naturally quite broad.

After listening, Chu Jianming also felt that it made a lot of sense, so he nodded and wrote it down, and said that he would pass on the instructions when he got back.

"Are there any other options?"

Once there's one, there's bound to be two. Luo Yang asked while smoking, "What's a simpler, faster, and more reasonable solution than the first one?"

"The second option is to increase the size of the propellers, design a more reasonable shape, and use newer and lighter materials. These will also affect the thrust and efficiency of the drone, thus affecting its payload capacity."

The first option not only increases costs, but its feasibility also needs to be tested to determine.

Therefore, Chu Jianming continued explaining the second solution: "Furthermore, the weight of the drone and its payload will affect its flight efficiency. Heavier drones require higher thrust to maintain flight, which may cause the power system to bear greater pressure and reduce efficiency. Therefore, the technical department is considering temporarily abandoning the use of the new power battery, thus solving the load problem at its root." Since the problem is caused by the power battery, let's go back to the original one.

The technical department's solution was very straightforward: abandon the idea of ​​increasing battery life.

After hearing the second solution, Luo Yang fell even more silent.

The changes to the blade size, design, and materials are even more absurd than the technological changes involved in the first option, because they are simply impossible to implement in a short period of time.

It could even be said that technological advancements in this area are also the research and development direction of Kunpeng 3.

"The technical department also mentioned the power battery, because battery capacity and energy density are important factors affecting the drone's payload."

Seeing his boss's noncommittal expression, Chu Jianming could only bite the bullet and say, "Drones are usually powered by lithium polymer batteries, which have limited energy density. Therefore, a trade-off needs to be made between battery capacity and weight. The third option is to find ways to improve energy efficiency, which can reduce energy waste, extend flight time, and thus indirectly affect payload capacity."

Goodness, they're directly demanding another breakthrough in new energy battery technology.

If that were possible, how could the aforementioned problems have occurred?
After hearing the third solution proposed by the technical department, Luo Yang clicked his tongue in disapproval.

"Old Chu, isn't there a more practical solution?"

"Yes, there are some, but they only treat the symptoms, not the root cause."

Chu Jianming replied with a wry smile: "Control precision and response speed are especially important in high-speed flight, as it is necessary to ensure flight stability and safety. Attitude adjustment and speed control also affect the payload capacity of the UAV. For example, the maximum tilt angle is limited by factors such as control stability, thrust loss, safety considerations, and structural design. Therefore, improving the flight control system is also one of the solutions."

In addition, there are physical solutions, such as counterweights and balances.

Although it's not very useful, it's at least one possible solution.

"It seems that the most practical solution is to go back to using the original power battery."

After thinking for a long time, Luo Yang said to Chu Jianming, "Give up increasing the endurance rating and ensure the stability of the drone's flight."

"The company has scheduled a second test flight next week, involving a total of three aircraft models."

Chu Jianming seized the opportunity to report: "The first option is to cancel the new power battery and configure other new technologies; the second option is to continue using the new power battery, while balancing the weight of the new model and improving the flight control system; the third option is what you just mentioned, using a more advanced imported motor to improve the drone's power."

"Okay, let's keep trying."

Luo Yang had already lost hope, but he didn't want to dampen the enthusiasm of his subordinates.

After all, it was he who made the decision in the first place, to see if they could design a more advanced model before the Berlin Air Show began.

Now that he's facing difficulties, his first reaction is to deny it, which not only contradicts his own words but is also not good for the company's technological progress.

Therefore, Luo Yang earnestly said to Chu Jianming, "I think we still need to adjust our mindset. Don't rush to develop a new model just to meet the specifications in order to rush to the Berlin Air Show. Let the company's technical department calm down and treat it as a technical reserve for the next generation of drones. Don't be afraid of failure; you can treat it as a directional exploration."

"Chairman, with your instructions, we are no longer anxious."

Chu Jianming's expression visibly relaxed considerably. After all, the task of the Berlin Air Show was on his shoulders, and the new aircraft model had encountered some serious problems. He had been under a lot of pressure recently.

It's such a pleasant surprise that the boss is so understanding and proactive in relieving the pressure on him and the company's technical department.

"I even think this is a great opportunity, because based on what you just said, our new aircraft needs to make technological breakthroughs in areas such as power, airframe materials, flight control systems, and new energy battery technology to achieve comprehensive breakthroughs."

Luo Yang noticed the change in Chu Jianming's expression, but he didn't pay it any mind. Instead, he continued, "Now I understand. Drones are said to have five major systems, but these are independent yet interconnected. A breakthrough in just one technology won't bring about a qualitative change in our drones. On the contrary, due to the 'weakest link' theory, the product technology will remain stagnant."

What can you say when you encounter a boss like this?

Chu Jianming quickly offered his flattery: "Chairman, your understanding of the drone field is becoming increasingly profound. Some of your ideas are insightful and inspiring. I think you should visit the company sometime and hold a meeting with the senior executives to let them know that focusing solely on technology also has its limitations."

These words felt like an iron had been used to soothe Luo Yang's heart.

Comfortable!

No wonder leaders always like those who are good at flattery, even if they are incompetent.

They just have such nice words.

In internet slang, that means it has maximum emotional value.

"Old Chu, we need to pay attention to coordinating with the district."

In a good mood, Luo Yang decided to give Chu Jianming a pointer: "How well we cooperate at the Berlin Air Show will determine how much support we receive afterwards. Do you understand what I mean?"

As the CEO of Kunpeng Technology, Chu Jianming is now more responsible for the overall work of the company, which makes it easy for outsiders to overlook that he has a technical background.

So Chu Jianming nodded, but with a hint of doubt in his voice; "Besides loans, what other benefits does the district's support offer us?"

He was certain that even if Deyang Motor were moved to Minhang, the cost of building the factory would not be lower than that in the Suzhou Industrial Zone, let alone that in Yangshi. After all, land prices in Shanghai were what they were, and Kunpeng Technology was not a key project like Tesla, so even if there were discounts, the discounts would not be very significant.

"Old Chu, things that can be solved with money are actually the simplest things."

Luo Yang patted Chu Jianming on the shoulder and said, "If the district can help us upgrade our technological research and development capabilities to a higher level, that's something that money can't buy!"

He was clearly much younger than Chu Jianming, yet this movement didn't feel out of place at all.

"For example, our materials research and development laboratory and the power system research and development team were jointly established with the University of Engineering Science and Technology."

Luo Yang continued to speak frankly without pausing: "Our R&D capabilities are only average, not to mention on a national scale, even in Shanghai. We can keep up when adapting to the Kunpeng 1 and Kunpeng 2 models, but if there are no major improvements later, I think we will lose to DJI in terms of technological reserves."

Chu Jianming was stunned.

Sweat even seeped from his forehead.
(End of this chapter)