In 1978, I was admitted to Harbin Institute of Technology

Chapter 310 The Strong 6 faces discontinuation; saving the WS-6G, which outperforms the WS-10A.
"Should the school handle this?"

"The school will make the contact, but you'll still need to do the talking."

Xie Wei thought about it and realized that it wasn't actually the most appropriate thing for the school to talk to. The school leaders had started to adopt a business-like approach to negotiating, which wasn't conducive to the negotiations.

If we want to integrate the country's top aviation technologies, focusing too much on profits is not a good idea.

It would be bad if Northwestern Polytechnical University thought Harbin Institute of Technology was trying to poach their aviation technology talent. Although Xie Wei did have such thoughts, for example, the chief designer of the J-20, the chief designer of the Y-20, and the executive deputy chief designer of the J-15...

These big shots are all in the same class!
Once they finish their studies at Northwestern Polytechnical University, we'll poach them directly from Harbin Institute of Technology...

Tsk tsk, it's a wonderful thought.

However, for now, it's just a thought.

“Okay, let’s prepare the materials first and do the preliminary work for the formal development. However, Xie Wei, now that we’re going to formally approve the project, shouldn’t the university formally establish an avionics systems research laboratory? Specifically for digital integrated avionics systems. We’ve done some research before, but it wasn’t systematic.”

Xie Wei agreed without even thinking about it.

The first avionics systems research laboratory in China was established in 85 by General Manager Song for the J-10 fighter jet.

Now that it's been moved up, and it's still at Harbin Institute of Technology, what reason is there not to support it?
"President Song, you can just ask Secretary Liu about the technology and preparations needed for the formal research and development. The university will support you."

Xie Wei said with a smile.

His appearance both changed history and did not change history.

The J-10's formal development work began five years ahead of schedule, and Xie Wei worked hard for more than two years, doing a lot of preparatory work; the chief designer remained the same...

However, the biggest uncertainty is that this time Project No. 10 will no longer be a solo effort by Institute 611, but will integrate the nation's top aerospace technologies, with Northwestern Polytechnical University, Institute 601, and other institutions participating.

This determines that the technology of the J-10 will be more advanced than in history.

Even if its avionics and other systems don't reach the level of the J-10C, its other technologies and combat capabilities won't be too far behind.

When it comes to systematic engineering, Xie Wei's greatest contribution, besides being involved in some core projects, is using his "vision" to avoid detours and accelerate research progress from the very beginning.

The formal development of Project No. 10 was launched almost quietly.

Even those within the project team don't know the real situation; anyway, before the project was officially launched, everyone's work consisted of the same tasks.

In order to reduce the development cost of the J-10, the Super-7 project was also officially launched. The project plan is a fusion of the modified JF-17 Thunder fighter jet and the J-7MF.

The Super-7 project will use the WS-6G turbofan engine, and the specific design scheme needs to be demonstrated and approved.

The initial funding was provided by a newly established investment company of the school.

What if Pakistan abandons the project after we've made the initial payment?
Xie Wei hadn't thought of that.

Even if the school leaders considered it, given Liu Debao and Zhang Mingqiu's unprincipled trust, it remained just a thought.

"Continue to improve the WS-6 turbofan engine?"

Under Song's arrangement, Xie Wei met with Zhang Enhe, the chief designer of the WS-6 and WS-10 turbofan engines.

Since he already knew about Xie Wei's situation before coming, General Manager Zhang had no doubts about the decisions Xie Wei could make.

"Yes. Although we also need engines with greater thrust, China simply cannot provide them at present. The best solution is to improve the WS-6 turbofan engine..."

Xie Wei nodded sincerely.

“We have a project that we plan to develop into the foreign trade market, and it will be powered by the WS-6G turbofan engine.”

Mr. Song, who was standing to the side, added.

"Xie Wei, are you familiar with the WS-6 turbofan engine?"

General Manager Zhang was not happy that the WS-6 had a new compatible target; instead, he seriously asked Xie Wei a question.

To understanding!

I know it all too well.

It can be said that although the WS-6 was eventually cancelled, it was the true starting point for China's turbofan engine industry. Unlike the WS-5 engine, which was improved from the WS-6 engine prototype, with the afterburner removed and a rear fan added to form a single rotor structure, the WS-6 is a twin-shaft turbofan engine with an afterburner thrust design of 121.5 kN.

The design specifications have been met.

However, the WS-6 project was ultimately cancelled, mainly because its stability and reliability could not be guaranteed. Problems kept arising during actual testing, and its service life was less than 100 hours in closed-door tests.

How could Xie Wei not understand?
"The technical feasibility study was completed in 1965, and the project went through three phases and five relocations of production sites... To date, three batches of six prototype machines have been completed, and the fourth batch of four machines has just started manufacturing, right? This manufacturing includes the WS-6A and WS-6G..."

Under Mr. Zhang's watchful gaze, Xie Wei succinctly recounted the development process of the WS-6 turbofan engine.

"The J-9 project has been cancelled, leaving only the Q-6 as the target for the WS-6 turbofan engine. However, given the current situation, the outcome for the Q-6 is unlikely to be good. In 78, the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry proposed replacing the WS-6, which was lagging behind in development, with the Spey engine imported from Britain. Chief Designer Lu Xiaopeng of the Q-6 submitted an analysis report to the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry stating that the Spey engine was unsuitable... The higher authorities and the Air Force have now shifted their support to the JH-7..."

The more Xie Wei spoke, the more alarmed Zhang Enhe became.

These messages are confidential, and many people involved in the project may not even be aware of them.

Seeing the surprise and doubt in his eyes, President Song gave him a look: "Let me tell you, this kid is different from ordinary young people. He has a good relationship with the higher-ups and knows a lot of information."

"Although the Q-6 has not been cancelled, its fate is predictable due to the insurmountable technical problems it faces. Without a suitable partner, the WS-6's fate is basically sealed."

"Why do you say that?"

Knowing the reason, General Manager Zhang still wanted to ask Xie Wei, this young man, for his opinion, or rather, how much inside information Xie Wei knew.

"The Q-6's design is very advanced, but the design and manufacturing process of the large load-bearing rotating structure for the variable-sweep wing cannot keep up. The development of the mechanical + analog fly-by-wire control system is slow and it is also difficult to reduce the weight... Also because of these complex designs, logistics maintenance is not only difficult, but also very expensive..."

"Currently, domestically produced fire control radars and integrated avionics systems also cannot meet the design specifications of the Q-6..."

"Then there's the power issue. The WS-6's performance specifications can be met, but its maximum service life is only a little over 70 hours. What's worse, during testing, the WS-6's performance was consistently unstable, and its reliability was extremely poor..."

The design of the Q-6 will still be considered advanced decades later.

However, the supporting infrastructure is not keeping up, and there is no relevant technological reserve in China.

Solving these problems requires a large number of supporting projects, and the research and development funding is something the Air Force, which is currently tightening its belt, cannot tolerate.

现在正在研制的战机项目可不少：强-6、歼轰-7、歼-7改、歼-8II、轰-6改型等等。

Projects that consume a lot of funds and show no hope of success in the short term will certainly not be supported by the Air Force if there is no money.

"The WS-6 turbofan engine has many problems. To reach the practical application stage, it will not only require more funding, but also more time."

After a long pause, Mr. Zhang sighed silently, "If the progress falls behind, it could have a significant impact on your project."

"Mr. Zhang, our school has a turbofan engine development project, and the basic technology and some personnel come from your area."

Xie Wei smiled.

Sure enough, Zhang Enhe, the chief designer of the WS-6 turbofan engine, never intended to give up on the WS-6.

If improvements are continued based on the WS-6, the WS-10 will certainly not be delayed.

"I know."

"The school team's research and development was not about improving the structure, but rather about solving problems such as the reliability of the WS-6 turbofan engine... They not only developed a new high-temperature alloy specifically for this purpose, but also conducted research on other related materials and processes..."

"I've been following your research progress closely. The research conducted by the university has indeed greatly improved the reliability of the WS-6 turbofan engine. The road to operational readiness for the WS-6 is still very long. The engine's service life needs to exceed 300 hours..."

"Take it slow. The reason for inviting you this time is that we hope to use the current WS-6 turbofan engine as a foundation to design a core engine first..."

The WS-6 turbofan engine project definitely needs to be continued. Otherwise, even if the Super-7 is sold, there won't be a usable engine.

Are we supposed to wait until the Soviet Union is about to collapse and we restore normal diplomatic relations with other countries before we go to the Soviet Union to get RD-33 engines?
Nine years left!
Where can we wait?
Even with improvements to the WS-6 turbofan engine, if the thrust-to-weight ratio doesn't reach 8.0 or higher, the J-10, equipped with canards and featuring only one engine, won't be very powerful in combat.

"Core machine?"

Mr. Zhang was puzzled.

Xie Wei immediately pulled out a simple diagram he had drawn later, "I have an idea here. You're the expert, could you give me some guidance..."

A piece of paper with a simplified structural sketch of the WS-10 core engine was handed to Zhang Enhe.

The engine layout on the drawings is similar to that of the AL-31, but it incorporates the technology of the CFM56 core engine and the core engine developed by China itself at that time based on its pre-research achievements in aero-engines.

Xie Wei only remembered the structural drawings he had seen online and had a general understanding of them.

How to achieve this requires the expertise of professional engine specialists.

"Developing a core processor? We've never done that before."

Mr. Zhang frowned.

"If it's not for turbofan engines used in fighter jets, then what's the point of developing a core engine? What's the core engine for?"

Liu Debao, who had been unable to get a word in edgewise, felt like he was about to burst. He had been regretting getting involved and suffering in the process, but now he finally had a chance to speak.

Sure enough, once I got the question out, I felt much better.

I don't feel so stifled anymore.

"The core engine is actually the core component of an aero gas turbine engine. In a twin-rotor engine, the high-pressure compressor, combustion chamber, and high-pressure turbine form a closed-loop system. Its performance directly determines the engine's thrust and efficiency. Through modular design, various types of engines can be derived."

Xie Wei glanced at Liu Debao and explained helplessly.

It's exhausting to chat with people who don't understand your expertise.

Even if you explain it, the other party may not understand. Just look at Liu Debao's bewildered expression now.

"Extending the outer bypass duct creates a turbofan engine; a turbofan engine with a low bypass ratio is the turbofan engine our fighter jets need; an afterburning version with a high bypass ratio can be used in bombers, while a non-afterburning version can be used in transport aircraft; adding a power turbine converts it into a turboshaft engine; it can also be extended into a gas turbine for large warships, and even modified into a gas turbine for thermal power plants..."

The more Xie Wei spoke, the more confused Liu Debao became.

He can't even distinguish between turbofan engines and turboshaft/turbojet engines.

"So many features? Why didn't China develop these features for so many years?"

Liu Debao looked surprised.

With so many functions, if we could really develop the core machine, wouldn't that solve the heart disease problem of domestic industry?

It's important to understand that China currently cannot even build a 5000-ton warship, not because it can't design one, but because its power systems are inadequate. The large gas turbines used in thermal power plants are also subject to technological constraints. As for aviation power, it goes without saying that the Y-8 still uses turboprop engines, the Y-10 lacks matching engines, and fighter jets rely on the WS-6 turbofan engine…

"We lack technical reserves, experience, and even references."

Zhang Enhe sighed, "And it requires a lot of funding. Developing the WS-6 turbofan engine, plus the entire supporting system and equipment, has only secured less than 1.1 million yuan so far..."

"Expensive?"

Liu Debao immediately became alert.

Is Xie Wei trying to bankrupt the school and return it to the old days when students had to be taught and teachers had to subsidize their salaries?
The key issue is that even living through those tough times couldn't solve the huge funding gap.

"Although the WS-6 turbofan engine has undergone long-term ground platform testing, its performance does not meet operational requirements. Further flight tests, including flight test, installation test, long-life test, and type certification, are still needed. Currently, we absolutely require a usable turbofan engine. Therefore, our next steps will focus on improving the WS-6's performance and service life. We can begin preliminary research and design for the engine mentioned above..."

Xie Wei glanced at Liu Debao and decided that he shouldn't let Liu Debao participate in these discussions next time.

I can't understand it, and I can't offer any effective suggestions.

On the contrary, it dampens people's enthusiasm.

"That's not a problem."

After thinking for a moment, Mr. Zhang said, "I need to go back and have a meeting with the core members of the institute to discuss this..."

Xie Wei nodded, not in a hurry to get an answer from General Manager Zhang.

Even with the technical data of the WS-6 and Spey engines, and the participation of the technical team from the Liming Engine Factory, it would be too difficult for the existing team alone to bring the WS-6 to a usable state.

In particular, it should be equipped on the J-10 fighter jet.

The thrust-to-weight ratio must be at least 9, and the engine thrust must be increased to more than 12 tons.

The WS-6G turbofan engine achieves a maximum military thrust of 8.56 tons while maintaining the same size and reducing weight, and its afterburner thrust is increased to 13.8 tons. However, Xie Wei cannot guarantee the accuracy of these figures, as the WS-6G is currently only in the prototype production stage and no experiments have been conducted.

These performance parameters are actually much stronger than those of the WS-10A and even stronger than those of the AL-31.

Even if the performance is achieved, to solve the current problem of short service life and increase the thrust-to-weight ratio from the theoretical 7.05 to 9.0 or even 10.0 or above, the engine weight needs to be reduced by at least 600 kilograms.

This difficulty...

The key is to increase the turbine inlet temperature of the WS-6G from 1077℃ to over 1400℃!
Just thinking about it gives me a headache.

"Just keep working on the WS-6 turbofan engine. Anyway, it's almost finished, and the prototype has already been built. The school's funding is simply not enough to cover the costs of fighter jets... The Air Force only provides 80 million yuan a year..."

Liu Debao complained to Xie Wei.

For aerospace projects, Secretary Liu has no objection to the amount of money spent; but for non-aerospace projects, he has to keep an eye on whether he has enough money in his pocket.

There's no other reason than that he doesn't have Principal Li's thick skin, who can get funding from other industrial ministries. Even getting funding from the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry is not easy for him.

"We absolutely must develop engines! Even if we can buy them from abroad, we must develop them ourselves! No matter how advanced a fighter jet is, it's useless if the supporting engines can't keep up. Moreover, seeking imports from abroad is like putting our necks out to others! No amount of money can buy our defense capabilities."

Xie Wei looked serious.

"I never said I wanted to import engines."

Secretary Liu looked aggrieved.

It's not that he doesn't support it, it's just that he feels the financial pressure is too great to accelerate the development of the WS-6 turbofan engine without much funding from higher authorities, and to have to work on Project 10 while also developing a new fighter jet project.

The hundreds of millions in the school's account simply cannot last long.

"Don't worry, the previous problems will be resolved, as long as our rocket artillery in Iraq demonstrates its power. Secretary Liu, I'll need you to keep a close eye on this matter from now on..."

Xie Wei sighed.

No money!

This is the biggest problem currently facing scientific research.

Without money, there are no supporting facilities.

"Don't worry, once the inspectors arrive in a few days, you need to explain to them how to monitor quality; you know this better than anyone. Also, while the school seems to have a lot of funding right now, once the fighter jet project officially starts, this amount of funding..."

"Don't worry, I'll find a way to solve it."

Xie Wei took a deep breath.

It was a great effort to get Project 10 started five years ahead of schedule, which also prevented the WS-6 turbofan engine from being canceled after the J-9 and Q-6 were cancelled. We cannot go back to the original historical trajectory just because of a lack of funding.

(End of this chapter)