Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 144 Participating in the Paris Air Show
Northwestern Polytechnical University, Department of Aero-engine Engineering.

"A three-rotor engine! This is the most advanced aero-engine technology in the world. I never imagined we would be able to obtain such technical data!" Professor Liu was beaming with excitement.

"That's right, Qin Liang, on behalf of the Department of Aero Engines, I thank you for your help!" Professor Wang Hongji, the department head, also sighed with emotion: "You helped our department get the mapping and imitation task of the WP-15 turbojet engine, which has already given our department a national-level project. Now, you have also secured the most advanced aero engine. You are a great contributor to our Department of Aero Engines!"

“That’s right, there’s also the preliminary research on the pulse detonation engine project!” Professor Liu agreed.

Qin Liang yawned: "Teachers, it's still far from certain, and the British might not fall for it. You called me here just to talk about this?"

Having design data doesn't mean you can build an engine. After all, it requires a strong industrial base. For example, the pivot bearing for the three rotors requires advanced machining technology.

The greatest significance of obtaining the data lies in conducting preliminary research, mastering the theoretical foundation and design techniques, so that when the domestic industry develops to a certain level and domestic demand explodes, the project can be officially launched!
"Of course not. Our WP-15 turbojet engine has completed the mapping of all its parts. Now, we believe that there is still a lot of room for improvement in this engine..."

As Qin Liang emerged from the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, the moon was already high in the sky. He rubbed his aching forehead. As a freshman, he spent all his time participating in these kinds of projects… How long had it been since he'd been back to class? How long had it been since he'd seen his dear classmates?
"Qin Liang, Qin Liang!" Just then, a voice came from behind: "We've finally found you! Director Luo wants you to go back, saying it's urgent."

Something's up again!
When Qin Liang walked into the department head's office, his eyelids were already drooping. When he saw the person sitting on the sofa, he was stunned for a moment: "Manager Liu?"

He's an old acquaintance. After CATIC was established, he would take Qin Liang with him when he went abroad to promote products. Now, why is Manager Liu here in the middle of the night?

Judging by the time, an hour ago, there was a train that came from the capital to Chang'an. Is this the train that came?

"Well, Qin Liang, the Paris Air Show is next month. Our country's relevant departments originally planned to just attend, like two years ago, but..."

The Paris-Le Bourget International Air and Space Show, or simply the Paris Air Show, was first held in 1909. It was interrupted during the two World Wars. In recent years, it has been held in odd-numbered years, while in even-numbered years it is the Farnborough Air Show in the UK.

The Paris Air Show is the world's largest, most prestigious, and longest-running international aerospace exhibition. The show features numerous aircraft performances, attracts visitors from all over the world, and many customers place orders during the event.

The first time Dongfang visited an airshow was in 1977. At that time, the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry, which was responsible for aviation, the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry, which was responsible for aerospace, and the Eighth Ministry of Machinery Industry, which was responsible for missiles, organized a delegation to broaden their horizons in the West.

If nothing else changes, this year's airshow will be the same as before, but... CATIC has a new idea!

With the J-7 upgrade and the Super-7, we can bring these projects to the airshow and showcase the progress of our Eastern aviation technology to customers all over the world!
"We can't just go to visit; we have to bring our J-7 and Super-7 with us. If we're lucky, we might be able to sell hundreds of them at the airshow!"

Manager Liu was beaming with excitement: This perfectly aligns with our ideas!

"Alright, Qin Liang, since you share this idea, let's go to Chengdu together and discuss it thoroughly with Lao Tu and the others!" "Manager Liu, my going won't be of much use. You guys can discuss it. However… having only fighter jets is still a bit lacking," Qin Liang said. "How's the engine modification work on our Y-10 going?"

The Y-10 is neglected by both domestic and international authorities. To gain domestic recognition for the Y-10, it must first gain international recognition. Once international peers give it a thumbs up and praise its advanced technology, the relevant domestic departments will have nothing to say!

The Y-10 does have many flaws, but if it has flaws and cannot compete with foreign products, then it's better to buy than to build. How can the civil aviation industry develop under such circumstances?

Just like with cars, when domestic private enterprises first started manufacturing cars, the quality was poor, the fuel consumption was high, and there were even rumors that certain Rui cars had long waiting times for repairs. But so what? We continuously improved our technology and processes, and in later generations, didn't our Dongfang Automobile begin to counterattack Europe?

If others don't support him, Qin Liang has to!
"I don't know, since this project is not under the jurisdiction of the Third Ministry of Machinery Industry."

The Y-10's fate was fraught with difficulties, determined by a variety of reasons. Among them, the project's ownership was a major issue. Back then, the decision was made by higher authorities and directly assigned to Shanghai. The funding was directly allocated by the Ministry of Finance, bypassing the Ministry of Machinery Industry, which was in charge of the aviation industry. Therefore, its status was awkward.

Qin Liang knew that he couldn't control these political matters; he could only improve the Y-10's capabilities through technological advancements.

"I'll go take a look. If the Y-10 goes with us, then we won't need to rent a plane; we can just take the Y-10..."

Manager Liu's face instantly changed: "Ahem... Well... Qin Liang, this time we're sending mostly ministerial leaders. You're asking them to ride in a plane that hasn't undergone test flights..."

"Alright, if others don't dare to ride it, fine. If I'm going, I'm definitely going to ride the Yun-10!"

Standing nearby, Director Luo also became anxious: "Liangzi, the school won't agree!"

"Director Luo, Manager Liu, if we ourselves don't dare to ride in this large passenger plane developed by us in the East, how can we let other passengers ride in it? Besides, I have confidence in the Y-10!" Qin Liang looked at Manager Liu: "Manager Liu, could you please give a message to the Shanghai Aircraft Factory? If the Y-10 is ready to fly, then complete its maiden flight test as soon as possible, and then... fly to Chang'an! And then fly from Chang'an to Paris!"

Manager Liu took a deep breath. He regretted coming to see Qin Liang; that kid… so stubborn, he just did whatever he wanted! And then, maybe a few other leaders would get carried away and follow suit…

"Qin Liang, this can't be rushed. It still needs national approval. A Y-10 transport aircraft flying to Europe costs a lot just for fuel, not to mention the exhibition booth and other expenses..."

"That's not a problem. We'll ship a plane full of our uniquely Eastern light industrial products! The profits will cover the costs!"

Back then, when the higher-ups didn't allocate fuel funds, the Y-10 transport ship once carried cabbages. Unfortunately, those were all low-end agricultural products with very low profits. Now, we need to get some high-value-added products, such as cloisonné, Hangzhou silk umbrellas, sandalwood fans, etc., which can be transported over and sold at high prices!
(End of this chapter)