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

Chapter 148 Eastern technology has reached world-class level

7.2 percent!

A 7.2% reduction in drag means that, with the same amount of fuel carried, the range can increase by 7.2%! And for the same distance, fuel consumption can be reduced by 7.2%!
For airlines, the most important thing is operating costs! Whoever's passenger planes are more cost-effective will become a hot commodity for airlines!
"Excuse me, can these small wings of yours be installed on business jets?"

"Of course!" Qin Liang looked at the person who asked the question: "Our technology licensing fee is not high. Just give us five million US dollars and we can license it to you. Just give us another five million US dollars and we can provide you with the design drawings! I can't say more, but increasing the range by five percent is definitely not a problem."

"Great! Our Gulfstream Corporation can sign a technology licensing and R&D contract with you right now!"

Gulfstream, a world-renowned manufacturer of business jets!

Various commercial airliners are mainly operated by civil aviation companies. They are large, expensive, and powerful. Of course, some wealthy people, such as the richest, can buy a commercial airliner as a business jet. However, for ordinary users, such a large aircraft is unnecessary.

Aircraft used in administrative or business settings are generally small jet or turboprop aircraft, accommodating only about ten people, and their range is usually not long, mainly domestic flights within Europe or the United States. If they need to cross continents, they still have to take commercial airliners.

For business jets, range is crucial. After all, nobody wants their plane to constantly land for refueling. They don't care about fuel costs, but they have to fly far!
The airshow hadn't even started yet, and they'd already secured a ten million dollar contract!
Old Lin grinned from ear to ear, and Old Ma proudly raised his head. That's right, our Y-10 is not a copy of the Boeing 707!

“Our Learjet 28 jet has already been fitted with winglets, which does increase the range by more than five percent. However, this winglet is located in the wingtip vortex. The winglet, made of aluminum alloy, is very easy to bend and deform in this airflow. This not only reduces the performance but also causes the winglet to fatigue and break prematurely. How do you solve this problem?” another voice asked.

After NASA began researching this technology, Learjet was eager to install winglets on their business jet prototype. In 1977, the Learjet 28 became the world's first jet to be equipped with winglets.

However... it was never put into commercial operation in the end because the materials were hard to find!

"Yes, it is impossible to manufacture this kind of wingtip winglet without suitable materials. We use carbon fiber material, which is lightweight and effective."

Carbon fiber, a composite material!

In the 1970s, composite materials began to be used in aircraft, but only in non-load-bearing components. The wingtip and winglets are in turbulence and are under constant pressure. How could composite materials be used in such cases? Wouldn't they break even faster?
Wait a minute! Aluminum alloys don't deform much, so they are prone to mechanical fatigue. This composite material can deform in turbulent conditions, so it's more suitable?
Yes, it's quite possible!

"The fan blades and winglets are even made of composite materials. The aviation technology of the East is quite impressive!"

"That's right, in these fields, the East has already reached world-class level!"

Hearing these comments, Qin Liang was very happy. "Thanks to Delasco for stepping on our backs, we got to show off a bit! Wait! Where's Delasco?"

Qin Liang retreated to the gangway, looking down at Delasco who had already left the crowd.

"Delasco, Delasco!" Qin Liang called out, "Slow down, don't rush, don't fall. The bet we made was just a joke. If you don't have the money, then forget it... I don't really need it..."

Delasco stopped in his tracks, meeting the disdainful stares of those around him. "I...how could I not have money! I'm going back to get some!"

"Okay, I'll wait for you! Don't worry, even if you don't pay me, I won't go to the media to expose this..."

Damn it, I have no choice but to give it to you!

Wait a minute, he hasn't admitted defeat yet! But... after thinking for a moment, he decided that he shouldn't keep arguing!

"This large passenger plane, independently developed by the East, is truly magnificent. Would you allow us to go aboard and take a look?" Another voice rang out: "Let me introduce myself. I am the Vice President of McDonnell Douglas, and my surname is Zhang."

The previous conversation was entirely in English, but now this person is communicating with Qin Liang in Chinese! Moreover, with yellow skin and black eyes, he is clearly Chinese or an overseas Chinese.

The key figure in the introduction of the McDonnell Douglas-82! I never expected to run into him here!

At this moment, this guy had a big smile on his face, looking kind and amiable, like a harmless person. In reality, he was probably thinking about how to take down the Yun-10.
Qin Liang smiled and said, "Well, everyone, it's not the right time yet. We'll arrange for potential customers to visit once the airshow officially starts. Of course, if your McDonnell Douglas company is willing to ask us for help in installing winglets on your aircraft, we can let you go up and have a look beforehand."

The person on the other end was taken aback.

Easterners are warm and hospitable. As long as you say you are a foreigner, they will rush over and fulfill any request. Why did they refuse you outright now?
Moreover, this guy is just a young man, how come he's become the person in charge? The person next to him is in a high position and has great power, and the other is the chief engineer of the Y-10 project, why do they both listen to him?

If they disagree, they can't see the inside of the plane and can't determine its true capabilities. If they agree... McDonnell Douglas is asking the East to help improve the plane. If word gets out, won't that lower McDonnell Douglas's reputation? And how can they convince the East to destroy its own Great Wall, abandon the Y-10, and purchase McDonnell Douglas's passenger planes?

Just then, a few people squeezed in from behind the crowd.

"The Y-10 passenger plane's engine uses composite material fan blades? Come, let me see!"

Several blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigners stood in front of the Y-10 passenger plane's engine, even reaching out to touch the blades.

"Everyone, don't touch them! These are the world's most advanced fan blades! What if you damage them by touching them? Someone, set up a barrier!"

Who knows if any of these guys have ulterior motives? What if one's wearing a diamond ring and scratches a leaf...?

The other person withdrew their hand.

"You actually possess this technology! How much? Name your price and sell this technology to General Electric!"

(End of this chapter)