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

Chapter 168 The Y-10 Makes a Dazzling Debut in the United States!
July 15, Chang'an Airport.

With a roar, the Y-10 slowly landed on the runway of Chang'an Airport and taxied to the apron. As soon as the plane came to a stop, a group of technicians got off the plane and carried out various inspections.

With steady steps, Mr. Ma stepped off the plane and looked at the people waiting to board.

"Don't worry, Lao Luo. Since you've chosen the Y-10, we'll make sure you get there safely and come back safely..."

"Mr. Ma, don't worry, we've made preparations."

Old Ma looked at Qin Liang: "What preparations?"

Qin Liang leaned close to Old Ma's ear and whispered, "We've already taken out plenty of insurance!"

What?
Qin Liang smiled and said, "Classmates, let's go, we're boarding the plane! This flight of more than ten hours is not easy. Once we're on board, let's practice our spoken English again. We can't let our country down when we go abroad!"

After saying that, Qin Liang suddenly thought of something: "Old Ma, do we need to stop for refueling on our way to America?"

No flight chooses to fly directly east across the Pacific Ocean; they all fly northeast, to Alaska, and then southeast. Although this is a large circle on a world map, on a globe, this route is closer than flying directly across the Pacific.

So don't worry if the flight range is insufficient; you can simply stop for refueling along the way!
"No need," Old Ma said with a smile. "We've already reduced the cargo hold volume of this aircraft and added extra fuel tanks inside. After this mission, we'll conduct an in-flight refueling experiment..."

One hundred passengers would only weigh about ten tons, and we could add another ten tons of fuel. With the fuel-efficient Spey engines, it would be more than enough to support this long-haul flight!
"That's good, students, let's get on the plane!"

For most people in this era, they may never fly on a plane in their lifetime. Many people are very excited, especially after the plane takes off, looking at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window, chattering away.

Wow, it really flew!

"Thanks to Qin Liang for leading us!"

"By the way, who exactly is that girl following Qin Liang?"

"Fiancée, haven't you seen her going to Qin Liang's father's place often? Qin Liang's father is overjoyed whenever he sees her..."

In first class, Yang Duo'er had a bright smile on her face. Finally, Brother Liangzi was going to see his parents!
Logan International Airport, Boston, USA.

"Old Yang, hurry up! The plane is about to land!" The elegant middle-aged woman looked at her husband beside her with anxiety.

Your daughter is back, and she brought her boyfriend with her. Why are you dawdling?
"No rush, five more minutes! Okay, coming!" Yang Tian glanced at his wife Annie, then looked towards the other entrance, a smile spreading across his face: "Mr. Ben Richie, you've finally arrived!"

Anne was taken aback: "This is an academic exchange activity between MIT and Northwestern Polytechnical University, how did he manage to get it..."

“Mr. Ben Rich is also a friend of the East. He’s visited Northwestern Polytechnical University and supported their projects. He also helped coordinate the flight routes this time…” Yang Tian said, walking up to him. “Mr. Ben Rich, you said you were coming on the phone, I thought…” “I’m very interested in our East friends, Mr. Yang. This time, we’ll try our best to keep the East in America, especially Qin Liang and his teacher…”

"Mr. Yang! It's a pleasure to meet you!" another voice rang out.

Yang Tian turned his head: Ted Ingreen? What's he doing here too?
"We heard that students from Northwestern Polytechnical University are here for an inspection. After their inspection, they are welcome to visit General Electric! If they are willing to work for General Electric, we will immediately process their onboarding!"

Anne was a little worried; this originally routine academic exchange was about to be mixed with more elements!
In the distance, the roar of engines could be heard as a large passenger plane with four engines slowly landed on the runway, its five-star red flag prominently displayed on its tail.

"Didn't they say it was the Y-10? Why are they here in our Boeing 707?" Seeing so many important figures arrive, Michael, the airport manager, also came over to join in the fun. He was very curious when he saw the plane.

"This is the Y-10 from the East! It was shown at the Paris Air Show. Let's go out and greet it!"

On the tarmac, Qin Liang stepped off the gangway vehicle, somewhat curious. The American civil aviation system is highly developed; most airports have terminals. Why weren't they letting us connect? Sending a gangway vehicle is usually a ceremony only for important figures! Could it be that we don't even need to go through customs?
Then... he heard the sound of a band, and to the strains of classical music, a group of well-dressed men in suits walked over.

"Welcome to America, everyone!" Ben Rich was the first to step forward and warmly shook hands with Director Luo, who was leading the team from the East.

"Damn it! This is Qin Liang!" Yang Duo'er exclaimed as soon as she saw her father in the welcoming crowd.

This was the first time Qin Liang had seen Yang Tian. The man looked to be in his forties, energetic, dressed in a suit and tie, with his hair slicked back like Chow Yun-fat's. If he were to wear a trench coat... cough cough, in the middle of summer, wearing a trench coat would be considered pretentious, prioritizing style over warmth.

"Qin Liang, hello, I'm Yang Tian." Yang Tian extended his hand: "To be favored by Duo Duo, you must be extraordinary. Among my prized students, Duo Duo is..."

"Damn it!"

“This Y-10 from the East looks quite unique!” Michael said. “Mr. Qin, could you tell us how this plane differs from the Boeing 707, and what’s with the wingtips?”

"These wingtips are, of course, our own creation. They can save at least five percent of fuel! You have a very discerning eye. When looking at an aircraft, you first look at the wings. Our Y-10 has a wingspan of 42.2 meters, while the Boeing 707 has a wingspan of 39.9 meters. Then look at the fuselage length. Our Y-10 is 42.9 meters, while the Boeing 707 is 44.2 meters... And then look at the engines. On the Y-10, we have installed our improved Spey engines..."

Huh? Spey?

Michael shook his head: "Impossible, the Spey's thrust is insufficient. What's going on with such a thick engine?"

"We replaced the blades with larger ones, increased the bypass ratio, and boosted the thrust. General Electric even commissioned us to develop larger blades for them! Mr. Ingreen, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Qin Liang looked at the welcoming crowd: "Mr. Ben Richie, you've come too?"

Qin Liang exchanged pleasantries with everyone. Michael stared at the plane for a long time, and when Qin Liang returned, he took a deep breath and asked, "Can I go up and take a look?"

"Of course! You are all welcome to visit our passenger planes manufactured by Dongfang! Our Y-10 R&D team is also with us. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our technical staff!"

(End of this chapter)