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

Chapter 212: Medium-range missiles can take on two opponents at once; close-range missiles use helmet-mounted sights!

Chang'an, Flight Test Institute.

The Super-7 fighter jet stood silently on the tarmac. In the sunlight, its double delta wings cast clear shadows on the ground, and the missiles mounted under the wings revealed their pointed tips in the shadows.

"Liangzi, don't worry, no one can tell Northwestern Polytechnical University what to do. The development of our Air Force equipment depends on Northwestern Polytechnical University!" A large group of people approached the plane, and the one in the lead was full of excitement.

"Whatever you say, we can do it. Unlike other units in the country, when our Air Force makes a request, they first lower their own standards, and then during the research and development process, they lower them again due to various difficulties. In the end, even if they reduce it by half, it's considered good!"

Looking at the missiles hanging on the wings, Old Lin was full of excitement: "Take this medium-range air-to-air missile for example. Other units in China have been working on it for many years but haven't been able to make it mature. But Northwestern Polytechnical University got to work on it and made it in less than a year. Moreover, it has a dual-pulse engine and a maximum range of sixty kilometers!"

"It's still limited by the technology of solid propellants in our country. If we use better propellants and add more baffles, we can definitely break through the 100-kilometer range." Engineer Dong from Institute 612 said from the side.

The Western missile with a range of 100 kilometers is the Phoenix missile, which relies on a high-altitude trajectory. Ours, on the other hand, relies on advanced missile engine design concepts!
As they spoke, the group had already reached Super Seven.

Just as Qin Liang had planned, the missile's wings were clipped to reduce drag. As for maneuverability, it was improved by a dual-pulse engine. It had both range and maneuverability. As for the seeker... it was a copy of the Skyflash seeker, which had strong anti-jamming capabilities and could handle both look-down and look-down firing without any problems!

Professor Zhang and Professor Zhu, among others, were also present. This missile was the result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Electronic Engineering and the Department of Materials Science.

At this moment, upon hearing Engineer Dong mention the propellant issue, Professor Zhang spoke up: "Currently, our Materials Science Department is developing a new propellant, which is a replica of the propellant used in Skyflash missiles. Once this material is available, the maximum range of our missiles will definitely be increased to 100 kilometers, and the practical range will also reach more than 50 kilometers. The Air Force's medium-range interception problem will then be completely solved!"

"Yes, the interception problem that has plagued our air force for many years has been solved by your Northwestern Polytechnical University. You also need to speed up the construction of this missile factory. Our air force is waiting for it!"

According to the original agreement, whoever conducts the research will also set up the factory. Besides, if the Air Force doesn't support it, the missile will definitely be sold and become a hot commodity in the international arms market!

"To take down a target dozens of kilometers away—this capability was something our Air Force wouldn't have dared to even dream of a year ago, but now it's about to become a reality!" Old Lin exclaimed with great emotion, "Liangzi, you're worth at least ten divisions to our Air Force! No matter who tries to smear you, our Air Force will protect you with all our might."

"Ahem, Professor Lin, my personal strength is insignificant; the strength of Northwestern Polytechnical University is truly powerful. As for this missile, I really only provided some ideas. By the way, when do we start?"

"We've been waiting for you all!" Old Tu said with a broad smile. "Now that you're here, let's officially begin the final target practice! Old Wang!"

The chief test pilot of the Super 7 was Lao Wang. Upon hearing the call, Lao Wang immediately ran over with his helmet in hand: "Reporting to the leader, we have completed all preparations for the test flight and request permission to conduct the test flight. Test pilot, Wang**."

"We're ready to take off! We'll celebrate with you when you land!"

"Yes!"

Old Wang strode towards the plane. Seeing Old Wang's helmet, Qin Liang suddenly thought of something and turned to Professor Zhang: "Professor Zhang, is our production capacity of composite materials sufficient?"

"Our new composite materials plant has been built, and its production capacity is more than sufficient."

"Then let's set up another production line to produce carbon fiber helmets for the Air Force, reducing the weight by half!"

"Great!" Old Lin said with a smile. "As long as you can get it right, our entire air force will be re-equipped!"

In the early years, pilots wore leather hats and goggles, which was very comfortable. So when they switched to the TK2 helmet, many pilots found it difficult to adapt. This thing was big and heavy. Those with big heads wore the large-sized flight helmet, which weighed a full 1.45 kilograms!

But there was nothing that could be done, since the flight speed was much faster and the previous flight helmets were simply no match for the impact of the high-speed airflow!

Now that we have carbon fiber, we can use it to make helmets that are lightweight and strong!
"Ahem, this helmet will be significantly lighter, but... we still need to add an accessory to it..."

"What attachment?" Old Lin asked expectantly.

"Helmet sights..."

This thing was touted as a big deal at the airshow. After returning, Qin Liang briefly introduced it to Zhu Qiu and others, and then he forgot about it!

Upon hearing Qin Liang's words, Zhu Qiu smiled and said, "Yes, we've already made the helmet sight. We're just waiting for the Davids to come over. After they've inspected it, they'll exchange technology with us. They'll hand over the complete Python-3 production technology to us. At that time, we might even break through the solid propellant technology."

It’s out already!
Now it was Qin Liang's turn to feel embarrassed.

Just then, the roar of the engine filled the air, the Super-7 fighter jet engaged afterburner, and took to the sky. Looking at the Super-7's rear, Old Lin continued to sigh, "Liangzi, we'll be able to get our hands on the Americans' F404 engines soon. When will our own Super-7s finally get turbofan engines?"

"Ahem, well... Northwestern Polytechnical University is really struggling a bit..."

Aero engines are a test of a country's entire industrial base. Having one or two new materials can improve existing engines, but to completely upgrade them by a generation... that can't be done overnight.

“Excessive modesty is just arrogance!” Old Lin said, looking at Qin Liang.

Qin Liang could only manage a wry smile.

"The target drone has taken off!"

Just then, another voice rang out.

"Let's focus on this final firing test first," Qin Liang said. "What kind of experiment is this final firing test?"

"One against two, multi-target attack."

I go!

Qin Liang's eyes widened instantly: "Our missiles are semi-active guided, how could they possibly attack multiple targets?"

In this era, most fighter jets are lucky to have medium-range interception capabilities; hitting their locked target is a matter of luck, let alone engaging multiple targets simultaneously.

Of course, the US Navy has conducted similar experiments, using Tomcat fighter jets and Phoenix missiles. The latter is an active radar-guided missile, which theoretically doesn't need to be monitored once launched. In practice, it needs to be guided to the vicinity of the target. Once the missile seeker intercepts the target, the mission is considered accomplished.

The experiment of taking on six targets was successful, but it was based on a pre-planned target practice, meaning it was meticulously designed. It never actually happened in actual combat.

Our semi-active seeker requires illumination from the carrier aircraft's radar, so how can we fight two opponents at once?

"The two targets need to be relatively close to each other, which is the common two-aircraft formation," Zhu Qiu explained. "We launch two missiles simultaneously, guiding one of them first, while the other uses proportional guidance to reach the vicinity of the target. After shooting down the lead aircraft, the onboard radar will quickly switch and lock onto the wingman..."

This isn't a performance; it has real-world significance!
"Our Department of Electronic Engineering is truly amazing!" Qin Liang couldn't help but exclaim. He himself hadn't thought of doing this, but the teachers and students of the Department of Electronic Engineering had thought of it!
"Institute 607 also deserves credit here," Zhu Qiu said. "This is a joint research and development project of ours."

As they were speaking, another radio call came through the air.

"We have reached the designated airspace. Requesting radar activation to search for targets!"

"You can turn on the radar. The target drone is 120 kilometers in front of you, flying straight at you!"

"Roger that!"

Relying entirely on ground guidance is a method that needs to be changed. We need to learn from the West and give pilots more autonomy... But let's talk about that later. Let the Air Force and Pakistan have some contact, and they will naturally come up with these ideas.

In the sky, Lao Wang skillfully turned on the radar, and a rotating beam image appeared on the screen. Soon, two bright spots appeared.

"Target spotted 80 kilometers away!"

"Distance of 60 kilometers, radar lock on!"

"Missile initiating self-test!"

Voices echoed back, and on the ground, no one spoke anymore. Everyone was waiting in the air, hoping for good news from there.

"Thirty kilometers away, missile launch!"

Beneath the wings, flames flickered as two milky-white missiles detached from their respective pylons, trailing white smoke as they flew forward. Old Wang's eyes were fixed intently on the radar screen. Twenty kilometers!

ten kilometers!
one kilometer!

Once within the kill radius, immediately switch targets!
The continuous wave illuminator shone on the second target, and the second missile, which had been flying blindly just moments before, quickly found the target, corrected its course, and pounced on it!
on the ground.

"The first target has been shot down!"

"Second target shot down!"

"The target practice was a complete success!"

Instantly, a wave of jubilation erupted.

The last experiment, which was actually beyond the scope of the curriculum, has now been successfully completed. From now on, the Eastern Air Force has acquired world-class air-to-air missiles and is no longer just a force without ammunition!
"Fantastic! Our air force finally has the capability for medium-range interception! Today, let's have a good drink! Hey, Qin Liang, Qin Liang, why are you running?"

"Ahem, I'm going to the restroom."

"Guard, follow Comrade Qin Liang!"

A roar echoed in the sky as the Super-7 fighter jet, having completed its target practice mission, slammed onto the runway, slowed down, and came to a stop.

When Lao Wang came down, he saw a large group of people coming up.

"It's just a small target practice session, no need to get so excited! Hey everyone, don't throw me, throw me up there, make sure you catch me!"

canteen.

"Come, this first toast, to celebrate our air force acquiring an advanced medium-range air-to-air missile! Due to its highly advanced technology, this missile cannot be exported for the time being..."

"Old Lin, the advanced feature of this missile is mainly our dual-pulse engine. Our export product can be equipped with the solid rocket engine we used before!" Qin Liang said.

Old Lin rolled his eyes at him: "Did I say something wrong? I meant that the Thunderbolt-10 cannot be exported. I didn't object to your export code name, Lightning-10."

Northwestern Polytechnical University developed the missile and will have to build its own missile factory, which will cost a lot of money. Of course, money is not a problem, as loans can be taken out. However, the missile must be sold in large quantities, otherwise it will not be able to fill the huge investment hole.

"oh oh."

"Oh, it's over already? You have to punish yourself with a drink first!"

Sigh, I should have known better than to say such things. Qin Liang could only pick up the wine and put it to his lips, his expression as if he were about to bravely face his execution.

Slurp... A mouthful of liquor enters my mouth. It's not spicy or irritating; it even feels quite smooth. I guess I'm slowly getting used to drinking.

"Come on, everyone, let's drink together!"

"This second drink is to urge everyone to resolve the short-range missile project as soon as possible... Liangzi, give everyone a heads-up: when can we put this short-range missile into production?"

"Ahem, this is it..."

Tap tap tap... Someone ran over.

"Report, we just received word that Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will send someone over within a week to discuss improvements to the Python-3 missile, especially our helmet-mounted sight..."

These guys have been waiting impatiently for ages! They've been constantly pushing for progress, but we've just been dragging our feet. Now, they've had enough and are coming over in person!
“We can produce our composite material helmet in a week,” Professor Zhang said.

"The helmet-mounted sights are almost finished, and they should be able to be integrated," Zhu Qiu said.

"Alright, let's have them come over in a week. Then we'll show them our Super-7 missiles during target practice!" Qin Liang said. "Old Lin, this will also make up for the shortcomings of our short-range air-to-air missiles!"

"Great, excellent! Here, this third cup is to wish our short-range air-to-air missile project a complete success!"

At this moment, Elder Lin felt genuine joy. The Air Force had been frustrated for so many years, and finally, it had upgraded its capabilities!
After a satisfying meal, Qin Liang returned to Northwestern Polytechnical University without a moment's delay. He joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Electronic Engineering in their research. The helmet-mounted sight was essentially a matter of approach; once the right path was found, the research became quite simple.

A week flies by in a blink of an eye.

Chengdu, Factory 132.

Normally, missile test firings are conducted at the flight test institute in Chang'an, since it has advanced measurement and control technology. However, we must be extra careful with the people of David, because a moment's carelessness could lead to a leak.

Factory 132 was in a better position, since the export-oriented aircraft produced there wouldn't expose the secrets of the Eastern Air Force.

Several 212 trucks drove from the airport into Factory 132 and went directly to the tarmac. The group got out of the trucks and walked towards the planes while talking.

"Actually, helmet-mounted sights are nothing new. As early as the 1960s, the US military had such a thing on its attack helicopters. A few years ago, Honeywell also made a similar attempt. In recent years, the South African Mirage F1AZ fighter jets have also been equipped with helmet-mounted sights to guide French-made infrared missiles, and they have even been used in actual combat."

Raphael's engineer, Caspi, said with arrogance, "If your helmet sights also use this type of device, then I'm sorry, our cooperation will have to be cancelled."

Many of South Africa's advanced equipment were developed with the help of the Davids, so they naturally have easy access to South African helmet-mounted sights. Now, they have come to the East hoping to see even more advanced equipment.

"That simple optical reflector solution is too outdated; we wouldn't even deign to use it," Qin Liang said. "Please don't compare us to those rudimentary devices; that's an insult to our Eastern technology."

The biggest problem with helmet-mounted sights is that they tell the missile where the pilot's head is looking so that the missile can follow. Early helmet-mounted sights, such as the South African Recurve, used a simple reflector that extended in front of the pilot's eyes and used simple optical principles to aim at the target.

This thing will turn the pilot into a one-eyed idiot, creating a blind spot in intense air combat, making it completely useless.

"What technology did you use?"

"I'm sorry, we can't disclose the specific technology we're using yet. That will have to wait until we sign the cooperation agreement. However, we can demonstrate our research and development results to you," Qin Liang said. "Once you attach the Python-3 missile to our wing, we can sit in the cockpit and conduct a simple demonstration."

There's no need for target practice; just sitting inside and demonstrating that the missile's seeker head can follow the pilot's head is enough!

“Okay.” Daniel nodded. “We can’t wait.”

The Python-3 missile was unpacked, and several ground crew members carried it to the wing of the Super-7 fighter jet. The ground power vehicle was connected, the airborne power was started, and inside the cockpit, Old Wang, wearing a special helmet, began to turn his head.

Wherever his gaze falls, the seeker head of the Python-3 will follow and rotate accordingly, which looks quite amazing!

Caspi opened his eyes wide and looked at Old Wang's helmet.

The helmet's shape is nothing special, a common international style, except that a cuboid is added to the outside of the helmet visor, with two tentacle-shaped things on both sides. Although it looks a bit strange, these things do not affect vision.

"How did you do that?" Caspi murmured as he asked.

"Well, you'll know once we sign the cooperation agreement and exchange technical information."

“No, no, your system has another flaw. The extra plugs installed on the helmet might increase its weight. If the weight is too high, the pilot might break his neck when performing high-G maneuvers!” Caspi shook his head.

They're not here to conduct preliminary technical research; they hope this device can be used on their aircraft, and that it will be ready for combat at any time!

"Of course we understand such a simple principle. The entire helmet, including accessories, will weigh no more than 1.3 kilograms for the large size, and it can withstand a 9G overload," Qin Liang said. "Making a lightweight helmet isn't that difficult!"

　P.S.: The helmet sights used by the protagonist are from the Russians.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)