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

Chapter 233 The J-8 Welcomes Its Second Customer
The morning sun shines on the land of Shenyang, making the main building of the Northern Institute appear very long.

Inside the main building's conference room, a group of people had somber expressions, a stark contrast to the bright sunshine outside.

"Stealth aircraft? Has the Air Force gone mad?"

"That's right. In previous years, the Air Force was fond of grandiose projects. Whatever others had, we had to have too, without considering our industrial base at all. Now, they're even planning another Great Leap Forward! This stealth aircraft... we don't even know if it exists yet, and they're actually going to make this performance a benchmark!"

"I heard that these targets were proposed by Qin Liang; he's practically pushing the Great Leap Forward!"

Almost everyone was completely bewildered after receiving the document from the Air Force.

"Two years ago, Americans visited Northwestern Polytechnical University. At that time, the project that Northwestern Polytechnical University presented was a stealth aircraft. The Americans were very interested, so much so that they were willing to provide computers and pay money to buy Northwestern Polytechnical University's design plan." Professor Gu looked at everyone and said, "So, the Americans are really serious about this stealth aircraft. Nine times out of ten, it is the right technical route. As you can all imagine, the emergence of such an aircraft will completely rewrite the history of air combat."

Radar emerged during World War II and became an important means of detecting enemy aircraft. Today, radar is irreplaceable, enabling early target detection and missile guidance. If an aircraft could become invisible on a radar screen... that would be a revolutionary change!

Others might not be able to see that far ahead, but... Qin Liang is different. He can see the development path of aircraft over the next ten or twenty years at a glance. Therefore, the plan they proposed should be the most perfect! However...

The domestic technology is not up to par, or rather, the Northern Institute simply cannot reach that level. To this day, the Northern Institute has not even been able to promote computer-aided design, so how could it possibly develop such an advanced radar stealth fighter?
"This is just speculation. We can study it when the West actually has it. The fact that the Air Force is making such a request now is completely beyond our current aviation industrial base..."

"It surpasses the foundation of our Northern Institute, not the foundation of our country's aviation industry." Old Gu sighed: "Putting aside other things, Northwestern Polytechnical University must have similar technologies, and their reserves are the most abundant."

“Northwestern Polytechnical University…” Engineer Li took a deep breath: “They helped Factory 320 build the twin-engine Q-6 fighter jet and Factory 611 build the J-9 fighter jet. Now, it’s their turn to help our Northern Institute design a new heavy stealth fighter jet!”

"That's right. If he doesn't help, it means he has no opinion about anything related to the North!"

So what if they have opinions about the North? Old Gu sighed. These people on their side are too self-righteous. Just because they are the leading country in military aircraft research and development, does Northwestern Polytechnical University have to help them? They have to pay for it!
The improved J-8 fighter jet design was purchased with money...

Thump thump thump... Just then, someone ran in from outside.

"Everyone, good news! Good news!"

"Old Wang, what's up?"

"After hearing the news that our J-8 had hunted down a MiG-25 in Pakistan, Iraq abandoned its plan to continue purchasing MiG-25s. It even went to Moscow specifically to return the goods. Now, Iraq wants to come here to inspect the J-8!"

Everyone immediately became excited.

Great, we have a new customer!
"Our Northern Institute remains a leader in the development of military aircraft in China. Our products are well received by customers, who even come to us to make purchases!"

"That's right, this fully demonstrates our strength!"

"Hmph, even without Northwestern Polytechnical University, our Northern Institute is still the Northern Institute."

Old Gu sighed. "Isn't the current J-8 variant designed by Northwestern Polytechnical University? Without their help, we wouldn't have been able to develop it ourselves in five years!"
However... seeing that everyone had just smiled, it wasn't convenient for Elder Gu to discourage them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have one more task to complete before our clients arrive."

"What job?"

"Modify the engine compartment and replace it with an RB199."

Pakistan was already using US military aid, so it naturally used the F404 engine. Pakistan was one of the first customers for the J-8, so the engine bay was converted to use the F404. Iraq's Super-7 uses the RB199, so the J-8 ordered by Iraq would naturally also use the RB199.
"Yes, it needs to be modified, Mr. Gu. We'll do this ourselves!"

"That's right, we can't let Northwestern Polytechnical University make our money anymore!"

"In recent years, our design capabilities have also improved. Modifying the engine compartment is not a big deal; we can do it ourselves!"

“Okay, then we’ll revise the design and sell this aircraft to Yituo when they arrive.”

Professor Gu also felt that under the current circumstances, it was no longer appropriate to continue asking Northwestern Polytechnical University for help with the design; otherwise, the reputation of the first military aircraft research institute in China would be severely damaged!

That afternoon, the special plane carrying Yi Tuo and his entourage slowly landed on the runway of Factory 112. Old Gu and Factory Director Tang, among others, led the team to welcome Yi Tuo and his group.

“We heard that the J-8 hunted down an Indian MiG-25 over Pakistan. We are also very interested in this aircraft and would like to come and see it.” After exchanging pleasantries, Hamid explained his purpose.

"Of course, no problem. Please come to our factory and take a look at the J-8 fighter jets that we are currently producing."

Final assembly plant.

In the center is a passageway with a row of sloping workstations on each side. J-8 fighter jets are waiting to be assembled inside. The fact that more than a dozen workstations are working at the same time is enough to show how popular the J-8 is. However, next to each workstation, various parts are placed randomly and components are scattered everywhere, without any sense of neatness.

"Come on, everyone, look at our J-8. It's currently in the process of structural frame installation. All of its structural frames are calculated using computers to ensure that they meet design requirements while minimizing weight."

"Gentlemen, this J-8 is currently undergoing equipment installation. On the nose of our aircraft is a domestically produced flat panel slotted radar antenna, which has a maximum search range of 150 kilometers against targets like the MiG-25. Combined with our long-range missiles, it can achieve a kill range of 100 kilometers."

"This J-8 is currently being prepared for engine installation. The products supplied to Pakistan are equipped with F404 engines. If you purchase it, we will install RB199 engines, so that it can use the same engine as your existing J-7, which will facilitate logistics and maintenance."

"This aircraft is currently having its skin installed. We've already started using composite material skins on components like the vertical stabilizer to further reduce its weight..."

Hamid and the others nodded repeatedly as they looked at the aircraft, expressing their satisfaction with it.
"How maneuverable is this aircraft? How many Gs can it handle?"

"5.5G overload, everyone. We believe that with the development of airborne weapon systems, close-range combat will gradually lose its meaning. Just like our fighter jet, it can carry four long-range air-to-air missiles. We can fire them and leave. With the advantage of high altitude and high speed, the enemy simply cannot catch up. As long as we don't get caught up in close-range combat, the level of maneuverability is irrelevant."

Although this is just the North bragging, it has to be said that their words are quite farsighted; future air combat will indeed develop in this direction.

Only the Russians have always boasted about the maneuverability of their aircraft, such as vector nozzles, super maneuverability, Cobra maneuver, and falling leaf maneuver. In reality, once air-to-air missiles have developed to a certain level, all of these become meaningless. No matter how maneuverable an aircraft is, it can't compare to a missile!
"Yes, very good, we are very satisfied with this aircraft!" Hamid nodded: "We want to order twenty of them, please produce them for us as soon as possible, preferably within six months."

"Well... I'm sorry, if you place an order now, it will take at least a year to deliver. Currently, the products on the production line are all from Pakistan."

"We can add money!"

Factory Director Tang and Old Master Gu exchanged a few glances, and then... nodded!
That's right, they agreed. Of course they had to do something that made money. The factory was huge, and there was a J-6 production plant next door. The production line had been shut down long ago, so they could easily set up twenty workstations to produce for Ito. As for the workers... they could just work around the clock and do more overtime. In short, the customer's requirements had to be met!
“If you want to deliver the goods within six months, it will cost at least 22 million US dollars per aircraft,” Old Gu said.

Twenty aircraft—that's a business worth nearly five hundred million dollars!
"The price is a bit high, but... as long as the delivery is on time, it's acceptable. However... we need to add a compensation clause to the contract. If you fail to provide us with the fighter jets on time, you will have to pay triple the compensation!"

Triple compensation—that would absolutely crush Factory 112! But… if we work overtime, it's still doable. At worst, we can modify the batch of fighter jets produced for Pakistan and give them to Iraq. Pakistan can delay delivery; after all, Pakistan is a friend and easy to talk to.

"can!"

The contracts are all standard. In recent years, CATIC has been doing business all over the world, and this is not the first time they have sold aircraft. There are also relevant blank contracts in Shenyang, which can be modified and used.

Yi Tuo was very satisfied with the products from Dongfang. He placed an order after only taking a look around the factory. After nightfall, Yi Tuo returned with two Lightning-20 prototype missiles, and Manager Liu from CATIC finally arrived in Shenyang.

"What? The contract has already been signed?" "Yes, Manager Liu, Yituo is in a hurry. The contract was signed today, and we can start work tomorrow... Don't worry, although CATIC arrived a little late, but... CATIC also deserves credit for this fighter jet import and export business."

"No, that's not what I meant." Manager Liu said seriously, "Bring the contract over here, let me take a look!"

After flipping through a few pages, Manager Liu's brows furrowed even deeper.

"The terms of a six-month delivery period, plus triple compensation if there are delays, are extremely unfavorable to us. How could you agree to such terms?"

"We've...calculated it, there shouldn't be any problems..."

"No, no, all sorts of unexpected things can happen, such as natural disasters or delays in parts supply. Putting aside everything else, just look at Europe. If they can't supply the engines in time, can you assemble a complete aircraft? This clause must include force majeure factors, you guys!"

Everyone was stunned. That's right! We can control our own system, but what if it's the engine...?

Without its own engine, it will never work!
Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Department of Engine Engineering.

“We’ve compared both engines, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses.” Professor Ning’s expression was complex. “At the same time, they are both far beyond our current capabilities. We might be able to manufacture one or two parts, but… replicating the entire engine would be extremely difficult!”

This is determined by the country's overall industrial base. Whether it's Northwestern Polytechnical University or Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, they can manufacture some of the parts through technological advancements, but to manufacture them all... is too difficult!

“Yes, so far, the most advanced turbofan engine we have is still the Spey, which is Western technology from the 1960s.” Professor Yu nodded. “Now, if we simply replace it with parts we produce ourselves, the quality will definitely drop significantly…”

Professor Yu wanted to say that our project was likely to fail, but...

not yet!
Professor Yu took a deep breath: "We still need to go to Northwestern Polytechnical University to see what suggestions Qin Liang has."

When their research and development encountered difficulties, Qin Liang was undoubtedly the most suitable person to turn to!

Northwestern Polytechnical University, Building 5, first floor, woodworking workshop.

"Our research and development progress is the best in the world!" Old Tu's face was full of emotion: "In just a few months, we have completed the exterior design and even built a wooden prototype. This is simply a miracle!"

For months, Qin Liang had been working day and night! He poured all his passion into the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, after all, it was a major export fighter jet from the East, and in the early 1980s, the export prospects of this fighter jet would be very promising!
No matter how much the Super-7 is modified, it is still a second-generation fighter jet. The JF-17, on the other hand, is a complete third-generation fighter jet!
The nose is rounded, and the air intakes on both sides are even more beautiful. The bulge in the middle is a symbol of the progress of China's aviation industry! As a newly developed aircraft, it does not have the feeling of being an external addition like the Super 7's air intake, and looks exceptionally harmonious.

The large, protruding leading-edge extensions, which extend from both sides of the nose to the wings, are the same wing shape as the F-16 fighter jet, signifying its status as a third-generation aircraft.

The rear fuselage also features a leading edge strip that extends all the way to the tail. It has a fully movable horizontal stabilizer, which will be operated by fly-by-wire and will also have differential control, greatly improving the roll rate. The tall single vertical stabilizer will be made of composite materials in the future, making it lighter...

“Actually, with computer-aided design, there’s no need to build a wooden prototype anymore, since pre-assembly can be done on the computer,” Qin Liang said. “However… building this prototype makes it easier to fool buyers.”

This is a fighter jet purely for export, and the buyer's first impression is very important. Pakistan must be eager to see it. When they come over, they can look at the wooden prototype in front of them and imagine the future...

"Qin Liang! The old professor from Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics has arrived!"

"Oh, Xiaoxia, let them come over and see our results!"

Professor Ning and Professor Yu walked in with heavy steps, and their eyes lit up when they saw the wooden prototype.

"It looks really beautiful!"

"That's right, a beautiful airplane is a good airplane!"

At this moment, both professors put down their burdens and discussed the airplane.

"This large strake has the best vortex-generating effect in the world, but it also places higher demands on the flight control system!"

"Why is there a bulge in this air intake? Is there no outer layer for insulation?"

"This horizontal stabilizer is finally fully movable; the overall technology has reached the world's mainstream level!"

"This engine..."

The mention of the engine caused their expressions to darken again.

"Qin Liang, we've already studied the technologies of the F404 and RB199 engines. We believe that for medium-thrust engines, a dual-rotor design is sufficient. However, the F404 incorporates many advanced technologies, and we're currently afraid..."

Qin Liang smiled; he had expected this outcome.

"Professors, if the technical difficulty is too great, we can tackle one part of the technology first, such as the combustion chamber, the control system, and the three-stage fan blades. Let's get these three projects done first."

Professor Ning and Professor Yu exchanged a glance: "We can work on this part first, but... these technologies aren't enough to assemble a complete engine!"

"We can work on other technologies later. Our domestic powder metallurgy and other technologies will also be further improved. Once these technologies are developed, the others will probably follow!"

"Yes, you're right. You can't get fat in one bite. We really have to take it slowly." Professor Ning nodded.

“Yes, after we go back, we’ll tackle these technical challenges first. Once we’ve figured these out, the rest might already be solved by Northwestern Polytechnical University.” Professor Yu nodded.

Actually... Qin Liang didn't intend to copy everything. With these advanced technologies, it would be good to improve the RD33!

The RD33 is the advanced medium-thrust engine developed by the Russians and is also the power source for the JF-17 Thunder. However, it also has some outdated features.

The combustion chamber was too rudimentary, so it often emitted black smoke. Later, the JF-17 stopped emitting black smoke because the combustion chamber was replaced.

The engine control system still uses complex mechanical controls, the size of a suitcase, while the Western electronic controls are only the size of a dictionary.

The four-stage fan used earlier was relatively outdated, so the later WS-13E replaced it with a three-stage fan. This technology naturally originated from the F404.
Once the Capital Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has developed these technologies and acquired the RD33, the next step will be to assemble an engine that meets the technological standards of the East.

Ahem, back at the meeting, Qin Liang looked down on the Shenyang team for assembling engines, while he... he was different. He was certain that his assembled solutions would succeed and there would be no mismatches. They were just assembling them haphazardly without any prior analysis.

Thump thump thump... Just then, someone else ran in.

"Qin Liang, we just received a telegram!"

Qin Liang took it, glanced at it, and said with a complicated expression, "One good news and one bad news."

　PS: J-8 fighter jet factory.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)