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

Chapter 236 F404 for RD33, a win-win situation!
Qin Liang and Yang Duo'er seemed to have entered the honeymoon phase again. During the day, they would go out shopping, visit stores, investigate the market, and promote products. In the evening, they would return to their room and spend their happy time together.

Several days passed in a flash, and finally, Belyukov sent the person over.

West Berlin, Lion Beer Hall.

"Come on, cheers!" Qin Liang raised his beer mug and looked across at the other man: "Mr. Sharkissov, welcome to West Berlin! Our Pacific Trading Company loves making friends, and from now on, we'll cover all your expenses in West Berlin!"

Sharkisov looked somewhat embarrassed at Beliyukov beside him: "Beliyukov, these two..."

Beryukov certainly wouldn't say that he sold Sharkishov to him; he just took Sharkishov along, saying that they had come to West Berlin to experience the prosperity of the Western world and buy some things to take back with them, and then... pretended to bump into each other by chance at the agreed beer hall.

“These two are from Pacific Trading Company. Their company sells bicycles and fishing rods, which are the highest-end products on the market,” Belyukov said. “I met them when I bought a fishing rod before. They are very hospitable, and you would feel bad if you didn’t accept their hospitality.”

Beryukov glanced at his watch, then slapped his forehead. "Oh no, I almost forgot, there's a meeting! Sharkishov, I have to go back now. Have fun here!"

Qin Liang glanced at the person beside him: "Lillian, see the guest out!"

Lillian saw Belyukov off, handing him a check. Belyukov left satisfied, while in the beer hall, Qin Liang got straight to the point.

"Mr. Sharkishov, you designed the RD-33 engine, didn't you?"

Sharkishov was momentarily stunned. Who was this person facing him? Could he be a Western spy? This Beryukov… this is going too far!
"Please don't worry, we mean no harm," Qin Liang said. "The RD-33 engine is a high-performance medium-thrust engine, and the American F404 engine is also very famous. Would you Soviet designers like to know the technical details of the F404?"

Sharkisov took a deep breath: "How do you have the technology for the F404? And who are you?"

"Easterner, you should know that we have already been modifying aircraft with F404 engines and then supplying them to Pakistan. The J-8 fighter jet that shot down the MiG-25 was equipped with an F404 engine."

"Oriental?"

“That’s right.” Qin Liang nodded. “So, would you like to make a deal?”

"What deal?"

"Use your RD-33 engine technology in exchange for the F404 engine technology."

Sharkisov's expression changed: "How could that be? The RD-33 is our most advanced engine!"

"Really? I don't think so. When Yi Tuo went to Moscow for inspection, he was very concerned about the MiG-29's engine that was emitting black smoke. Don't you want to make some modifications? Don't you want to know what the most advanced Western engines look like?"

Sharkisov frowned, thought for a moment, and then shook his head: "No, I can't confirm the authenticity of the technology you've given us. It wouldn't be good if you tried to fool us with false technical information... unless..."

"Unless what?"

"You've given us the F404 engine!"

"Okay, no problem. However, the F404 engine is quite expensive, so you'll need two RD-33 engines in exchange! And please don't try to fool us with the outdated AL-21F engine. That Beryukov was being a bit dishonest."

Instead of getting engines from the East German garrison, why not get them directly from the Klimov Design Bureau? Originally, we only intended to get the technology, but now that they want to exchange it, that's even better!
Sharkisov nodded: "Okay, I need to go back and report to the chief designer."

If it's the Su-27's AL-31F engine, then there's absolutely no possibility of an exchange. After all, the Su-27 is an aircraft developed for the homeland air defense forces and will never be sold abroad. The MiG-29 is already slated for sale, and the accompanying engine technology will inevitably end up abroad sooner or later; it's just a matter of time.

Now, exchanging the RD-33 for the F404 is of great significance, allowing the designers at the Klimov Design Bureau to see America's most advanced engine!
"Well, if possible, let's go to Suifenhe for the exchange in a week."

For future generations of traders, no one is unaware of Suifenhe. It was the starting point for many traders to make their fortunes, but it was also a stumbling block to the fate of many others, some of whom even lost their lives there. In short, being a trader was not an easy job.

In that special era, if you dared to do business with the Russians here, you would definitely be shot. However, times are slowly changing. In 1975, Suifenhe was designated as a provincial-level city with independent planning status. In the early 1980s, border trade between Heilongjiang and the Soviet Far East officially resumed, and the Suifenhe port was designated as a trading port.

Now, hearing Qin Liang say this, Sharkisov nodded: "Okay! I will go to Grodekovo a week later."

After saying that, Sharkisov picked up his beer glass and gulped down the entire draft beer in one go. He was about to stand up and leave when he saw Qin Liang take out a small rectangular box.

"I don't know if you like fishing, so I'll give you this fishing gear as a gift."

Carbon fiber fishing rods are the ultimate fishing gear of our time! A favorite among anglers, and as for the price... half a year's salary in Sharkishov can buy one.

At this moment, looking at the small box Qin Liang had given him, Sharkisov was very excited: "Thank you for your gift!" He really liked fishing! In his spare time, he liked to go fishing on the bridge in Leningrad. This fishing rod was definitely the best gift.

Regardless of whether the deal goes through or not, I've already made this friend of mine!
Qin Liang smiled and saw Sharkisov to the entrance of the beer hall.

“Come on, let my driver take you back. Remember, don’t talk too much with Belyukov; that man is unreliable.”

"it is good."

Lillian drove Sharkissov to East Berlin, while Yang Dor slowly walked out of the beer hall.

"Is this it?"

"Yes, that's it."

"You're amazing. We spent half a year struggling and almost got scammed, but you solved it with just a few words."

"It was just good luck on my part. Besides, without your help, I wouldn't have been able to get in touch with the second-in-command of the Klimov Design Bureau."

Do you think they will agree?

"If you don't agree, then we'll have to think of another way."

"any solution?"

"Spread rumors that he was colluding with the West, have him investigated by the KGB in the Soviet Union, and then secretly rescue him so that he would have to follow us wholeheartedly from then on."

Unfortunately, it's still a bit early.

In 1982, Blaise's speech in Tashkent signaled their desire to improve relations, which led to 12 rounds of consultations. Relations were not normalized until 89, and in the same year, they went to Russia to discuss the purchase of Su-27s.

If we reach that point, we won't need to do so much preparation; we can just come up and talk. The JF-17 Thunder of later generations was developed by collaborating with the Mikoyan Design Bureau and directly matching it with the RD-33 engine.

Now, we have to resort to some special measures. The most important reason is that we can't wait any longer. The export of Eastern military aircraft infringes on the interests of the West. They will use the cutting off of engine supplies to reduce the export of Eastern military aircraft. We can only get the RD-33 as soon as possible.

We can address the engine's lifespan issue, and we can also modify problems like the combustion chamber. Furthermore, the overall engine manufacturing process is far inferior to that of the West, but we can replicate it using our existing industrial base. This paves the way for military aircraft exports. As for the Russians causing trouble regarding our intellectual property rights… our domestically developed WS-13 turbofan engine has nothing to do with your RD-33! Don't slander us! Don't believe me? Look at the exterior; aren't the casings the same?

"Brother Liangzi, shall we go back now?"

"Are you going back too?"

"Of course, I am, after all, a daughter-in-law of the East. Things are already on track in Europe, so I don't need to worry about too many things anymore."

"it is good."

It's already June, and Suifenhe is very cool. The large-scale illegal trading hasn't started yet, and Suifenhe still retains its original appearance. You can see import and export companies set up by various state-owned monopolies along the roadside, and donkeys can be seen everywhere.

It has double-row wheels in the front and single-row wheels in the back. The front wheels are usually welded by ourselves, while the back wheels are modified from a 28-inch bicycle. It is a single-wheel rear-drive vehicle and goes in the opposite direction to a regular tricycle.

Some seats had cargo in front of them, while others had seats. Yang Duo'er and Qin Liang sat in the seats of the backward-facing donkeys, enjoying the panoramic sunroof and looking at the scenery on both sides, feeling relaxed and happy.

"Brother Liangzi, our motherland has such beautiful landscapes, and the scenery is different in different places. I really want to travel around and see more of it."

"Yes, when we have time later..."

At this point, Qin Liang paused. What time? He had been busy for the past two years and hadn't had a chance to visit the Qinling Mountains as promised to Yang Duo'er.

Yang Duo'er didn't care; as long as she was with Qin Liang, she was happy.

The border crossing was just ahead. On one side was the five-star red flag, and on the other side was the hammer and sickle flag. On the opposite side, a Gorky sedan was parked, and a middle-aged man was standing next to it. When he saw Qin Liang and his companion leisurely approaching, he immediately started waving his arms.

"Hey, hey! Over here!"

A dozen minutes later, after completing the border inspection, Qin Liang and Yang Duo'er stood on the opposite side of the land.

"Let me introduce you both. This is Comrade Isotov, the chief designer of our Isotov Design Bureau!" Sharkishov said. "After I brought your message back, there was a heated discussion in the design bureau. In the end, Comrade Isotov overruled the objections and decided to contact you."

“Mr. Qin, after the KGB handed over your information to me, I decided to cooperate with you.” She-Pie-Isotov was already an old man with white hair. He looked quite healthy, but if I remembered correctly, this old man would be going to meet Marx in three years.

Many of the practices in the Soviet Union were problematic. What ultimately destroyed the Soviet Union wasn't the war that became known as the "graveyard of empires," nor was it Gotu's reforms. The seeds of its demise were sown from the very beginning with the lifelong tenure system for cadres.
Klimov worked until his death, and when the guy in front of him came up, he even changed the name of the design bureau. However... in later generations, no one remembered the name Isotov Design Bureau. Various documents still use the words Klimov Design Bureau.

However, since this guy supports the engine swap plan, he is of course our good friend. As for what really made him make up his mind, it wasn't the Pacific Trade Group, but Qin Liang himself!
Qin Liang rose to prominence from Northwestern Polytechnical University, stirring up the international aviation technology landscape. The aviation technology of China today is vastly different from what it used to be, and even the Russians have taken notice.

Grodekovo is a small town. After trade developed in later generations, everyone simply called it Grodekovo. It is not a big place, with only three restaurants in the whole town. At this moment, a few people sat down in the largest of the three restaurants.

"Mr. Qin, I would like to know what exactly you intend to do with our RD-33 engines."

"Well, I won't hide anything. As you may know, our current export fighter jets all use the European RB199 engine. To be honest, Western engines are really good. They have a high thrust-to-weight ratio, low fuel consumption, and long service life."

Qin Liang said sincerely, "I know that what I'm saying is hard for you to accept, but it's the truth. If war breaks out at any time, then your thinking is indeed correct. However, once it reaches the customer, it may not even be in war until it is retired. In that case, the fuel-inefficient and short-life Soviet engine will greatly increase the user's expenses."

Isotov originally wanted to argue a bit more, but Qin Liang's next words made him fall into deep thought.

If war breaks out, the Soviet Union's approach is correct; as long as there is no war, the West's approach is fine!

After thinking for a long time, he could only nod and say, "Okay, you're right."

"However, as our fighter jet exports increase, Europeans are starting to worry. They are afraid that we will take away their market, especially in the Middle East, where some traditional Western customers have begun to consider our high-quality and inexpensive fighter jets from the East."

The Russians smiled bitterly. This wasn't just about taking over the Western market; their Soviet market had already been taken away!

"Currently, under pressure from various quarters, United Turbine Company has begun to consider cutting off our engine supply. This makes us very anxious, so we can only place our hopes on you."

Qin Liang looked at the other party and said, "We need two RD33 engines to be placed in the most conspicuous place in our aircraft factory. We need to put on a show for the Westerners and tell them that as long as they dare to cut off the engine supply, we will install new engines at any time! In this way, they will definitely continue to do business with us."

Isotov nodded: "So, you still want to purchase Western engines, and our engines are just a tool you use to coerce the West?"

"That's right, of course!"

"You won't copy our engines, will you?"

Qin Liang shook his head repeatedly: "As I just said, our customers won't like engines that consume a lot of fuel and have a short lifespan. Besides, the size is different, so it probably won't fit in our engine bay. Although I haven't had any experience with the RD-33 engine, I deduce that your engine is quite sophisticated."

The distinction between medium-thrust and high-thrust engines lies in their thrust. Engines with a thrust of less than ten tons are called medium-thrust engines, while those with a thrust of more than ten tons are called high-thrust engines. Of course, conventionally, engines with a thrust of more than twelve tons are considered truly high-thrust engines. The French M53 is considered a high-thrust engine, but that's just the French trying to glorify themselves.

The size of a medium-thrust engine is not necessarily small. The RD-33 engine has a diameter of 1040 mm, while the large-thrust turbojet R29, which was copied by the East, has a diameter of only 912 mm!

Western medium-thrust engines are all very small in diameter. The RB199 has a diameter of only 720 mm, while the American F404 engine has a diameter of 889 mm. In short, they are all much smaller than the diameter of the RD-33 engine!
"If you're not comfortable with that, you can send someone to our factory to supervise those two RD-33 engines that are being used as samples," Qin Liang said. "I, Qin Liang, never lie!"

Isotov nodded, his last worries vanishing.

That's right, they're right!

Replacing a large engine with a small one is easy; you just need to add an extra bracket inside. But replacing a small engine with a large one is not so easy. If you modify the shape, it's a major operation!
Right now, the most suitable choice for East Asians is definitely the RB199. At most, it can be enlarged to fit the F404, but it's absolutely impossible to fit the RD-33 in. Since bringing it back is just for show, there's no need to worry about it.

"By the way, once you have obtained the F404 engine, you must keep it a secret. If the West discovers it, we will definitely be the first suspects."

“Of course, we certainly won’t let the West find out,” Isotov said, raising his glass. “Come on, cheers! May our cooperation be a complete success!”

"Cheers! This is just the beginning. We will definitely have more collaborations in the future. Although our relationship has not yet improved, I believe that the ice will melt away and we will be as close as we were in the 1950s and 60s!"

In the next room, several KGB intelligence agents listened to the entire conversation and nodded in satisfaction. Everything made sense; the KGB also deserved credit for securing the West's main engine this time!

Gulp...

After a drink, the guests and hosts were in high spirits when Isotov asked, "I heard that you are supplying carbon fiber blade materials to the West?"

"Yes, these blades are mainly used in large passenger aircraft engines. They are not needed in fighter jets for the time being. If you have a development plan for large passenger aircraft engines, you can have us produce the fan blades. The price is only 80% of that of the West, which is definitely worthwhile!"

(End of this chapter)