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

Chapter 256 The maiden flight of the KJ-2000 was so childish?
Among the major national defense projects of the 1980s was Project No. 10, the result of which was the J-10 fighter jet. There was also Project No. 9, which was the HQ-9 project.

This is a regional air defense missile system similar to the Soviet Union's S-300 and the United States' Patriot missile. It is very difficult and has many problems to overcome. Therefore, it took until 95 to finally achieve small-scale trial. However, many quality problems still occurred during subsequent trials, so it was not until 2005 that these problems were completely overcome and the system was finalized and equipped to the troops.

In the 1990s, the most advanced weapon for the Air Force's homeland air defense was the S-300 air defense missile, which led to many rumors that our HQ-9 was a copy of the S-300 system.

This is a typical example of finding a foreign father for us.

Although these two types of missiles look very similar, they are different in length. Our missile is 6.8 meters long, which is shorter than the 7.5-meter-long Russian missile. Therefore, our air defense ships can more easily install their own air defense missiles, unlike the Russian missiles which require taking up hangar space.

The guidance systems are completely different. Our HQ-9 uses an active radar guidance system, while the Russians, with their outdated technology, still use TVM guidance, which requires radar illumination throughout the entire process.

Project No. 9 has only just begun, but looking across the country, the most advanced technologies are all at Northwestern Polytechnical University.

The active guidance system is a replica of the Phoenix rocket, uses solid propellant, incorporates technology imported from the United States, and has an even more advanced control system. Therefore, as long as the specifications are determined, Northwestern Polytechnical University can quickly develop it.

"What, you Northwestern Polytechnical University students aren't interested?"

"Interested? We're willing!" Qin Liang nodded. "Rest assured, we will give our full support and work with our brother units to solve our regional air defense problem as soon as possible. Whether it's a plane or a Scud, we can shoot it down!"

Old Lin nodded: "Yes, Northwestern Polytechnical University has never let us down. You stay here for now, and once we've resolved the issues here, we'll go back together!"

and many more!

What does it have to do with me that these twin-engine Q6 patrol cars are taking off for patrol? I just picked up my mother-in-law and then left her there...

"I estimate that things here will be resolved in a month or so, and then we can go to the capital together to celebrate the New Year."

Qin Liang looked up at the sky helplessly.

The next day, at the Changhong factory.

It's only about 100 kilometers from Chengdu, and even though the road conditions are bad at this time, it only takes two hours to drive there.

Factory Director Wang and others didn't leave last night. This morning, they warmly invited Qin Liang to visit the factory, clearly wanting to leave a good impression on him.

"In January 1980, we imported a color TV assembly line from Panasonic. Because the government didn't approve enough foreign exchange, we only bought the key equipment on the assembly line. For the rest, we used rudimentary methods..." Director Wang introduced the production line to Qin Liang as he toured it.

Long tables, benches, and even plastic boards... filled most of the production line area. Only in some key places, such as the insertion machine, various circuit components were accurately inserted into the circuit board in a whirring motion, which was more efficient than manual labor and made no mistakes!

To Easterners, this technology seems like alien technology!

"Don't let the humble appearance of our production line fool you; it's more efficient than the fully automated assembly line that the Capital Television Factory imported!"

These words are quite meaningful. Changhong Factory was not valued by its superiors and could not compare with the Capital Television Factory, but we carried forward the spirit of hard work and plain living, we did not complain about the environment, and we were so ambitious...

That expression practically screamed: Praise me! Come on, praise me!
"Changhong Factory is indeed impressive. It's no small feat to have carved out its own path amidst the tide of reform," Qin Liang said.

Everyone present was delighted, smiles spreading across their faces. Qin Liang found it amusing; what did these people take him for? A superior? A pioneer of reform? A technical expert?
"Comrade Qin Liang, we know that we don't have the resources of the Capital Television Factory. We can only rely on our own efforts. We heard that your wife is a successful businesswoman abroad. Could you help us import a picture tube production line from overseas?"

Qin Liang then realized that the treatment he had received today was not his fault, but his wife's!
"Well... I'm not sure either. I can give her a heads-up and ask her to keep an eye out. But time is of the essence. We still need to order the picture tubes that our air force needs from Factory 773."

"Yes, the picture tubes over there are all hand-made. They can be any size or shape you need. Once we have a production line, we will do our best to ensure the military's needs are met..."

"Comrade Qin Liang, Comrade Qin Liang, there's a call from Chengdu asking you to return!"

So fast?
Qin Liang was planning to have a meal here and then continue discussing the future development of national color TVs.

Western Xianyang, 36th Air Division base.

The massive KJ-1 airborne early warning aircraft stood silently in a corner of the tarmac, its nose covered with a plastic sheet, giving it a desolate feel. The once-sweet aircraft has now become a worn-out old lady, not even given the privilege of a hangar, just a few pieces of plastic sheeting.

In the hangar where the KJ-1 used to be, a brand new aircraft now stands!
Its fuselage is enormous, with engines suspended beneath its swept wings, giving it an exceptionally modern look that is far superior to propeller-driven aircraft. The mushroom-shaped control dish mounted on top of the fuselage is even more exciting, making it a state-of-the-art early warning aircraft!

Since the project was initiated, they have been busy. First, they installed the flat panel slotted radar antenna, and later they installed advanced computers. All of these things were produced by Northwestern Polytechnical University! Without Northwestern Polytechnical University, they could only have produced outdated aircraft like the KJ-1 airborne early warning and control aircraft!
just now……

"All the equipment is installed. Next, it's time for the maiden flight. We need to contact the Air Force..."

"Report: The Air Force is inquiring about the progress of our aircraft. If possible, they would like us to fly to Chengdu to participate in homeland air defense operations!"

The moment the words "combat mission" were uttered, everyone was astonished—so fast!
"Alright, notify the Air Force, we'll fly over right away!" Old Zhou said, "Everyone get ready, take the train or plane, I'll come with this plane!"

The moment he said that, everyone else present was stunned.

"Old Zhou, what do you mean by that? You're going to take our KJ-2000 and leave the rest of us to go alone?" Old Wang from the 38th Research Institute was the first to disagree!

"That's right, we'll go together!"

"We can all take this plane and leave!"

"Sigh, you know, that's not what I meant..." Old Zhou looked a little embarrassed.

"Of course we know what you mean. Although this plane has flown a few times after being fitted with a radar dome, it was only empty then. Now it's fully loaded with a mushroom rotor, which has a significant impact on aerodynamics. You're afraid of crashing the plane, but... aren't you just looking down on us?"

"That's right, you're not afraid of death, but we are? If we're going to crash, we'll crash with the plane!"

"Sigh, you are all the best radar experts in our country, and... the teachers and students of Northwestern Polytechnical University, if anything happens to you on the plane, it will be a major loss to our airborne early warning aircraft program! I, Old Zhou, have been researching early warning aircraft for half my life, and my technology can no longer keep up with yours. If I go on board and crash, so be it, but you..."

“Old Zhou, we’ve all seen how hard you’ve worked lately. You started from scratch and have now completely mastered digital circuits, and you can even write programs. How can you be so unimportant? So what if you crashed? Your experience in developing the early warning aircraft has played a huge role in our KJ-2000! You are our backbone, you absolutely cannot go up there, let us do it!”

"Gentlemen, we will arrange another plane to take you there. This early warning aircraft is only staffed with our air force pilots, so please don't cause any trouble!" The base division commander walked over.

The first test flight was originally a grand occasion, but now, due to mission requirements, we have to fly there immediately. This flight is risky, so of course the military pilots should bear the risks; we certainly can't let these experts take the risks.

"No way!" This time the experts spoke in unison: "This is a mission. We can fly there and test the airborne radar. Once we reach our destination, we can officially carry out the mission. What's the point if we don't go with the pilots?"

"That's right, we have to go with them!"

The division commander was in a dilemma: "Gentlemen, I'll ask my superiors for instructions."

A few minutes later, the division commander returned: "The higher command has ordered that the KJ-2000 fly over alone, without any experts from above! Testing will begin after it arrives, with safety as the top priority!"

Now, there's no point in arguing anymore!

The KJ-2000 was slowly towed out of the hangar, and the crowd followed it all the way to the runway, listening to the roar of the engines, and then watching the plane take off into the sky.

Old Zhou sighed, really wanting to go up and test it out! "Old Zhou, Old Wang, let's organize the crew and take the Yun-7 over there!"

"it is good!"

one two Three……

Wait a minute! This number is wrong!
Old Zhou started counting again, while Old Wang had already figured it out: "Oh no, those guys from Northwestern Polytechnical University must have secretly boarded the KJ-2000!"

Early warning aircraft, inside the toilet.

Gao Jinchuan opened the door to the lounge and walked to the control panel outside.

Several classmates followed him out.

If you can do something, don't just talk. Students at Northwestern Polytechnical University have always been doers!

If it's a tactical early warning aircraft, like the E-2, the internal space is very small, with only a few people's workstations, so they really can't hide. But strategic early warning aircraft are different; they not only have workstations, but also restrooms, toilets, and so on.

After all, E-3-class early warning aircraft often fly for more than 20 hours after taking off, which means they carry out patrol missions for almost a whole day. At this time, one crew member is definitely not enough, and two crews need to work in shifts.

People who don't work need to rest and recharge, so a rest room is essential!
No one knew that several students from Northwestern Polytechnical University had hidden here.

Although they are students, they are all experts in airborne radar. Starting with the first MiG-23 airborne radar that was copied and reproduced, they have participated in one project after another. In the development of the KJ-2000, they are the main force.

It's just because they're young and inexperienced. However, both Elder Zhou and Elder Wang know that the future belongs to these young people, and they're focusing on nurturing them!
Now, these students who were being given special attention calmly sat in their control positions, and Gao Jinchuan closed the main switch.

Instantly, the auxiliary generator started, and a buzzing sound came from inside the engine room. Various machines and equipment started up and performed self-checks. A minute later, Gao Jinchuan closed the second large switch, and the mushroom-shaped plate on top began to rotate slowly.

The work cabin is separate from the cockpit in front, so the pilots who were focused on flying in front didn't notice what was happening behind them at all. They only felt that the vibration of the fuselage was stronger. But... well, once an airplane is in the air, not to mention this kind of slight vibration, even severe turbulence is possible. They didn't pay any attention to it. As for the higher fuel consumption... that's normal, right?

"Radar signal normal!"

"The ground echo is normal; our program just needs some minor adjustments."

"Perfect!"

Inside the cabin, at each control panel, students operated the equipment while marveling at how impressive the project was, saying, "This is truly amazing, considering it's a project involving students from Northwestern Polytechnical University!"
Chengdu, Air Force Base.

When Qin Liang returned, he saw Old Lin standing on the base's runway waiting for him, his face as dark as Bao Gong's.

"Mr. Lin, I'm back...you..."

"Hmph, Liangzi, you students from Northwestern Polytechnical University are really something!"

Qin Liang was taken aback: "What's wrong?"

"Hmph, although they're not soldiers, since they've joined our military project, they should know military discipline, obey orders, and follow commands—that's the key to winning battles! And these guys, they actually dared to openly disobey orders! If they were my soldiers..."

As Old Lin spoke, he reached for his waist, but unfortunately, he hadn't carried a gun for several years! He really wanted to shoot those disobedient guys!

"Old Lin, what mistake did they make?"

"Hmph, the KJ-2000 has just been assembled and hasn't even had its maiden flight yet. For safety reasons, I ordered the pilots to fly over here, and the technicians to take another plane. But these guys actually sneaked onto the plane!"

“Test flights are serious matters, how could they be so audacious! That plane cost the Air Force tens of millions to assemble; if something happens to it, those few…”

Old Lin really wanted to tell them to pay for the damages, but if they really fell, they would all die... Besides, those students were trying to acquire combat skills as quickly as possible... They meant well, they went up there with a fearless spirit, but... Old Lin just wasn't happy.

So what if they meant well? Aren't there plenty of examples of good intentions gone wrong? This time they have to be taught a lesson! These guys are getting more and more outrageous!

“They need to be properly criticized!” Qin Liang said. “Each of them should write a 10,000-word self-criticism!”

Old Lin rolled his eyes at him: "Is writing a self-criticism enough?"

"Of course not. After they finish writing their self-criticisms, we'll expel them all! People like that don't deserve to stay at Northwestern Polytechnical University!"

Old Lin frowned: "Liangzi, isn't expelling them too serious? These are all top students."

"So what if someone is outstanding? Does being outstanding give them the right to disobey discipline? The greater the ability, the greater the destructive power; they must be severely punished!"

"Forget it, let's just give him a lecture..." Wait! Old Lin suddenly noticed that the others around him were suppressing their laughter, and then he realized that Qin Liang was saying the opposite of what he meant!
"Well, no wonder they made mistakes. The students at Northwestern Polytechnical University must have all been corrupted by you!"

"Old Lin, what are you saying? I swear to God, everything I just said was the truth..."

*Smack!* Qin Liang was hit on the back of the head. Holding his head, he cried out, "Ouch, that hurts! My brain's broken..."

Old Lin really couldn't do anything to Qin Liang. Just then, a rumbling sound came from the distant sky, and everyone looked up at the approaching target.

From this angle, you see the front view, which is also the most spectacular view!
The wings on both sides and the engines hanging below make the whole aircraft look like an eagle, and the radar dome on the back of the fuselage further highlights its unique momentum, majestic and domineering!
"Our air force is finally going to have modern early warning aircraft! Just a few years ago, we didn't even have a beyond-visual-range air combat capability..." Old Lin sighed.

His voice was drowned out by the roar of the plane. Under everyone's watchful eyes, the plane's tires slowly made contact with the runway, making a screeching sound, and then continued forward, only stopping almost at the end of the runway.

"Let's go take a look, this is our Air Force's first early warning aircraft!"

"The second one!"

"The KJ-1 was not in service, so it doesn't count."

"This air force is so fickle!" Qin Liang thought to himself with disdain, and quickened his pace as he walked over.

The cabin door opened, and Gao Jinchuan raised his hands: "Don't shoot, we're on the same side!"

He had imagined a scene of countless people with guns aiming at him, but the next moment, he saw so many leaders below, some of whom he had even seen on television and in newspapers. He was momentarily stunned, but then his confidence returned.

"Reporting to Elder Lin, we have conducted preliminary tests on the early warning system in the air. Its performance is excellent; it can detect aerial targets up to 500 kilometers away, and its ground clutter filtering is top-notch..."

Okay, this guy really is a tough nut to crack!
Old Lin sighed, "Guards, pull him aside! Honestly, he's interfering with my viewing of my precious early warning aircraft!"

"No, no, Mr. Lin, if you take me away, who will introduce me to this system? I know this early warning aircraft system best... Qin Liang, Qin Liang, please help me..."

　PS: Y-10 early warning aircraft.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)