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

Chapter 258 Early Warning Aircraft: A Power Multiplier for Air Combat!
As his body plummeted at high speed, Talipati felt as if he were about to freeze. He tried to move his hands and feet, knowing that it would be even colder once he got down. Should he take off his flight suit or not?

Not taking it off restricts movement, but taking it off is incredibly cold...

Once you're down there, it's best to find some firewood, start a fire, and the smoke will attract people nearby. You'll need to ask the locals for help...

Talipati was already prepared.

A freefall of two kilometers can be calculated using H=gtt/2, and the time t is only twenty seconds. This time is very short, yet it seems very long.

Talipati felt that he should be at the height to open his parachute by now.

Sure enough, the next moment, the seat beneath him flew off, and with a whoosh, a parachute deployed overhead, the immense pull propelling his body upwards...

Boom!
He felt excruciating pain in both legs.

This isn't right! Shouldn't the pain be felt in the upper body, the part that bears the strain of the parachute? Has the cold caused nerve damage?
and many more!

The next moment, he felt that he could see a smooth ice sheet. Damn, this is the plateau!
A MiG-25 parachuting jump, with the parachute opening at an altitude of 6,000 meters, would normally not cause any problems. However, this is a high-altitude plateau, and the place where he landed was at an altitude of 6,000 meters!

So, he landed as soon as the parachute opened!

His legs were hit first, then compressed, and then his body. It was as if a lump of clay had been slapped onto the ground and flattened. His flesh and blood could not withstand such an impact. His lower body was completely smashed into a pulp, leaving only his head stuck on the ice.

Within seconds, the flesh and blood were frozen solid. The eyeballs on the head moved twice, and then remained still.

The howling wind quickly froze the place completely. Years later, perhaps someone will find his head. By then, with advanced technology, they might be able to revive him, just like Yun Tianming, who only sent his head and ended up as a complete person, becoming a lonely survivor in the universe.

In the sky, the wingman of the twin-engine Q-6 deactivated the afterburner and turned back to base. Although he did not achieve a kill, the radar officer in the back seat managed to take a few photos because they had already gotten close!

The MiG-25 was hit by a missile, caught fire, and crashed...

"Ergang, is the shot clear?"

"Got it, they didn't run away. Once we get back and get it developed, we'll publish it in the newspaper. Let's see if those guys dare to come back!" Zhao Ergang excitedly told the pilot in the front cockpit.

"That's good. We're running low on fuel. Now, we need to find an aerial refueling tanker."

Because they cruised at supersonic speeds all the way here, the refueling plane was more than 500 kilometers behind them, and the fuel left in its tank was just enough to get them there.

In the past, they wouldn't have dared to fly like this with this kind of fuel, but with aerial refueling tankers, it's different.

Fuel is being consumed continuously: one ton, half a ton, three hundred kilograms, one hundred kilograms...

With almost all the fuel remaining in the tanks evaporating, the twin-engine Q6 finally connected to the refueling hose. The radar officer in the rear cabin breathed a sigh of relief; this was definitely walking a tightrope!

Back at the base, Elder Lin and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

"The turbojet engine still won't work; we'll be fine once our turbofan engine comes out!" said an air force leader.

"Leader Wang, didn't you say last time that the range wasn't important, and that we could just use quantity to overcome quality?"

"Really? When did I say that? The higher-ups all say we need to train elite troops and pursue quantity. Can that win future high-tech wars? Qin Liang, you must be mistaken!"

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Alright, I did remember it wrong."

According to the original plan, the WP-15 turbojet was just a transitional product. Next, the most important thing is to develop domestically produced high-thrust turbofans. Now that we have already pushed forward the solution to the problem of medium-thrust turbofans, shouldn't we also speed up the progress of high-thrust turbofans?
We've obtained the data on the F-110, and the processing capabilities of various metals are gradually improving. Although our domestic industrial base wasn't strong enough to support the reverse engineering of the US's third-generation heavy-lift engines in the past, ... with the passage of time and technological advancements...

Qin Liang suddenly felt that there was still hope. If this was resolved, the engine for the fourth-generation stealth heavy fighter would be available. After all, they couldn't still be using turbojet engines when they reached the fourth generation.

In the distance, the roar of airplanes could be heard.

Two twin-engine Q-6 fighter jets landed first, followed by an early warning aircraft, and finally an aerial refueling tanker. Although these four aircraft were different in size and shape, they all parked on the same tarmac.

Standing on the tarmac, Old Lin looked at the triumphant group, his face full of pride: "Everyone, today you have created a miracle. Our air force has now conquered the plateau. Our air force can now patrol any part of the airspace of our motherland without leaving any gaps, and can annihilate any invading enemy at any time!"

There was a burst of warm applause.

"Next, you must continue your efforts and conduct regular patrols over the plateau. Do not let down the expectations of the motherland and the people. Our early warning aircraft will return to Chang'an to conduct more intensive test flight missions at the flight test institute, complete the type certification as soon as possible, and equip the troops with it!"

"Yes!"

After the speech, the crowd dispersed, exchanging various thoughts and creating a lively atmosphere.

"Will our early warning aircraft be able to operate at high altitudes without problems?"

"Of course, the de-icing system on these wings is really good! We encountered a cold snap, and the de-icing system worked automatically and melted the ice very quickly."

"The cabin is set up like an airliner, so it's quiet and not tiring to work in. It's very good..."

Meanwhile, at the MiG-25 base, a somber atmosphere prevailed.

They originally wanted to target the defensive gaps in the north and regain their face, but they never expected that the Eastern Air Force would be so fierce on the plateau!
"The location where it was shot down was more than a thousand kilometers away from Chengdu, which means that they must have an advanced radar network. Our plane had just flown past when they detected our flight path. Otherwise, they would not have had any chance to intercept it at all."

Borges listened to his subordinate's analysis, his face growing even uglier: "What do you mean by that? There's certainly no sophisticated radar network on the plateau. Are you suggesting building radar thousands of meters up a mountain? That's simply impossible!"

"If that's not the case, then it can only mean that they have more advanced observation methods."

"What do you mean?"

"Airborne early warning aircraft."

"Airborne early warning aircraft? Where did the Easterners get airborne early warning aircraft?" Borges frowned.

Only the United States and the Soviet Union had this kind of thing. Other countries? Are you kidding me! The British Nimrod early warning aircraft has been tinkering with it for so many years, and they still haven't gotten it to maturity.

"I heard they installed early warning radar devices on the Y-10 platform..."

Borges took a deep breath: "Since the Easterners have early warning aircraft, then we Indians must have them too. Our Indian Air Force is much stronger than the Easterners'!"

"That's right! I'll report this information now!"

They seem to have forgotten about rescuing pilots; in fact, they don't have that capability at all.

The capital of India.

"Because the Easterners dispatched their latest early warning aircraft, along with their twin-engine Q-6 fighters, to intercept our MiG-25s, the aircraft was shot down, and the pilot's whereabouts are unknown..." Borges reported, "From now on, we will cease high-altitude reconnaissance operations. At the same time, we hope to procure advanced early warning aircraft so that we can surpass the Eastern Air Force..."

Opposite him, a general stood with a gloomy face.

"We have ordered the latest Mirage 2000s from France, plus the MiG-29s. With these advanced fighter jets, we will definitely be able to maintain air superiority. The air force of the East is far inferior to ours. We are not trying to surpass the Eastern air force. Only when they are stronger than us can we surpass them. We have always been stronger than the East!"

"Yes, yes." "As for airborne early warning aircraft, it is indeed an important piece of equipment. Since the Easterners have it, we must have it too! We will organize a delegation to visit the Soviet Union and Britain!"

Tap tap tap… Someone ran in.

"Report, a news item..."

The television was broadcasting the news.

"Today, our Air Force shot down a MiG-25 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that had intruded into our airspace on the plateau. Here, we..."

Everyone's eyes widened.

Photos of the MiG-25 being shot down were released one by one, which was absolutely embarrassing!

"Damn it, immediately organize a delegation to go abroad to inspect early warning aircraft!"

Eastward, Princess Tomb, Yellow Tower.

"Without airborne early warning aircraft, our formation consisting of twin-engine Q-6 fighters and aerial refueling tankers would have to patrol over the plateau, unable to effectively seize opportunities. It is precisely because of airborne early warning aircraft that we were able to firmly capture the target after it took off, and the entire interception process was effortless. Therefore, airborne early warning aircraft are a force multiplier for air combat!"

"That's right. With the support of the data link, all kinds of data about the target can be quickly transmitted to our aircraft, making interception much easier!"

Everyone was summarizing their experiences, and they were all talking enthusiastically, each offering their own opinion.

And Qin Liang...

Seeing Qin Liang's absent-minded look, Old Lin frowned: "Liangzi, why do you look so listless?"

"Dear leaders, I...I'm so sleepy! You were talking on the plane, and you're still talking now that we're back, I..."

beep, beep...

"Report! Orders have come from higher command, requesting all senior Air Force leaders to attend a meeting immediately!"

Qin Liang finally breathed a sigh of relief. "You guys go to the meeting, and I can relax a bit more!"
"What meeting?"

“William Perry came and pitched a big plan to the East…”

Project Perry? Qin Liang found it instantly amusing. In the past, back when there were no medium-range missiles and the Sixth Prince was still around, the motherland could resist such ill-intentioned temptations. Now, the motherland's military equipment is advancing by leaps and bounds, and they even have early warning aircraft. What are these guys thinking?

Are you trying to fool those who believe it's better to buy than to build, and to abandon independent national defense?
Qin Liang wasn't worried at all. His superiors were wise and could see through the other party's tricks at a glance, so...

“Mr. Lin, since you have an important meeting, I’ll take my leave. By the way, since I’m returning to the capital and it’s almost Chinese New Year, I should be going back to my hometown soon. Please don’t look for me anytime soon…”

I can't find it anywhere!

Another year has passed, and I wonder how the villagers are doing, whether the brick factory has been built, and whether the village has become prosperous...

As Qin Liang spoke, he stood up, intending to make a quick getaway.

"Comrade Qin Liang, the higher-ups have specifically requested that you attend the meeting as well..."

Upon hearing these words, Qin Liang felt a sudden, sharp sound in his head!
Thunder rumbled loudly.

"What...does this have to do with me?"

"Comrade Qin Liang, you were in charge of many of the modern equipment projects in our country, so... your involvement will give you more say..."

"Let's go, Liangzi. Judging by the time, it'll probably be evening. We can still stay for dinner. The food in Zhongnan is really delicious! And their Moutai..."

Qin Liang's expression was complicated. He really didn't want to go. For someone like him, staying in the background was the best option.

A conference room.

When Qin Liang went in, he found a seat in the corner, trying to hide himself as well as possible and minimize his presence later.

Sure enough, when a group of foreigners came in, Qin Liang saw some familiar faces among them. They all looked preoccupied, and he wondered if they didn't have any expectations for this cooperation and were just dragged here by those damned politicians.

The one in the lead looked quite smug.

He was tall, with a long, donkey-like face that made him appear even taller. Seeing him always gave one the feeling of a very tall and imposing America. He wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, which also indicated that he was very wealthy.

William Perry orchestrated this plan, hence the entire scheme was called the Perry Plan. As for what he was going to say, Qin Liang knew it without even listening.

"You are all elites in the military, so let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point. Although your side has some fighter jets and has made some contributions on the battlefield, your overall level is still too poor. You can handle some conventional conflicts, but in a real national war, your forces may not be able to withstand the first wave of attacks."

"Therefore, we are willing to provide you with weapons and equipment to arm you, so that you will have the strength to fight in the face of large-scale conflicts. Let's start with the most important one! Taylor, you go first!"

Boeing engineer Dick Taylor began: "In future wars, airborne early warning aircraft will be a force multiplier in air combat. This equipment is like an airborne command post, providing a commanding view of the battlefield. At the same time, it must also have a data link to transmit all kinds of information at the fastest speed. Let me first introduce our E-3A early warning aircraft to you."

"Starting in 1962, the U.S. Air Force began to consider developing a new generation of airborne early warning systems. Through competition, in 1970, Boeing's proposal was selected. We used the Boeing 707 as the airframe platform, which carried the airborne radar developed by House. In 1975, the first early warning aircraft underwent flight testing, and in 77, the first production model was delivered. To this day, even our European allies have not yet equipped themselves with it!"

Providing this equipment to the East elevates our relationship with them to its highest level!

"On the fuselage, a radar antenna with a diameter of 9.1 meters and a thickness of 1.8 meters is installed. This radar can detect aerial targets within a range of 400 miles and ultra-low-altitude flying targets within a radius of 250 miles. A large amount of data needs to be processed. On it, we installed IBM's fastest minicomputer, with a computing power of up to ten million operations per second..."

Hearing this, Old Lin smiled.

Our KJ-2000 has a search range of 500 kilometers, while yours is only 400! As for miles, Elder Lin has deliberately ignored that. As for computing power, it is far inferior to ours. So... do the Americans think your AWACS is the most advanced?
Ours is just as good!

Liangzi also proposed a comprehensive improvement plan for us. In the future, when we switch to a phased array system, the performance will be even more powerful!
"The Soviet Union's airborne early warning aircraft could only command a dozen or so aircraft at a time, while ours could command hundreds. That's our strength!"

Dick Taylor has finally finished his introduction.

William Perry continued his charade: "Did you all hear that? Our early warning aircraft possesses the most advanced capabilities in the world. In the future, once war breaks out, a large number of fighter jets will fly in from the north. At that time, our E-3A early warning aircraft can detect targets immediately and then guide a large number of F-16 fighter jets to intercept them... Next, please let General Dynamics introduce the F-16 fighter jet to everyone!"

Harry Chirac stood up.

"After President Reagan took office, he lifted the unreliable ban imposed during the Carter administration. Therefore, the fighter jets we export no longer need to be equipped with the outdated J79 engines. Instead, we can replace them with our most advanced third-generation high-thrust engines, giving these aircraft first-class air combat capabilities. At the same time, we have also upgraded the radar to enable it to launch medium-range missiles. What we will provide to you is the most advanced F-16..."

The failed sales pitch to Pakistan greatly angered Chirac, but now he's very interested in this deal. If the East also acquires the F-16, will Pakistan feel cheated? To date, the East has no plans to purchase the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet!

"Most importantly, it has a world-class data link that can receive information from early warning aircraft..."

If the East accepts the AWACS, then it must also accept the F-16. The NATO standard data link will not be allowed on the fighter jets produced by the East!

Thinking of this, Chiracl began to speak eloquently. A fighter jet designed based on pure energy air combat theory can also have medium-range interception capabilities. In the United States, it was just unnecessary. Now that it is to be exported, of course this function must be added!
In a way, we have to thank the Easterners for letting them know the real needs of users, making the F-16 more competitive in the market. In particular, the Easterners have repeatedly embarrassed Dassault, ruining the reputation of the Mirage fighter jet...

(End of this chapter)