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

Chapter 277 China Southern Airlines also has a project!
Qin Liang gave a slightly shy smile: "Qin Liang."

The whole class was instantly in an uproar.

"Qin Liang!"

"That genius from Northwestern Polytechnical University!"

At the entrance, Department Head Huang Yuqun, relieved, strode forward: "Hello Qin Liang, I'm the department head here, just call me Lao Huang. On behalf of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, I welcome you! Our school originally went to pick you up from the airport, but we missed you. After receiving the call from the airport, we rushed to the school gate to wait for you, but unexpectedly..."

I never expected you to have taken the bus to a nearby stop and then strolled into the campus! When everyone realized what was happening, they frantically searched the campus. Luckily, they knew Qin Liang had come for the helicopter, so Huang Yuqun went straight to the helicopter major to look for him. Sure enough, Qin Liang was hiding there and had even attended some classes!
"Um, Director Huang, shouldn't we... not make sure we don't miss the classes here?"

"Okay, let's go to the conference room to talk!"

"I... want to finish this lesson first."

"In that case...I'll listen with you!"

As an experienced professor, Zhou Xu wasn't afraid of others observing his lectures. So what if he was the director? In the field of helicopters, he was the authority! However… adding Qin Liang made a difference. That kid was incredibly knowledgeable; he knew more about many professional topics than the teachers!
"Class, let's continue the lesson. If we compare the engine to the heart of a helicopter, then the rotor blades are its skeleton. They are responsible for transmitting power to the rotor and controlling the movement of the rotor blades in three directions..."

Vertical takeoff and landing of helicopters is simple; with a large plate overhead, they can take off from dry land. But how do helicopters fly forward?
This is also thanks to the large plate! The entire plate tilts forward, so the power it provides blows not only downwards but also backwards. That's why, when you watch a movie, when a helicopter is flying forward, the nose is tilted downwards, because the entire plate tilts forward and downwards at that time.

The function of the paddle hoops is to control the direction of the large plate.

Meanwhile, in the helicopter field, there is another important technology called collective torque, which is the mechanism that controls the direction of rotor blade twist. The larger the twist angle, the greater the thrust provided at the same rotational speed. This change in collective torque is also achieved in the rotor band.

Therefore, the rotor shroud has become the second most important component on a helicopter after the engine.

Qin Liang only knew about tiltrotor aircraft before, which did not require rotor clamps. But now that they wanted to develop helicopters, the challenge of rotor clamps had to be overcome!

"Because rotor clamps are so important, helicopter experts around the world are developing advanced rotor clamps. For example, the American Black Hawk helicopter has abandoned the articulated rotor clamps commonly used in medium and heavy helicopters and creatively developed a spherical flexible rotor hub. Traditional metal bearings are replaced with elastic tensile materials, and the core structure adopts a spherical universal joint design. Each rotor blade is individually connected and absorbs torque and tension through flexible materials..."

The articulated propeller clamp is constructed by installing flapping hinges, oscillating hinges, and pitch-changing hinges on the propeller clamp to achieve flapping, oscillating, and pitch-changing motions of the propeller blades. This structure is mature, but it is very large and heavy.

Previously, Qin Liang knew that the Black Hawk was advanced, but he had only heard about the fuses. It was said that the Mi-171 had more than a hundred fuses, while the Black Hawk had none. He didn't know if this was true or not; perhaps it was just made up to make it easier for readers to understand. Now, listening to these introductions, Qin Liang was filled with emotion. Even a propeller hoop that he was unfamiliar with had so many claims.

The Black Hawk's strength is comprehensive, both inside and out!

"Qin Liang, Northwestern Polytechnical University has advanced materials. Can Northwestern Polytechnical University provide the materials needed for this spherical flexible propeller?"

Upon hearing Zhou Xu's question, everyone turned to look at him.

"Ahem, Professor Zhou, I don't know either, since Northwestern Polytechnical University doesn't have a helicopter major... However, our Northwestern Polytechnical University's carbon fiber should be able to handle the rotor material."

When he first arrived, Teacher Zhou was introducing rotors, from early wooden ones to later steel beams and aluminum alloy hybrid structures, and then to the latest composite materials. Carbon fiber is high in strength and low in weight, making it naturally suitable for making rotors!
"As for the propeller clamp, you just mentioned the articulated propeller clamp, which uses titanium alloy casting technology. I think it's worth improving. We can use forged titanium alloy. The Shanghai Aircraft Factory has a die forging press with a capacity of tens of thousands of tons. After forging on it, we can process it on CNC machine tools. The propeller clamp made in this way should be no worse than the Western ones, and might even be a level higher..."

This is what makes Northwestern Polytechnical University so powerful!
In ordinary schools, what is taught in the classroom is disconnected from actual production. After all, most universities don't have access to front-line factories in society. However, Northwestern Polytechnical University has a particularly close connection with various factories!

"Hmm, this processing method is acceptable, but unfortunately, China Southern Airlines doesn't have the resources to visit the factories on the ground, nor do we have any projects there..."

"Old Zhou, you go to class first. After class, we have a meeting. Qin Liang is here because he has a project to give us..." Huang Yuqun's words were originally just meant to urge Zhou Xu to go to class, but she didn't expect...

Wow! Everyone got excited.

"A project?"

"When Qin Liang went to Beihang University, he brought several projects to the university. Now, it's finally our turn at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics!"

"Yes, since Qin Liang has come to our helicopter major, it must be a helicopter project!"

Everyone turned their attention to Qin Liang, full of anticipation. At this point, the lesson could no longer continue!

They had heard about the situation at Beihang University, where a large group of people went to Chang'an to work on projects, even if they weren't paid and it was just for graduation projects, it was still very important! Now, this kind of good thing has finally come to our Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics!

Participating in a project at Northwestern Polytechnical University yielded tremendous rewards!
Cao Lijuan opened her big, watery eyes and looked at Qin Liang: "Qin Liang, could you give us a more detailed introduction?"

"Class, this project is currently confidential. Now, everyone go study. I... I have to go to a meeting." Even Zhou Xu was excited. He had been a teacher for decades and had never gotten a project. Now that he had one, he couldn't wait to find out about it!
Suspending class on the spot is a teaching accident!

Qin Liang said somewhat helplessly, "Teacher Zhou, don't worry, let's start the class first. I also want to learn about the specifics of helicopters."

"Okay, let's continue the lesson."

Suppressing his excitement, Zhou Xu continued teaching. Finally, when the bell rang outside, Zhou Xu threw the chalk on the lectern and shouted, "get out of class dismissed!"

I love professors who often extend class time, but this was the first time in my life I've ever had a get out of class end on time!
The students didn't bother the old professor; instead, they watched him leave.

We have a project! It's a helicopter project! We finally have a chance to put our ideas into practice!

In the conference room.

“The Black Hawk has four propeller blades, while the Mi-24 has five.” After listening to Qin Liang’s introduction, Zhou Xu immediately began to analyze: “If we want to install the Mi-24’s engine into the Black Hawk’s airframe, we will face these choices, as well as the main gearbox, etc., which are all problems.”

If lift is insufficient, blades are used to compensate; if strength is lacking, they are made wider and thicker. This is a phrase used in later evaluations of the differences between the Z-20 and the Black Hawk. The number of blades is a clear indicator of the difference between these two aircraft.

"Well, Professor Zhou, after listening to what you said in class, I am more inclined to use the Mi-24's propeller band and blade design. We have more advanced technology than the Russians and can manufacture propeller bands with longer life and lower noise."

If it weren't for today's lesson, which provided a crash course in helicopter knowledge, Qin Liang would have been curious as to why the Black Hawk has four flaps, while the Z-20 has five.

Rashly pursuing advanced technology can easily lead to insurmountable technical difficulties. It is not without reason that we only began to develop helicopters similar to the Black Hawk after the new millennium.

Zhou Xu nodded: "Yes, the Russians are easier to copy. The next issue is the engine. If we want to copy the Mi-24's engine, should we call on our aircraft propulsion specialists as well?"

"Of course." Qin Liang nodded: "We at Northwestern Polytechnical University will also send a few people to cooperate and replace the outdated materials with our advanced materials. The old Russian engines have high fuel consumption and short lifespan, and these all need to be modified."

"Could the production of the engine that has been surveyed be carried out at our university-run factory at China Southern Airlines... cough cough, sorry, I said too much, we shouldn't be so greedy." Huang Yuqun was a little embarrassed.

The entire aircraft is being manufactured at Factory 5701 in Chengdu. But what about the engines? The factory there definitely can't produce engines. If China Southern Airlines were to build a factory to produce turboshaft engines, they would be... rich!

Look at Northwestern Polytechnical University, it's rolling in money now!

"Of course, as long as China Southern Airlines can take it over, then it belongs to China Southern Airlines."

"Thank you very much, Qin Liang!"

Despite being surrounded by people much older than Qin Liang, everyone was now greeting him with smiles.

Qin Liang is a real money-maker!

"In a few days, after the school's final exams, we will select outstanding students to go to Chengdu."

"Qin Liang, we can start selecting students based on their usual academic performance right now," Huang Yuqun said. "Final exams are a waste of time; let them go now..."

"Okay." Qin Liang would naturally welcome anyone who loves to work; the laborers of this era are just that lovable!

As he was talking, Qin Liang's stomach started growling.

"Come on, Qin Liang, let's go eat together! Since we're in Nanjing, we should try the local cuisine."

Salted duck, Nanjing meatballs... Qin Liang was really looking forward to these authentic Nanjing specialties.

"Man is made of iron, food is made of steel; you'll get hungry if you skip a meal. I've got nationally valid food coupons with me..."

"No need, no need, it's only right that we treat you to a meal."

In the cafeteria.

"I wonder what kind of project Qin Liang brought with him. Could he do research at Northwestern Polytechnical University like the people from Beihang University?"

"Yes, I heard that on the campus of Northwestern Polytechnical University, the newly built teaching buildings are one after another, and the computer rooms inside often occupy an entire floor!"

"That's nothing, Northwestern Polytechnical University even has its own wind tunnel!"

Cao Lijuan held a bowl of pork belly noodles, eating while listening to her classmates' introductions.

Normally, she would wolf down her food so she could quickly get back to studying, but today... she preferred to stay here and listen to her classmates discuss Qin Liang.

I was also in the class of '78. Why did I choose Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics? If I had chosen the Aircraft Engineering Department of Northwestern Polytechnical University, I might have been in the same class as Qin Liang! I heard that several of the classmates from that class have become project leaders!

As she was thinking, she unconsciously glanced around and then... saw several people coming in through the door.

"Qin Liang!" Cao Lijuan immediately stood up and called out enthusiastically.

With a whoosh, everyone in the cafeteria stood up and rushed towards Qin Liang.

"Classmates, please don't crowd! Qin Liang has brought a project with him, and he'll be selecting our students to work on in the next few days! The selection process has already begun, and if you do this... it will lower your scores!"

As soon as Huang Yuqun said this, the students quickly returned to their seats, ate their meals, and then prepared for the exam. It was said that they selected students based on their grades, so there was no point in getting acquainted with them now!
Cao Lijuan also lowered her head and quickly ate her noodles, wondering if she had lost points for shouting earlier...

"This pork skin noodle soup looks delicious! Director Huang, could I have a bowl of pork skin noodles?"

"Qin Liang, come sit over here and eat! I'll be done eating soon."

It was peak dining time, and there were hardly any empty seats. Qin Liang didn't hesitate and sat down.

"Hey, do we look like we've met before?"

"Yes, you've taught our class before. By the way, my name is Cao Lijuan..."

That name sounded even more familiar! Qin Liang's eyes lit up instantly.

One of the designers of the Z-10 attack helicopter! I never expected to run into him here!

"Hmm, Cao, you're a girl, why did you choose helicopter studies?"

"That year... Xingtai was struck by an earthquake. Our beloved leader, Zhou, traveled to the disaster area by helicopter. When I saw the helicopter descending from the sky, it felt like I was seeing a savior. From that moment on, I fell in love with helicopters, so..."

In 1966, an earthquake struck Xingtai. The Z-5 helicopter participated in the rescue and relief efforts, leaving a deep impression on the girl!
Hearing Cao Lijuan's words, Qin Liang was also very moved: "It's really great that you can determine your life goals from a young age and strive for them!"

This statement comes from personal experience. I wonder how many people, who harbored ideals since childhood, are forced to struggle for cars and houses under the pressure of society as adults. Their former ideals are destined to remain just that—ideals—completely detached from the realities of daily life.

"Qin Liang, what is your ideal?"

"I?"

Qin Liang smiled. His ideal, of course, was to lie down and relax... cough cough, he couldn't say that now.

"Hey Qin Liang, here's your pork belly noodles. I also ordered a few other dishes. Once everything's served, we'll open a bottle of wine..."

Looking at the noodles that had already been eaten, Cao Lijuan said, "Qin Liang, you can eat with the teachers in our department. I'll be going now."

"Well, see you later."

Cao Lijuan felt a strange joy in her heart. Did this mean they had finally accepted her? She was eager to get started developing the new helicopter as soon as possible!
"Well, see you later!"

In the cafeteria, food was devoured in a whirlwind, and within minutes, the once bustling cafeteria fell silent.

Director Huang opened a bottle of wine and poured one for Qin Liang: "Qin Liang, this cafeteria is a bit shabby, but you don't want us to treat you to a meal outside..."

"Yeah, this place is nice. I like eating on campus with my classmates; it just feels right," Qin Liang said. "Let's continue eating and talking. The Mi-24 is in hand now, but the Black Hawk will take a while longer..."

"No rush, we're not in a hurry. Let's survey the Mi-24 first. The Black Hawk... is America's most advanced helicopter. It's not something you can get your hands on so easily."

United States.

In 1923, Igor Ivanovich Sikorsky, an immigrant from Russia, founded the Sikorsky Aircraft Company in Statford, Connecticut. Although they also produced biplanes at the time, this very individualistic aircraft designer was always working hard on helicopters that could take off and land vertically.

After nearly twenty years of effort, he finally designed a helicopter that could be stably controlled, and mass production began in 1942. From then on, the glory of Sikorsky began.

The Black Hawk helicopter made its maiden flight in 1974 and continued testing until 1979 before it officially entered mass production. After that, various improvements were made, and it was purchased in large quantities by the military, customs, border defense and other sectors. A civilian version, the S-70, was also developed and put into the civilian market.

On this day, Sikorsky's sales department employees had just arrived at work when a customer arrived.

"Our Pacific Trading Company wants to order two S-70 helicopters!"

This is a beautiful Asian girl who speaks fluent English; she looks like she grew up in the United States.

"Ms. Yang, our helicopter orders are booked for three years from now. If you order now, delivery will take three years. The price is six million US dollars per helicopter, which needs to be paid in full when you place the order."

Yang Duo'er frowned: "So late?"

Brother Liangzi is still waiting. He can wait a few months, but three years... What a joke! The opportunity will be long gone by then!
"Yes, Ms. Yang, our helicopter is in high demand and short supply. The factory is working as fast as possible to produce it, but..."

Just then, a man in a suit walked over, and through the glass partition, he saw the beautiful girl in the reception room and exclaimed in surprise, "Yang!"

"Christian?" Yang Duo'er was also taken aback. She really didn't expect to run into the suitor who had been friend-zoned by MIT here.

"Yang, it really is you! What a surprise!" Christian strode in. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to order a helicopter, but they say it won't be delivered for another three years. By the way, you came here after you graduated?"

(End of this chapter)