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

Chapter 31 was deemed too advanced and was rejected?
Several black sedans drove into Northwestern Polytechnical University. Their waterfall-style grilles, round headlights, and red emblems in the center of the front all signified their prestigious status.

Hongqi sedan! The highest representative of the Eastern automobile industry, only high-ranking leaders could ride in it!
At the entrance of the office building, a group of people eagerly awaited. As soon as the car stopped, they rushed forward.

"Welcome, welcome to our Northwestern Polytechnical University for your inspection!" President Ji warmly shook hands with the leaders who got out of the car.

Among the crowd, Qin Liang stared wide-eyed at the people getting off the car, holding his breath.

His facial features were extremely distinct, with a high nose and blue eyes, quite different from typical East Asian faces. If I'm not mistaken, he must be the Air Force's fierce general: Commander Lin!
Born into poverty, he joined the Eighth Route Army in 1938 and began studying aviation technology in 1945, thus beginning his flying career. He flew during the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China, participated in the Korean War, and commanded the shooting down of enemy aircraft on numerous occasions in the defense of the homeland.

When he discovered that the air force's equipment was outdated, he personally led a team to the Soviet Union, where he outdrank a large group of Russians with his drinking prowess, and finally purchased the first batch of Su-27 fighter jets at an extremely low price, solving the urgent equipment shortage.

When some in the Air Force thought they could abandon the J-10 and use the money to purchase more Su-27s, he strongly opposed it and supported reviving the J-10 project. From then on, the domestic aviation industry embarked on a new journey: the J-20, the J-35, the sixth-generation fighter...

"Qin Liang, Qin Liang, what are you daydreaming about!" A voice came from beside him, and then Qin Liang was pushed.

Only then did he see that Old Lin's serious face was right in front of him!

"Hello, Professor Lin, welcome to visit our Northwestern Polytechnical University." Qin Liang quickly reached out and shook hands with him.

"You're pretty good, kid!"

Qin Liang was somewhat puzzled: "Old Lin, I'm just an ordinary person..."

"Ordinary? The top science student in Yan Province missed out on Tsinghua and Peking Universities due to political vetting issues. After coming to Northwestern Polytechnical University, he has frequently put forward unique insights. I came here this time specifically for you! Come on, take us in and see what you've done to the J-7 fighter jet."

Qin Liang looked at Elder Tu with a complicated expression. "You've revealed all my secrets?"

In later generations, those high-ranking leaders would have taken all the credit for themselves, and if problems arose, they would have immediately found their subordinates to take the blame. In this era, the elders I have encountered are all too selfless.

But have you ever thought about it? I'm so young, and nobody believes me when I do so many things.

"Professor Lin, you've misunderstood. This J-7 upgrade is the result of a collaboration between Northwestern Polytechnical University and Factory 132..."

"Yeah, I know. What, you don't want to introduce us?"

"Ahem, of course not..."

"Excessive humility is arrogance. Let's go!"

A nearly three-meter-long wooden prototype was placed in the center of the conference room, so much so that there wasn't enough room for chairs. As soon as everyone entered, they immediately gathered around the model to look at it.

"Is this still the J-7? The nose has been changed, the air intake has been changed, and the wings have been changed too..."

"Yes, this change is no ordinary change, it's simply..."

The term "drastic modification" didn't exist back then, and the officer racked his brains for a suitable word, but none seemed quite right. Several others, however, wore complex expressions and looked on with suspicion.

"Distinguished leaders, I am just a clueless newbie who knows nothing. Please point out any mistakes I may make during my presentation."

Since Qin Liang was asked to make the introduction, he no longer refused.

"First, let's look at the nose. As Tu Lao said, the Air Force wants to acquire the later models of the MiG-21 to achieve all-weather combat capability. Personally, I think the layout of the nose air intake has always limited its performance. It would be better to make a radical change, completely free up the nose, install a large-diameter radar, and obtain a better beyond-visual-range air combat capability!"

"After the nose was modified, the position of the air intake became a problem. The international mainstream is side air intakes and belly air intakes, but we created the dual-wing air intake layout, which can better meet the needs of high angle of attack flight and will not cause air intake obstruction when turning..."

"Regarding the wings, we designed a completely new double-delta wing, adding maneuvering flaps to the outer edge. This has already been tested in the wind tunnel, proving that this design is feasible..."

Old Tu nodded in satisfaction as he watched Qin Liang speak eloquently.

An ordinary young man would have been too intimidated to speak properly in front of so many high-ranking leaders. But Qin Liang was clear-headed and eloquent. This composure was something that ordinary people could not possess. I was right, this kid Qin Liang will definitely achieve great things in the future.

We absolutely must get him into Factory 132 in advance. Once he graduates, who knows how many people will be vying for him!
"Finally, let's look at the rear fuselage. We decided to use a bottom opening to address the need for rapid engine changes in the field."

As Qin Liang spoke, he opened the rear cover and took out an engine model from inside.

"Hmm, not bad, not bad! This is a very good idea!" Old Lin nodded repeatedly. "You all should share your thoughts! Old Wang, you go first!"

"Commander Lin, from a personal perspective, I also admire this aircraft. However, from the perspective of the Air Force, I think... the modifications to this aircraft are too extensive. Even if Factory 132 and Northwestern Polytechnical University were to work together, I'm afraid they wouldn't be able to develop it!"

Everyone's expression changed instantly.

These improvements completely transformed the J-7, bringing its performance close to that of third-generation fighters. Everyone thought that the Air Force would approve of it once they saw it, but unexpectedly...

The changes were too drastic and too advanced, so it was rejected!

“Yes, that’s my opinion too.” Air Force leader Hu chimed in from the side: “I personally admire this design. If it can be made, it can at least guarantee that our aircraft will not become obsolete for twenty years. However… Over the years, we have seen too many ambitious plans that have ultimately failed. This modification is a castle in the air. I still support introducing the MiG-21MF for reverse engineering!”

The two air force leaders both rejected it, which almost represented the air force's opinion. The others, who were originally overjoyed, now felt as if they had been doused with cold water.

For years, our aviation industry has been stuck on mapping and imitation. Do you think you can succeed with such a major overhaul?
Some even criticized Tu Lao: "Old Tu, what did I tell you when you went to the capital last time? Don't aim too high, be down-to-earth..."

Old Lin did not express his opinion, but looked around at everyone before his gaze fell on Qin Liang.

"Qin Liang, what do you think?"

"If the funding is in place, we can get this plane airborne within three years! If it takes even a day longer, then please, Elder Lin, execute me personally!"

(End of this chapter)