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

Chapter 348 Want to buy H-6 bombers at a low price? Let's talk about Hong Kong!
The transparent navigator's cabin in the nose is gone, and the dark green radar dome is open. Although it is empty, a modern and advanced radar will soon be installed inside, most likely the same one used on the Y-10 maritime surveillance aircraft.

The cockpit has two windows on the front and two windows on the side, indicating that there were probably four or five crew members sitting in the cockpit, which would facilitate ejection in case of an emergency.

The tail gun on the rear fuselage has disappeared, and a decoy flare launcher has been installed in its original position. In modern warfare, this tail gun is really not necessary!
"Hmph, such an old plane..." a voice muttered. Clearly, it was Bond again. No matter what, this guy was just not happy.

Okay, then let's make him even more uncomfortable.

“Our bombers are from the 1950s and 60s, while your Vulcan bombers were developed starting in 1947, right? If we’re talking about old technology, the Vulcan bombers are much older. And if I’m not mistaken, you’ll probably continue to keep these aircraft in service.”

The British looked grim.

It's still because of the country's weakness. They simply don't have the ability to develop a brand-new bomber. If the Vulcan is retired, their strategic strike capability will be completely gone.

So, despite the fact that the Vulcan bomber was developed in 1947, the British used it until 1993, when it was taken off the air, which saddened countless people.

"However, your Vulcan aircraft haven't been improved much since they entered service. Our H-6 is different; it's constantly being modified. Gentlemen, these aircraft are still under construction, so we can't let you go inside to see them. But you can stand on the platform and take a look at the interior of our aircraft."

Many of the skin panels on the aircraft under development have not yet been installed, and the cockpit windows have not been installed either. Therefore, as long as you stand on the installation platform, you can see what's inside.

As long as the power is off, you can't really see anything inside the cockpit. The Russians in later years always covered up the cockpit at every air show, not because it was so advanced, but because it was too outdated and they were afraid of being laughed at.

Percival walked up, looked down at the cockpit being installed, and then... his eyes widened.

There were no pre-reserved installation locations for various instruments. The instrument panel on the front only had a few square holes, which were undoubtedly where the monitors were to be installed!

That is to say...

"Does this bomber have a glass cockpit?"

"That's natural. Early watch shops can no longer meet the needs of modern aircraft. Our bomber has undergone an upgrade in avionics, and the cockpit display must be in sync with the world to be more modern and information-based..."

Qin Liang had no idea, and although he only found out about it now, that didn't stop him from bragging.

Hey British, you call yourselves an industrial powerhouse, look at your current state, and then look at us in the East!

A glass cockpit isn't just about replacing the cockpit instruments; it requires a complete overhaul of the aircraft's internal wiring, with all sorts of sensors connected to the 1553B data bus. You could say it's like replacing the entire nervous system of the aircraft!
The British Vulcan bombers were always used in a makeshift manner, with no intention of upgrading them. Moreover, it was impossible to upgrade the old airframes; the only option was to replace the wiring when building brand new ones. The Vulcan production line had long been shut down.

The Englishman's expression was complicated; even Bond, who had been provoking him, was silent, clearly frustrated.

Britain couldn't compete with France, they accepted that; they couldn't compete with the Soviet Union, they accepted that too; now, they can't even compete with the East, and they have to purchase equipment from the East!

Okay, it's not that our British products are inferior to those from the East, it's just that our production costs are too high, that's right.

With this in mind, Percival asked, "How much do you sell these bombers for?"

"Not expensive, only 80 million US dollars per aircraft," Qin Liang said casually.

He was prepared. In the 1980s, the H-6 was first exported and resold to Iraq through Yotuk. It was equipped with C601 anti-ship missiles and joined the battle of the Iran-Iraq War. The price at that time was 50 million US dollars.

Moreover, back then it used outdated electronic equipment and engines. Now, with new radar, new engines, and a new cockpit, the price of $80 million is definitely not expensive!
The British were stunned.

"What? Eighty million US dollars?"

"No, it's too expensive!"

"Yes, we came to the East to buy inexpensive products, but you're asking for such high prices. You have no sincerity whatsoever!"

The people at Factory 172 were also a bit embarrassed. Had they quoted too high a price? The price they quoted the domestic air force for this latest model was only 40 million RMB, and it would be quite a lot if they sold it for 40 million USD. But they actually asked for 80 million USD!
Will this drive the British out?
"Gentlemen, what you see is our most advanced bomber," Qin Liang said. "It has a large radar installed at the front of the nose, capable of detecting warships at sea 300 kilometers away. The bomb bay in the fuselage can carry all kinds of advanced munitions, even American Tomahawk missiles. As long as you can buy them, we can install them for you! The internals use the 1553B data bus, a glass cockpit, and turbofan engines..."

After Qin Liang finished speaking, he pointed to the bomber that had been fully assembled in the distance.

"If you want the old model, like the one over there, forty million US dollars will do!"

In the distance, there really was an old-fashioned bomber, with a glass nose and a tail gun, retaining the characteristics of the earliest Tu-16 bombers.

The British man fell silent.

They certainly knew the differences between the two bombers, and they also knew what advanced avionics meant.

"If sold separately, the radar installed in our nose alone is worth twenty million US dollars! The glass cockpit is also worth ten million US dollars, plus the engine and the airframe life extension, aren't these worth ten million? Gentlemen, an F-15 fighter jet is worth twenty or thirty million US dollars, is our aircraft not worth as much as three F-15s?"

“That’s a fighter jet,” Bond said again.

"This is a strategic bomber! Gentlemen, no other country besides us would sell you strategic bombers! Even the United States wouldn't sell you a B-52, would it?"

Can this medium-range bomber be compared to a strategic bomber?
Just as Bond was about to make another sarcastic remark, Qin Liang continued, "If you think this is too expensive, then forget it. To be honest, your side doesn't really have any occasions to use this kind of bomber... Um, Director Lu, has our canteen prepared a reception banquet? I'll head back after dinner!"

The faces of the British people turned ugly again, extremely ugly.

What do you mean?
Are there no occasions left to use this kind of bomber? Is this a dig at the decline of Britain?

"Hmph, we British haven't been defeated yet. Our national strength is beyond your imagination. As long as we accumulate more power, we can still take back the Falklands!"

"Well then, I wish you the best of luck!"

"What do you mean by that tone? Are you saying you don't think we have a chance?"

"No, no, I sincerely wish you a swift recapture of Ma Island." Qin Liang said, continuing to walk outside, "Come on, let's go eat. After we eat, we can all get back to our own work; everyone's very busy..."

The group from Factory 172 could only follow behind Qin Liang, their feelings complicated. "Liangzi, we know you want to make more money, but... we don't mind if it's less. Our Factory 172 hasn't had any export projects yet. This is a breakthrough! Even if we don't make money, it's good if we can sell some..."

Okay, I'll find an opportunity to talk about it later.

The atmosphere in the canteen was rather cold. After all, the business deal hadn't been made, and the British were all clearly unhappy, while Qin Liang was enjoying his meal.

"Come on, everyone, try this gourd chicken. It's a traditional dish of ours, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Come on, Mr. Percival, have a chicken leg."

Percival took the chicken leg, but couldn't help but ask, "Qin, you're asking for such a high price that it's impossible for you to reach a cooperation agreement with us. Aren't you disappointed at all?"

“In the East, we believe that business may be about buying and selling, but personal relationships matter. Eat and drink as you please. Business is business, and friends are friends. Come on, good luck, let’s eat chicken!” Percival took the chicken leg, his expression complex. “We’re here to genuinely purchase aircraft. If the price is right, we’re willing to buy ten H-6 bombers. Fifty million US dollars per bomber is the highest price we can accept…”

Factory Director Lu almost nodded in agreement. Fifty million US dollars per aircraft—that's already a lot of money to be made!

However, he wasn't blinded by the price; he still had to listen to Qin Liang.

It's obvious that Qin Liang's initial asking price of 80 million was what prompted the other party to reveal the highest price they could afford. Now, let's see what other tricks Qin Liang has up his sleeve.

"Ten aircraft means we'll lose three hundred million US dollars, which is no small sum." Qin Liang glanced at the other party: "Gentlemen, put yourselves in each other's shoes, would you just watch three hundred million US dollars slip through your fingers?"

"But if you insist on keeping the price the same, you won't even earn five hundred million dollars."

The other party is really going all out; this price is the highest they can offer. They'll sell if they want, or we'll leave!
"I see." Qin Liang thought for a moment, "You have to agree to two conditions."

"explain."

"First, pay us half when you place the order, and the other half when you deliver the goods. There can be no delays. We will not deliver the goods until the funds are received."

This is to prevent them from defaulting on the final payment!

This made the British look very unhappy. When had they ever renege on their debt?
But now... it seems they really don't have much money left for procurement. The national treasury is already empty, the country is issuing a new tranche of government bonds, and the impeachment proceedings are still ongoing...

"no problem."

"Secondly, we would like to trouble your Iron Lady to come to the East and reach an agreement with us so that you can return Hong Kong to us peacefully and amicably after the lease expires."

Everyone was shocked.

Qin Liang's thinking took a rather large leap, from arms deals to Hong Kong!

It was the corrupt and incompetent Qing government that ceded national territory. According to the original lease agreement, it was due to expire in 1997. What would happen after that?
Given Britain's nature, they would naturally want to hold on and not leave. However, we in the East will not stand by and watch them continue to occupy the Falklands, not even if the British win the war, let alone lose both times!
If the East wants it, Britain must return it. Now, Qin Liang is taking this opportunity to make his demands as an additional condition for the arms deal!

Although he hadn't informed his superiors beforehand, Qin Liang was certain that they would give their full support. On matters of national sovereignty, there was no room for retreat; they could only move forward, and the sooner the agreement was signed, the better!
"Furthermore, in the coming decades, you should not do anything that could harm the stability of Hong Kong. For example, the number of legal people in Hong Kong should be kept as it is. Those who have illegally crossed the border should be dealt with accordingly. If you grant them legal status before handing them over to us, that would be a violation of our agreement, and we will not recognize it."

Those bastards in Hong Kong are not descendants of the Yellow Emperor at all; they are monkeys who smuggled themselves over! Before Hong Kong's return to China, the British, harboring malicious intentions, granted those people legal status, which turned them into a menace.

Now, it needs to be made clear that we will check identities, and illegal immigrants who attempt to gain citizenship will be deported!
"Well... Mr. Qin, there's no need for our arms deals to be tied to politics, is there?"

“Mr. Percival, you’re mistaken. Arms has always been politically connected! If you’re looking for cheap equipment, why don’t you buy it from the Russians?”

“Hmph, we will absolutely not buy any weapons from the East!” Bond stood up. “This decision was a mistake from the start. We’ve been insulted the whole time we’ve come here! Mr. Percival, I can’t take it anymore, I’m leaving!”

After saying that, he strode out.

The other British people also stood up.

Percival took a deep breath: "We came with sincerity, but we didn't expect you to be so insincere. We... can only say goodbye!"

"Okay, I'll see you off."

What kind of tactic is this?
Percival looked at him, puzzled.

"Our H-6 bombers are top-tier bombers available worldwide. If your country doesn't buy them, other countries will. Good things never go unsold," Qin Liang said with a smile. "After all, bombers are strategic weapons..."

Percival's expression suddenly changed: "What do you mean? You're going to sell this kind of plane to the Weeping Kingdom? No, you can't do that!"

"Don't get agitated, I didn't say that," Qin Liang said. "However, our promise not to sell planes to the Crying Country was based on the premise that war had broken out between the two sides. Now that the war is over, even if we do sell weapons, it is our freedom. We abide by the UN resolutions and uphold international law, not that we have to stand with you."

"If you... if you really do this, that would be going too far!"

“These large bombers are difficult to produce. Apart from our own use, the export capacity is only about one per year. If you place an order, we will not have any extra capacity to sell to other countries within the next ten years.”

This is a threat: if you don't buy, we'll sell to the Weeping Kingdom! If you want to buy, you'll have to agree to all these demands!
Factory Director Lu already regrets it. We were just selling an airplane, but now this simple business has become very complicated!

However, he couldn't say that. He had to trust Qin Liang. Besides, the H-6 bomber was, after all, a strategic weapon. What if selling it to the British turned out to be a real threat to us in the future?
Therefore, exchanging interests, using the issue of Hong Kong's ownership as a bargaining chip, is clearly the best option!
"Mr. Qin, you don't actually think that Britain has absolutely no other options, do you?" Percival sneered. "Don't forget, we are one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and we use nuclear weapons! In the worst-case scenario, we will use nuclear weapons to resolve the threat. Whatever Britain has lost, we will make the crying country pay back a hundredfold, a thousandfold!"

A perfectly good arms sale ended up falling apart!

Watching the British leave, Factory Director Lu sighed, "Alas, Comrade Qin Liang, we..."

"Director Lu, don't worry, our H-6 bombers will definitely sell. If the British want to buy them, we'll have to demand enough benefits. If the British don't buy them, other countries will naturally buy them. By the way, I see that our H-6s have been modified quite well; they're perfect as carriers for our cruise missiles..."

Seeing Qin Liang's calm demeanor, everyone at Factory 172 breathed a sigh of relief. If Qin Liang said they could continue selling, then they definitely could!

only……

I still feel a little regretful.

"Liangzi, the British just threatened to use mushroom bombs again. Can the Crying Country handle it?" At this moment, Tang Changhong, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up.

His perspective was indeed different from others.

Although our positions are different when we do business with Britain, the country that cried has some things in common with us. For example, we both suffered from colonial aggression.

Tang Changhong stood on the side of the weeping nation.

Qin Liang smiled and said, "The Crying Country doesn't have any mushroom bombs, but... they have the capability to make dirty bombs!"

The naval battles in the South Atlantic were so spectacular that many of the battles could be studied by military experts for ten or twenty years. Because the later battles became increasingly exciting, many of the earlier ones have been forgotten.

For example, the Conqueror nuclear submarine accidentally rammed and capsized a frigate of the Crying Nation during a confrontation with surface ships. Due to the severe damage, the Conqueror was completely rendered combat ineffective and could only be escorted to the Crying Nation's naval port by the Crying Nation's navy!
The submarine is still in port. The nuclear reactor has been shut down. If the British really use a mushroom bomb, then the crying country will not be polite. They will extract the uranium rods from the nuclear reactor, make a dirty bomb, and send it to the British Isles!

Upon hearing Qin Liang's words, Tang Changhong thought of something: a few months ago, it seemed that a group of teachers and students from the original Department of Aquatic Weapons at Northwestern Polytechnical University had disappeared, supposedly to do some kind of internship. Could it be that they went to the Weeping Kingdom to study the Conqueror nuclear submarine?

　PS: The nose of the new H-6 and the old H-6.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)