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

Chapter 361: Armed Helicopters and Utility Helicopters Make a Dazzling Debut!
Dongfang, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Department of Electronic Engineering.

"Our Beidou terminal is out?" Qin Liang looked at the various devices in front of him with great excitement.

"Yes." Zhu Qiu nodded: "After assisting the aerospace department in developing the Beidou navigation satellite, we started researching navigation terminals, and we have now built everything we could think of."

"Is this a car navigation system?" Qin Liang asked, pointing to a device about the size of an oscilloscope.

"Yes, we used a 7-inch display from an aviation system on it, and internally it used the Loongson-1 chip and a lot of memory. It's basically like a small computer. However, the workload of digital map collection is too much. So far, we've only done the data for Chang'an City."

Current car navigation systems are still quite bulky, since they can only use cathode ray displays, so they can't be too small.

"This thing isn't cheap. Our production cost is two thousand yuan. How much would it be worth to sell it for after installing it in a car?"

"About 20,000."

What?
Everyone's eyes widened.

These days, experienced drivers are like walking maps. No matter where they go, once they've been there, they know how to get there next time. Who would use a car navigation system? And this is actually selling for 20,000?
"We can collaborate with car manufacturers, especially Western car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, to add a large in-car screen. That would be so high-end, and the $20,000 would be well spent!"

What? The 20,000 Qin Liang just mentioned was actually in US dollars?
"Is this a handheld navigation device?" Qin Liang looked at the second one.

It was about the same size as the mobile phones of later generations, with a small LCD screen that could only display numbers. This kind of handheld navigation terminal could only show latitude and longitude, and you still had to refer to a paper map to know where you were.

However, early navigation terminals were all like this. Many fighter jets were later equipped with satellite navigation systems by adding a rack to the side of the instrument panel to hang such a terminal. By scanning the latitude and longitude, they could know where they were.

"Yes, this has a wider range of uses. It can be used on land, sea, and air, and it's also cheaper. If mass-produced, the cost can be reduced to around two hundred yuan."

Qin Liang nodded: "Hmm, not bad, it can sell for two thousand, this is a high-volume product."

That's ten times more!

"Two thousand dollars?"

"It's two thousand US dollars for export, and two thousand RMB for domestic use," Qin Liang said, then looked at the next item...

It is shaped like a date pit, with four wings at the back. The main body is green and the tail is white, making the paint scheme look quite strange. Behind the green warhead, there are large white letters, the number 500-3, which represents its model.

This is a common low-drag high-explosive bomb used by the Air Force!
However, the tail fins of ordinary aerial bombs are fixed, as they are only used to stabilize the flight attitude of the bomb. But the aerial bomb in front of us has tail fins that are obviously movable control surfaces, and it is also equipped with a gear-shaped object at the end.

"Is this the precision-guided bomb we modified?" Qin Liang recognized it at a glance.

“That’s right.” Zhu Qiu nodded. “Currently, the Air Force mainly uses three types of ordinary low-drag aerial bombs: 250, 500, and 1000. The former is too small, and the latter is too large. The middle type is the most commonly used. Therefore, we have added a satellite navigation kit to this model. As soon as the BeiDou network testing is completed, we can mount it on the aircraft for testing…”

For Northwestern Polytechnical University, improving bombs is no longer difficult. By inputting the shape data into a computer, the flight control law can be calculated quickly. By comparing the data received by the satellite navigation terminal with the bomb's own state, it can be determined how to control the rudder to fly in which direction.

Although it has just been made and has not yet been tested on an aircraft, there are no major problems. We can just make some minor adjustments later.

"The price for this set is currently around one hundred yuan per set, quoted to the Air Force..."

"Let's say two hundred."

We can't sell it to the Air Force at cost price, since Northwestern Polytechnical University's research and development also requires funding. Compared to the previous price being ten times higher, this one is only double the price, which is already quite reasonable.

but……

Qin Liang looked left and right, feeling that something was missing. Finally, he fixed his gaze on the middle of the projectile.

"Teacher Zhu, what do you think about adding another pair of wings above the middle of the missile body?"

"Give wings to the bomb?" Zhu Qiu was taken aback. What did that mean? To make it fly farther?
"Even with precision guidance systems, our fighter jets still need to drop bombs near the target area, which is still too dangerous for the aircraft. If we add wings to the bombs, they can glide for tens of kilometers, making the aircraft safer."

What Qin Liang was talking about was actually the Leishi-6 gliding precision guidance component of later generations. It added gliding wings and a satellite navigation terminal to a traditional aerial bomb, and when released from an altitude of 10,000 meters at subsonic speed, the gliding distance could exceed 60 kilometers!

In this way, not to mention the anti-aircraft guns near the target, even if there were medium-range air defense missiles, they would definitely not be able to hit the carrier aircraft! Only long-range area air defense missiles could reach it, but... Qin Liang was certain that Monkey did not have such weapons.

A conventional aerial bomb, when dropped, travels a horizontal trajectory of only a few kilometers. With the wings added, it can travel tens of kilometers. This is definitely an innovation!

We didn't have this before, because when you glide, who knows where you'll end up? Now that we have precision guidance systems, gliding has become meaningful!
"Okay, I understand. We need to discuss this with the Fifth Department. The design of the glider will have to be done there."

"Yes, a few junior brothers and sisters can do it." Qin Liang nodded. Such a small modification wouldn't even require the teacher to be alerted!
When the decision was made to take action against the monkeys, Northwestern Polytechnical University sprang into action, with all preparations proceeding rapidly. This battle would be a global spectacle, a true model of high-tech warfare! Even the West only deployed a large amount of high-tech equipment in the 91 Gulf War!

With everything arranged in place, the next step is to check for any omissions or deficiencies...

"Senior brother, senior brother!" Just then, someone ran in from outside: "Principal Luo wants to see you!"

"what's up?"

"There's good news from Factory 5701!"

Is this... armed helicopters are coming out? Qin Liang instantly became excited. With armed helicopters, fighting the monkeys in the south will be much easier!
Chengdu in autumn is enchanting, with red maple leaves, golden ginkgo trees, and the clear Fuhe River... everywhere is filled with the crisp autumn air, and the hazy moisture from before seems to have dissipated.

However, Qin Liang didn't have time to appreciate the beautiful scenery. He went straight to Factory 5701 as soon as he got off the plane, and when he arrived at the factory, he saw a lot of people.

Besides the workers in blue work clothes, the intellectuals in Zhongshan suits, and the students in various clothes, there was also a large group of people in green military uniforms!
"Mr. Lin, you've come too?"

"Yes, we heard that the helicopter has been built, so we came here specifically to see it."

Qin Liang's feelings became even more complicated. He wondered if he should remind Elder Lin that these things were destined for the Army in the future. The more the Air Force invested, the greater the heartbreak would be later...

"Our teachers and students at China Southern Airlines are truly amazing," Professor Lin continued with admiration. "We originally thought it would take another year or two, but we never expected that in such a short time, we would have both armed helicopters and utility helicopters!"

What?
The technology for the attack helicopters came from the Mi-24s that were acquired at the time. As for the utility helicopters, ten S-70 Black Hawk helicopters were later obtained from the Americans. These helicopters have always been the main force for flying over high-altitude areas and have also been the subject of surveying and imitation.

Qin Liang strode towards the workshop, and then saw that there were indeed two types of helicopters inside.

The attack helicopter has a narrow fuselage, which significantly reduces its frontal projection area. The cockpit, which is low in the front and high in the rear, is similar in shape to the Apache. The five rotor blades on top represent the characteristics of the Mi-24's power system.

Next to it is a general-purpose helicopter.

The fuselage is almost identical to the Black Hawk, with a flat and wide fuselage to provide ample internal space. It also has five rotor blades, indicating that the two have the same power system.

"Originally, the task assigned to us was to develop an attack helicopter first. However, we found that if we had the technology for attack helicopters, then developing utility helicopters would be even easier. So we just went ahead and developed the utility helicopters as well. After all, there are only ten Black Hawks on the plateau, which is simply not enough."

Zhou Xu explained from the side: "The two have the same power system, both using the TV3-117 engine copied from the Mi-24, with an output of 2200 horsepower, which is more powerful than the Black Hawk. After the airframe was reduced in size, the weight was lowered, so the maneuverability was also improved, and there was no problem going up to the plateau..."

In terms of engines, the East has always been lacking. American engine technology is too advanced, making it very difficult for them to imitate. Russian engines, on the other hand, are much simpler. Apart from having a shorter lifespan and higher fuel consumption, they don't have many flaws.

Using our own materials ensures a long service life; fuel efficiency can only be improved with future technological advancements. "The gearbox also uses the Mi-24 design, with external armor protection. The top rotor band is also from the Mi-24, but the rotor blades are made with carbon fiber materials from Northwestern Polytechnical University, making them lighter and more durable than the original..."

Now that the power system has been introduced, let's move on to the weapon system.

"We believe that an armed helicopter must have advanced sighting and targeting equipment; an infrared system alone is not enough. Therefore, we have added a millimeter-wave radar to the nose of the helicopter."

At the nose of the aircraft, there is a flattened sphere—that's the high-tech millimeter-wave radar! Its search range isn't particularly long, but its penetration power is excellent; it can detect enemies hiding behind bushes!
"At the same time, millimeter-wave radar can also guide anti-tank missiles, achieving the 'A-to-B' method you mentioned. Hmm, Comrade Qin Liang, you seem a little dissatisfied?"

Seeing Qin Liang frown, Zhou Xu felt a surge of tension. What was wrong with Qin Liang? Had he noticed something amiss?
"Oh, it's nothing. Our attack helicopter is already quite good. I just think it might be even better if we mounted the radar on top of the rotor blades?"

Later, when the Apache evolved into the AH-64D, also known as the Longbow Apache, a large pumpkin-shaped device was added to the top of the rotor, which housed the millimeter-wave airborne radar.

This is the highest point of the entire helicopter. The helicopter fuselage does not need to be exposed, and even the rotor does not need to be exposed. As long as this radar is exposed, it can search for targets. This way, it can both conceal itself and better strike the enemy.

Americans have assessed that the Longbow Apache's combat effectiveness is four times that of other ordinary Apaches!
The Z-19 attack helicopter from the East also has this design, but... it's rarely seen on other helicopters.

The Russian Mi-28 also has its airborne radar installed in the nose.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment, while Zhou Xu felt relieved. He had originally thought that Qin Liang was dissatisfied with the aircraft's appearance, since Qin Liang had previously proposed the design concept of a stealth helicopter, and the helicopter in front of him had nothing to do with stealth.

“Comrade Qin Liang, you went to China Southern Airlines for a lecture last time, and you know how complex the mechanism on this rotor is. To add another radar on top of the rotor... that’s a technical challenge that’s extraordinary,” Zhou Xu said.

"Teacher, it's not particularly difficult to penetrate the propeller ring. Just make the inside of the propeller ring hollow, and the drive shaft below is also hollow. That way, the radar equipment can be installed. The reducer below also needs some design work, leaving a hollow channel. After passing through the reducer, various cables can be connected..."

Cao Lijuan spoke up!

We resolutely uphold all decisions made by Comrade Qin Liang, and we unswervingly follow all instructions given by Comrade Qin Liang!

"Xiao Cao, it's theoretically feasible, but in practice, it's extremely difficult. A helicopter's driveshaft needs to transmit 4,400 horsepower, and then make the shaft hollow..."

“We can look for more suitable materials!” Cao Lijuan said. “Comrade Qin Liang’s idea of ​​putting the radar on top of the rotor is excellent. As for the engineering problems, we can find a way to solve them. Since we are engaged in research and development, we should provide the army with the best weapons!”

"That's right, well said, Comrade Xiao Cao, your awareness is very good!" Old Lin nodded in satisfaction.

Cao Lijuan glanced at Qin Liang shyly. It wasn't that she was particularly enlightened, but rather that she wanted to fully support Comrade Qin Liang!
Zhou Xu's expression was complicated: "Yes, Xiao Cao is right, and Elder Lin's criticism is well done. My attitude..."

"Professor Zhou, you're not wrong either. After all, my design does have many engineering challenges. Northwestern Polytechnical University will fully support us in this regard and work together to solve these engineering problems. Rest assured, Northwestern Polytechnical University will always be your strong support."

We can't let Zhou Xu down. After all, he's a veteran expert in helicopters, and he led the team that did both of these projects.

"Okay, everyone, let me continue. Under each of these short wings on both sides, there are two pylons, and each pylon can carry a maximum load of 800 kilograms..."

The Mi-24 has three hardpoints on each side and wide stub wings. While these provide lift during level flight, they also obstruct airflow above the rotor, resulting in poor hovering ability. Now, our own equipment has taken this problem into account during its development. The stub wings have been shortened to reduce their impact on rotor airflow, but the payload capacity is by no means compromised!

Each one weighs 800 kilograms, and with four racks, it can carry about three tons of ammunition!

Of course, this is just an extreme case; in reality, the payload will not be this much, otherwise it would affect maneuverability.

"Our recommended mounting configuration is to use external pylons to carry anti-tank missiles, four on each pylon, so two pylons can carry eight. The internal pylons can carry 57mm or 90mm rocket launchers..."

This firepower is absolutely formidable! Keep in mind that the Z-9 modified into an attack Z-9 can only carry four anti-tank missiles! The firepower of this one is equivalent to four Z-9 attack Z-9s!
"Excellent, excellent!" Old Lin nodded repeatedly: "Once we reach the southern battlefield, a single strike on those monkey-controlled hilltops will send them to their doom!"

Clearly, Mr. Lin had also considered the uses of this helicopter.

A large-scale operation against the monkeys in the south is being planned, and with the help of armed helicopters, it will be even more powerful.

As for the newly developed product, it still needs extensive testing...

Hehehe, the battlefield is the best testing ground for weapons!

Climbing into the cockpit, Qin Liang looked down and was full of praise for the cockpit layout, which was dominated by displays. "In terms of electronic technology, our technology is definitely number one!"
After observing the armed helicopter for a while, everyone finally turned their attention to the general-purpose helicopter standing to the side.

In fact, in terms of applications, general-purpose helicopters are definitely more versatile than attack helicopters!

Besides being used on plateaus, it can also be deployed on warships. It can be used for both military and civilian purposes. This ten-ton helicopter is the product that the East urgently needs right now!
"Mr. Lin, next, should we tow these two types of helicopters out for a few flights?"

"That's right, let's see what they're made of!"

Everyone came here to participate in the helicopter's maiden flight ceremony. After watching, it's time for the maiden flight!
Outside the production workshop, there was a helicopter landing platform. The armed helicopter was pulled out first, and two pilots walked briskly onto the aircraft. Judging from their confident appearance, they were obviously full of confidence in the helicopter.

"Mr. Lin, what number is the Air Force going to assign to this aircraft?"

"Liangzi, what do you think?"

"How about we call the attack helicopter the Z-10 and the general-purpose helicopter the Z-20?"

"it is good!"

With a roar, the Z-10 attack helicopter took off with ease, its rotors stirring up the airflow and making a whooshing sound. The turboshaft engine roared, a piercing sound that represented its powerful performance.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the helicopter, as if they could see it teaching a lesson to monkeys in the south.

Behind them, the Z-20 was also towed out. Watching it prepare for takeoff, a beautiful figure suddenly flashed into Qin Liang's mind. What if this Z-20 had a female helicopter pilot...

and many more!

Qin Liang suddenly opened his eyes wide.

With her short, ear-length hair and dashing appearance, is she really a female pilot walking over?

"Reporting, Air Force helicopter pilot Chen Zhiying."

"Han Shuqin".

"The test flight of the new utility helicopter is about to begin. Please provide instructions!"

"take off!"

"Yes!"

　PS: The large pumpkin-shaped radar on the top of the Z-19 attack helicopter is a millimeter-wave radar; only China and the United States possess this technology globally.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)