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

Chapter 378 It's time to develop a flying wing bomber!
Mr. Lin, I've laid the groundwork for you for so long, and it turns out you didn't listen at all. It went in one ear and out the other?
Qin Liang was helpless, but he still had to continue explaining.

"That's natural. Of course, the shape needs to be modified. Mr. Lin, are you familiar with the flying wing design?"

"Of course I know. You mentioned it when you came to my house to pay your respects during the Spring Festival two years ago, when we were drinking together."

Do you remember? Qin Liang was even more confused. So he was just pretending to be confused with me?
"However, you didn't mention that this flying wing design could be used for stealth."

Okay, so that's the problem!

"Of course it can be stealthy. The flying wing design, with its smooth transition between the fuselage and wings, is naturally suited to reducing radar cross-section. Of course, the precise shape still requires a lot of calculations on computers. Right now, our Northwestern Polytechnical University's supercomputer can complete the design of this level of aircraft. Although it takes several months of calculations, it's not a big deal for us..."

Whether the stealth shape is smooth depends on whether the computer's computing performance is up to standard!

In the early days, the F-117 could only be divided into several facets due to insufficient computer processing power. Although Lockheed called it diamond division, it was actually just a matter of insufficient technology.

Once you reach B-2, the transition will be smooth; the computing power of computers has a far-reaching impact!
Old Lin nodded: "Yes, that's fine!"

"At the same time, the flying wing configuration, with its wide wings, provides better aerodynamic performance and flight stability, while also allowing for a large fuel capacity, which increases range..."

Qin Liang rattled off a long list of benefits, and Old Lin nodded repeatedly, showering him with praise.

"As for the control surfaces at the tail, it depends on our technical capabilities. If our technology is up to par, we can remove the vertical stabilizer, which would also provide excellent lateral stealth. If our technology is not up to par, we can install two outward-canted vertical stabilizers..."

"You can do without the tail section? How do you turn?" Old Lin was shocked again.

"Of course, it's done using the horizontal control surfaces at the tail. These control surfaces are divided into upper and lower sections. When they deflect together in the same direction, they form a horizontal stabilizer. When they deflect in the opposite direction, they function as a vertical stabilizer..."

This is the B2 design. Qin Liang didn't know about the H-20 because it was very mysterious. However, in later generations, the J-36 was able to get rid of its vertical tail and used this kind of split drag rudder technology, which shows that our technology in this area has matured.

It's only 82 now, so it's hard to say.

Old Lin's eyes widened. Everything Qin Liang said was completely new to him!

Such an aircraft appearing in our own equipment inventory...

"This is something only alien technology could achieve!" Old Lin exclaimed with admiration.

"Of course, the technology at Northwestern Polytechnical University sometimes makes us feel like it's from outer space," Qin Liang said with a smile.

Knock knock! There was a knock on the door.

"Come in! Old Cheng?"

Mr. Ma was the chief designer of the Y-10, and Mr. Cheng was the deputy chief designer. He was involved in the entire process of designing the brand-new passenger aircraft.

"Well, Liangzi, good news. The British have signed a formal contract with us, but... they've proposed that the engine plant be located in Shanghai."

Shanghai, an international metropolis, is the first city that comes to mind for foreigners when they think of the East, not the capital. After all, as early as the late Qing Dynasty, Shanghai's doors were forced open by the guns of foreign powers. During the Republic of China era, Shanghai was even more prosperous and bustling. As the only financial center in the East and even Asia, it ranks among the top in the world.

Now, the British are demanding to build an engine plant in Shanghai, which is simply because they want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city, and that's understandable.

Qin Liang nodded: "Okay, agree to their request."

"Okay, then I'll go reply to them!"

This marks a new journey for China Eastern Airlines! The news sent excitement through the entire city of Shanghai and the entire Eastern region!

Self-developed products are important, but importing them is also important. In particular, importing world-class products is something that has never happened before!
Shanghai, Changzheng Machinery Factory.

"Great! Our factory finally has a new project!"

"Yes, the WS-8 turbofan engine we produced was originally designed to be used with the Y-10 transport aircraft. But unexpectedly, the Y-10 uses the Spey engine, leaving our WS-8 engine useless! Our factory was worried about what to do, but now, we have a cooperative project with Rolls-Royce, so we've been saved!"

In the early 1970s, the Y-10 development project was launched, and the corresponding engine was also needed. So, Shanghai, which had never had experience in aircraft engine production, decided to cooperate with Chengdu Engine Factory to reverse engineer the JT3D engine used on the Boeing 707. It was initially codenamed 915 and later named WS-8.

Shanghai has put in a tremendous amount of effort to develop this engine!
Although Shanghai does not have an aircraft engine factory, it does have an auto parts factory. So, Shanghai No. 1 Auto Parts Factory began to expand, eventually forming a large factory covering an area of ​​151.59 acres and a building area of ​​40,300 square meters. This new factory was later separated and named Shanghai Changzheng Machinery Factory.

At the same time, nearly a hundred engineers were transferred from other industries in China to take charge of the work here.

It can be said that this factory was built to support the Y-10 transport aircraft. Unfortunately, in 1980, the WS-8 project saw no future, and the factory's next expansion project was forced to stop. The workers in the factory also had bleak prospects.

Now, reforms are ongoing, and a factory without projects will be eliminated sooner or later!
Everyone was in high spirits, but then an untimely voice rang out: "Gentlemen, we have no connection with Northwestern Polytechnical University. Back then, it was Northwestern Polytechnical University that snatched the engine for the Y-10 transport aircraft. Now, do you think they'll put this production task in our factory?"

Like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's heads, everyone looked at the speaker: Jiang Yan, the head of the publicity department. She was a short, plump middle-aged woman, and her eyes were full of contempt. What are you dreaming about? Wake up!

Knowing that this was the woman's attitude, no one looked at her for long; looking at her too much would be disgusting. So, they all looked at the person in the main seat.

Factory director Zhang Longgen was the one who took the initiative to petition his superiors back when the No. 1 Auto Parts Factory was still in operation, and ultimately, the factory's production was located here. Now, the factory's hopes are still pinned on him.

Zhang Longgen took a deep breath: "I'm going to find Lao Ma right now. We were brothers in arms before, and now that things are like this, they have to lend us a hand!"

He looked down and said, "Director Niu, Section Chief Jiang, you're coming with me!"

Niu Guoqiang, the deputy factory director in charge of technology, brought it to express his determination. What about Jiang Yan?

"Director Zhang, what role can I play?"

"You raised this problem, so of course we should work together to solve it!"

Shanghai Aircraft Factory.

"Old Ma, back when we were developing the Y-10, the entire industrial system of Shanghai was contributing its efforts. Our Changzheng Machinery Factory was a major force among them. The WS-8 turbofan engine we produced was already tested on a Boeing 707 for twenty hours. The pilots were very satisfied with the engine, and later the Y-10 was mass-produced..."

At this point, Zhang Longgen paused for a moment: "Later, our Shanghai Aircraft Factory abandoned us, and we were very sad! We all ate from the same pot and shared the same chamber pot... Let's not talk about those things. Now, we're going to cooperate with Rolls-Royce. How about we put this project in our Changzheng Machinery Factory? If our factory doesn't have any projects, it will soon go under!"

Old Ma's feelings were complicated. He recalled their experience developing the Y-10 together. The Changzheng Machinery Plant had played a significant role, but... he dared not use the WS-8 turbofan engine. The first few prototypes used the JT3D engine, a backup for civil aviation. As for now...

"Old Zhang, it's not that we don't want to help, but it has nothing to do with our Shanghai Aircraft Factory! The technology was provided by Rolls-Royce, and the funding came from Northwestern Polytechnical University. I have no say in this matter. If you want to... why don't you go find Comrade Qin Liang?"

"Yes, of course we need to find Comrade Qin Liang. Old Ma, can you take us with you?"

Old Ma nodded: "Okay!"

guest House.

Qin Liang, who was packing his luggage to return to Northwestern Polytechnical University, heard a knock on the door. When he opened it, a large group of people rushed in.

"Comrade Qin Liang, hello! We are from Changzheng Machinery Factory!"

"Comrade Qin Liang, what's wrong with you...?"

"I have to catch a flight, you guys... let's go, we'll talk in the car." On the way to the Shanghai Aircraft Factory, Old Ma explained the situation, and several people from Changzheng Machinery Factory also expressed their opinions.

"Comrade Qin Liang, rest assured, our Changzheng Machinery Plant can manufacture the WS-8 turbofan engine. There are no technical problems whatsoever! After introducing Rolls-Royce's technology, we will be able to master it within three years!"

"Comrade Qin Liang, our Changzheng Machinery Factory is united in purpose and eagerly awaiting the new project. We will absolutely not let the country down! We are all of one mind and one purpose..."

"How many employees does Changzheng Machinery Factory have now?" Qin Liang asked, frowning.

"Comrade Qin Liang, our factory currently has more than 5,000 employees and has formed a first-class team for the design and manufacture of civil aircraft engines..."

"So, how many workers are engaged in front-line production?"

"There were more than two thousand people. Back then, we had already established a production capacity of ten WS-8 turbofan engines per year..."

Qin Liang's brows immediately furrowed.

Your factory has more than 5,000 employees, but only more than 2,000 are on the front line, and the annual production of turbofan engines is only ten units!

How many of these people are just freeloaders?
If the Changzheng Machinery Factory is usable, it would save on subsequent construction costs, allowing production to begin immediately. Qin Liang is willing to do so, but... he doesn't want a bunch of burdens. If there are more people not working than those who are, even the most profitable company will be dragged down.

"Comrade Qin Liang, the Changzheng Machinery Factory has had a tough journey. It was launched along with our Y-10 project, and now..."

Before Old Ma could finish speaking, he saw Qin Liang's gaze, and immediately lowered his head, too embarrassed to continue.

Inside the car, the atmosphere quieted down.

When he heard the roar of the passenger plane, Qin Liang sighed: "It's not impossible for Changzheng Machinery Factory to take on this project, but the number of employees must be reduced to less than 2,500, of which no less than 95% should be engaged in production on the front line."

“How could that be! So many of us older comrades did a lot of work when we were young. Now that we’re old, can’t we do some clerical work in the office? Everyone gets old…” Jiang Yan finally couldn’t hold back anymore.

“We at Northwestern Polytechnical University do not employ idle people. For our older colleagues, we can ask the Shanghai government for help in transferring them to other units. In short, if they can meet our requirements, we will use them. If not, we will build a new factory and recruit workers again. The proportion of our frontline employees will exceed 98%.”

As the car came to a stop, Qin Liang got out and said, "Everyone, times have changed. Any factory that can break free from the predicament of the old model will stand out in the market economy. Anyone who clings to old ideas will inevitably face bankruptcy!"

The plane took off, Qin Liang left, and the Shanghai Changzheng Machinery Factory was furious.

"Hmph, are they treating us like a burden and trying to get rid of us?"

"Hmph, let's go to the Shanghai government and file a complaint against Qin Liang. He's a bloodsucking capitalist!"

"That's right, we'll go find the leaders in Shanghai right now. Shanghai doesn't welcome these kinds of capitalists. They can open factories wherever they want, but they shouldn't cause trouble on Shanghai's turf!"

Some of the people who were destined to be transferred were dissatisfied.

As long as they cooperate with Rolls-Royce, the factory will definitely enter a golden age. At that time, they can continue to drink tea and read newspapers, and receive welfare benefits every day. If they are transferred, they will most likely still be in a powerless position. No way, they will have to stay and refuse to leave!

Some people started to think outside the box: they would go down to the workshop first to reserve a spot, and then try to transfer to the office later when the factory stabilized!

Jiang Yan was busy every day. Originally, she was doing ideological work, but after only a few minutes, she joined everyone in cursing Qin Liang, that bloodsucker.

If nothing unexpected happens, the publicity department will probably be laid off as well!
Northwestern Polytechnical University.

"Liangzi, you're finally back! You have no idea, things have gotten out of hand at the Changzheng Machinery Factory in Shanghai. People from the Shanghai government are coming to complain every day, and the leaders there are really worried about this..."

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Principal Luo, are you scared?"

"What am I afraid of! Liangzi, Northwestern Polytechnical University will always be your strong support! By the way, what are you planning to do over there?"

"It's nothing, just an experiment."

What?
Is this all the noise you're using for your experiments?

"There are two possible outcomes to the experiment. One is that the Changzheng Machinery Factory will be reborn and go on to achieve great success. The other is that the talented technicians in the Changzheng Machinery Factory will all be transferred away because they lack connections, leaving behind a group of people who are just going through the motions. In that case, we will set up a new engine factory and hire these talented technicians."

Principal Luo's expression was complicated. "You'd better have a backup plan, kid."

"Winter break is just around the corner. We'll select a group of teachers and students from the Aero Engine Department of Northwestern Polytechnical University to go to Changzheng Machinery Factory first. We'll organize an assessment to see what kind of people will remain. If they're good enough, they can stay in Shanghai and liaise with Rolls-Royce to arrange engine production as soon as possible. If not, then we'll treat it as a winter break internship project."

President Luo nodded: "Okay, no problem! Northwestern Polytechnical University does indeed need its own large-scale aero-engine manufacturing plant."

Northwestern Polytechnical University has more and more school-run factories, but none of them can actually produce large aero engines! In the past, they cooperated with other factories, with the other party providing the technology. Owning their own large factory brings many benefits!
"By the way, we also need to keep the selection of the factory manager under our control. Principal Luo, thank you for your hard work."

At Northwestern Polytechnical University, finding technical talent is not a problem; there are plenty of them. However, when it comes to finding management talent, there are really not many!
Hearing Qin Liang's words, Principal Luo's face was full of bitterness: "Alright, we'll do our best."

"By the way, I'm going back to the Fifth Department next. There's a new project that I need to get started as soon as possible. I reckon that around the Spring Festival, the Air Force will be eager to ask me to report on the work."

"What project?" Principal Luo asked curiously.

"Intercontinental bomber."

President Luo's eyes widened instantly: "Northwestern Polytechnical University fully supports this!"

Aero Engine Department Building, Class 7202.

"Alright, that concludes today's lesson. Students, the final exams are coming up soon. I hope you all achieve the results you desire..."

"Professor Liu, wait a minute!" The students below became nervous as they saw Professor Liu Songling about to leave after finishing his class.

"What's wrong? Is there something else?"

"Professor Liu, we heard that there's an internship during the winter break?"

"That's right, those are tasks for senior students. You... want to go too?"

"That's right!"

“Professor Liu, back in 2015, Class 5381 started working on projects as early as their sophomore year. We, Class 7202, are now juniors and have already completed most of our major courses. Moreover, many of us have already studied the later courses in advance. When we don’t have classes, we go to the classrooms of our seniors to audit their classes. So, we also want to participate in this project!”

"Alright, for this exam, in addition to the original content, you'll also need to complete the senior students' professional exam papers. As long as you score above 90, I'll go to the school to ask permission to take you there with me!"

"Hooray!" came a burst of excitement from the classroom.

"Teacher, scoring above 90 is an insult to us! We can score 95!"

"Perfect scores are our goal!"

Professor Liu's expression was complicated. Class 5381 had set a good example for the entire Northwestern Polytechnical University's learning atmosphere! Everyone had a competitive spirit. Not only were juniors learning senior-level material, but even sophomores were learning senior-level material. Everyone wanted to do as many projects as possible during their studies!
The two who just took the initiative to increase their efforts are Liu Yongquan and Wang Haifeng, who are both top students in the class. Their goal is to catch up with Qin Liang!

(End of this chapter)