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

Chapter 381 Anxiang Plan
There was originally no aviation industry on the other side of the ditch. After all, the development of the aviation industry by mankind was a matter of the 20th century, and that side had been occupied by the short guys since 1895.

During their rule, the locals didn't need to think about the purpose of life or explore the development of human technology. They just needed to obediently follow the rules. Therefore, it was best not to go to school at all, because those who did go to school would have many ideas.

In 1939, the government established the Aviation Research Institute in Chengdu. In 1946, the Aviation Industry Bureau was established in Nanjing. In 1949, both units were moved to the other side of the river. Thus, the aviation industry in this area started from these two units.

In 1979, the two world powers finally established diplomatic relations. As a condition for establishing diplomatic relations, that damned Mutual Defense Treaty was officially terminated in January 1980. On the other hand, they were looking forward to upgrading their F-5 fighter jets, but they could not buy advanced fighter jets. They could not even buy F-16J79s or F-20s!

With all these restrictions, they were left with only one option: to develop their own technology!
In 1981, the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) named the new fighter jet FX. In 1982, the higher authorities issued a requirement that its performance reach that of the F-16 and that it use the J79 turbojet engine. As a result, the AECC officially established the Eagle Fighter Development Department, and the project was officially launched!
However, the most advanced aircraft they had ever designed was the AT-3 jet trainer with straight wings. Now, transitioning to the development of modern fighter jets is no easy task!

Aerospace Development Center.

Huang Xiaozong, the president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, personally presided over the work, and in front of him was a large group of people with worried faces.

Peng Yuanxi, the head of the Eagle Fighter R&D Department, spoke with a troubled expression.

"According to our initial design, this fighter jet should be comparable to the F-16. However, the first problem we are facing is the engine. Not to mention advanced engines like the F404, even the J79 engine is refused to be sold to us by the Americans. At present, the only option we can find is trainer aircraft engines, which are not subject to restrictions."

A fighter jet is using a trainer jet engine!

This leaves many people feeling helpless.

“Sure, if the thrust is insufficient, we can just use two more.” Huang Xiaozong naturally knew how difficult the whole plan was, and flexibility was even more important.

"Yes, that's what we were thinking too. After some searching, we actually found a suitable engine. Garrett, the company that originally designed small-thrust civilian turbofan engines, plans to enter the military field and get a share of the market from Pratt & Whitney and General Electric. They plan to add an afterburner to the TFE731 engine and modify it into an engine for fighter jets."

Emperor Huang Xiaozong nodded. It seems the problem is solved.
"Under this program, Garrett developed the TFE-1042 engine. The data we have so far shows that it has a maximum military thrust of 1930 kg and a maximum afterburning thrust of 3080 kg."

"So low?" Huang Xiaozong frowned.

Even if two engines are used, the maximum afterburner thrust would only be six tons, while the maximum takeoff weight of their light fighter jets is planned to be twelve tons. Wouldn't that mean the thrust-to-weight ratio of the entire aircraft is only 0.5? The data for bombers is even higher than that!

This is definitely not possible!
"so what?"

"We need to contact Garrett to increase the thrust of this engine, the maximum afterburner thrust, to at least four tons, so that it can basically meet our needs. This... needs to be reported to the higher authorities by the Chinese Academy of Sciences."

“No problem!” Huang Xiaozong nodded: “We will coordinate the modification together, so that we can also have a share of the intellectual property rights of the engine. We can even produce the engine ourselves. It’s worth spending some money for this.”

The engine problem is solved! However, Peng Yuanxi still showed no joy whatsoever.

"This means all our previous work has been for nothing, and we have to design it from scratch. It's very difficult for us. We originally only planned to copy the F-16's airframe, but now, changing from a single engine to a twin engine is almost a huge undertaking that requires starting from scratch..."

For them, designing an advanced third-generation fighter jet is virtually impossible!
"That's right, we can't rely on ourselves. We can ask the United States for help. Although the United States doesn't sell advanced fighter jets to us, they promised at the time that they could support our domestic aviation industry and find American companies to help us with the design, which could speed up our progress..."

Peng Yuanxi shook his head: "We've already looked for them. Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, Grumman, Lockheed, and other major aircraft companies all have cooperation with the East. To avoid displeasing the East, they're not interested in cooperating with us at all. The only one we can find is Northrop Grumman. However, this company currently only has experience in designing second-generation aircraft. If we ask them to design for us, at most it will be a modification of the F-5, and its performance will not meet our requirements at all!"

Thump thump thump... Just then, someone ran in.

"report!"

"Say!"

"American reconnaissance satellites flew over the test flight center in the east and suddenly spotted a brand new aircraft!"

Originally, the development and test flights of the J-9 were kept secret, but... when the higher authorities decided to publicly display the aircraft at the 1984 military parade, the level of secrecy dropped considerably.

Therefore, during the test flight, there were no longer any deliberate restrictions, and as a result, the aircraft came into the view of the reconnaissance satellite.

"Another new plane?"

Everyone was startled. When they took the photo and looked at it, their eyes widened.

This design is completely different from any other fighter jet known in the world!
Behind it is a large delta wing, and in front it is a canard. Moreover, in this satellite photo, the deflection angles of the two canards are different, which means that it is not only a movable canard, but also a differential canard!

The maneuverability of this fighter jet will definitely be excellent!
"The JF-17 Thunder fighter jets currently available for export in the East already have maneuverability comparable to the F-16. This domestically produced version will certainly have even better maneuverability than the F-16. We..."

There's simply no way to catch up!

"The aviation technology in the East has developed rapidly in recent years!"

"That's right, it's because Northwestern Polytechnical University is so outstanding! If only we had Northwestern Polytechnical University's design capabilities, we'd be miles ahead of Northrop Corporation!"

Everyone's expression was grim.

When we were developing aviation technology, it was a blank slate over there. Now, it has actually developed to a world-leading level, better than many established American companies. And what about us? It seems we are still standing still!

This is just... comparing yourself to others is infuriating!
"If only Northwestern Polytechnical University could help with the design..."

I don't know who said that, but afterwards they wanted to slap themselves.

What are you thinking!

Ask Northwestern Polytechnical University for help with the design? Absolutely not! That would be so embarrassing!

However... if Northwestern Polytechnical University can really help with the design, then absolutely. After all, Northwestern Polytechnical University's partners are all world-class and the latest products. For example, the Super Cruiser, which they collaborated on with Boeing, has increased cruising speed and reduced fuel consumption. It is definitely the most advanced passenger aircraft in the world and may even start a trend in global technology.

"It's not impossible to get help from Northwestern Polytechnical University in the design." Just then, a voice rang out from outside.

Everyone was stunned, and Xing Youguang, the chief engineer of the Eagle Soaring fighter jet research and development department, stared wide-eyed at the person who came in from outside.

Her own daughter, Xing Huizi! Because her mother is from the Waseda family, she also has an island name, Waseda Huizi.

This daughter grew up here, but last year she went to an island nation, and since then she's been acting very mysteriously...

"Huizi, this is a crucial meeting of the Anxiang Project, top secret. You are not qualified..."

“No, she does.” Huang Xiaozong said with a smile, “Everyone, let me introduce you. This is our Military Intelligence Bureau’s most outstanding espionage expert, code name 3451. Her mission is to make contact with Northwestern Polytechnical University.”

All the people present are trustworthy. The key is that the technical exchanges must be detailed, and Waseda Keiko's identity must be made known to everyone.

Moreover, she was Xing Youguang's daughter, making it easier for her to gain everyone's trust. "You..."

Xing Youguang's expression was complicated.

My daughter has been very smart since she was a child. From elementary school to university, she has always been at the top of her class. When she went to university, I originally wanted her to choose computer science, but she ended up going to Tamkang University's aerospace engineering department because she liked airplanes. After graduating, she went to Japan to pursue her master's degree.

The aviation industry in island nations is... exceptionally backward. Unfortunately, only island nations offer this major; other developed Western countries simply don't recruit people from their countries.

I originally thought my daughter was going to study, but I never expected that she would turn out to be a person engaged in secret intelligence work.
"The development of Northwestern Polytechnical University is inseparable from Qin Liang, as everyone knows. Qin Liang's father, Qin Baomin, has a long-lost older brother, Qin Baoguo, who is the CEO of Weiwang Soy Sauce here. Qin Baoguo has a son named Qin Ming, who also studies aerospace engineering and went to Japan for graduate studies. We..."

Everyone was stunned. The wife in the family loved to buy Wei Wang soy sauce the most. They never expected that there was this connection!

“This Chinese New Year, I went to the mainland with them and met Qin Baomin and Qin Liang. Qin Baoguo has always been thinking about investing in the mainland. It makes no sense to run a soy sauce business there. The mainland has no shortage of agricultural and light industrial products. So, I can suggest that he go directly to Qin Liang to discuss business.”

"what business?"

"A modern advanced trainer aircraft. Qin Ming and I both studied aerospace, so we can both join in. As for the client... my current status is still that of a native of the island nation. I can represent Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan to negotiate cooperation there. Of course, we will also need to cooperate on our side and make arrangements with the senior management at Mitsubishi to avoid any oversights when the Easterners are verifying the information."

Huang Xiaozong nodded: "Okay, leave it to us! The idea of ​​an advanced trainer aircraft is excellent!"

Currently, the world's fighter jets have entered an era dominated by third-generation aircraft. However, trainer aircraft are not keeping up with the pace. Therefore, most air forces, after having their pilots fly in subsonic trainer aircraft, directly switch to flying two-seat versions of third-generation fighter jets.

Not only is the distance large and dangerous, but it is also a waste.

If we develop a third-generation trainer aircraft, we can save valuable fighter jet funding. Because of the superior performance of third-generation trainers, many weaker countries can use them directly as their main force, carrying bombs for bombing and missiles for air combat, without any problems!
Once the aircraft design is in hand, with just a few simple modifications, such as changing a two-seat aircraft to a single-seat one, it becomes a mainstay fighter jet. Moreover, their fighter jets also require a two-seat version, so this doesn't need to be modified at all!
Xing Youguang's expression was complicated. His daughter had made such a huge sacrifice! She didn't like that man, yet she insisted on being with him. If she did like him, it would be even more troublesome. Once her true identity was revealed, his daughter would be even more heartbroken…

"Alright, everyone, hand over the design specifications to me, and I will definitely bring back an advanced aircraft design!"

“Okay, our maximum overload is 8G… no, since it’s designed by Northwestern Polytechnical University, we can definitely upgrade it to 9G!”

"The maximum speed is Mach 1.8. Northwestern Polytechnical University is designing it. Can they increase it to Mach 2?"

"The aircraft's planned weight is twelve tons. Perhaps their design can reduce the weight and improve its external payload capacity?"

Xing Youguang's expression was complicated. He had asked Northwestern Polytechnical University for help with the design, so the original data could be improved! This… was absolutely ironic, and the entire operation carried a satirical undertone…

"By the way, is it possible to also get hold of the technical data for the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet?"

"No, absolutely not!" Xing Youguang suddenly exclaimed.

What we're talking about now can still be considered cooperation, but if we want to get information about the JF-17 fighter jet, then we'll have to steal it, and that would put my daughter at great risk!
Everyone else was taken aback: "Why?"

"Because...because the JF-17 is a single-engine fighter jet, while ours is twin-engine, so it's completely unnecessary. There's no need to waste energy on this; it wouldn't be good if it got involved in our business."

Huang Xiaozong glanced at him and snorted, "You probably don't know, but your daughter now has to obey our orders! Getting information on the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet is a good suggestion. If we ever get our hands on advanced Western medium-thrust engines in the future, we can directly use the data from that aircraft to build it..."

Wei Wang Soy Sauce is located in Zhongshan District, Taipei City. Soy sauce is its main business, but it has now diversified to include instant noodles, MSG, and other products.

Qin Baoguo was very excited when he returned from the mainland.

"My original plan was to open a Weiwang soy sauce shop in the dam area and help the local people get rich. I didn't expect that they would already be wealthy. Besides, the weather there is freezing cold, which is really not suitable for soy sauce fermentation. Our second choice is to go to Chang'an and open a related business there, but..."

"Dad!" Just then, a person walked in from outside, accompanied by a girl with a sweet smile.

"Dad, don't worry anymore, Huizi has an idea!"

"Huizi, what are your thoughts?"

“Liangzi and his classmates at Northwestern Polytechnical University are researching and developing aircraft, while Daming and I are studying aircraft manufacturing. Perfect timing! We can go to Northwestern Polytechnical University, find Liangzi, and collaborate on developing an aircraft together…”

Qin Baoguo's expression changed instantly.

His company started by making soy sauce, which falls under the category of agricultural product processing. Now, he's jumping straight into airplane manufacturing? Isn't that a joke? Are airplane manufacturing and soy sauce manufacturing the same thing? Besides, how much investment would that require? Even selling his entire WeiWang soy sauce business wouldn't be enough…

“If you have no problem, I’ll go to my father and ask Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to get involved as well. The funding will mainly come from them, and you can contribute whatever amount you want…”

"Your father works for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries?"

“Dad, I just found out myself. Waseda Keiko’s father is the president of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Aircraft Corporation. They used to work for Boeing, producing some passenger plane parts. They also wanted to transition to producing complete aircraft, but they didn’t have the opportunity. The United States… even suppressed them, preventing them from producing complete aircraft. So, knowing about our relationship, they wanted to take advantage of our proximity…”

Qin Baoguo took a deep breath.

"Building airplanes is not like making soy sauce. It involves a lot of political matters. Da Ming, you only focus on technology and don't understand how dirty politics can be. We were originally one family, but now we are separated by a ditch. We can only go to the mainland via Hong Kong recently. It was impossible before..."

"Dad, if it were a fighter jet, there would definitely be a lot of problems, but it's just a trainer aircraft, so there shouldn't be too many problems, right? Besides, this is a project of the island nation, not ours."

Qin Baoguo looked at his son and future daughter-in-law with a complicated expression. After a long while, he took a deep breath and said, "Okay!"

It's mainly for his son's sake. He doesn't want his son to work in a local aircraft research and development unit after graduation. He would prefer his son to develop his career in mainland China. However, his son's status... going to mainland China won't be easy. Having this project will allow him to get used to things first, which will be beneficial for the future.

Keiko Waseda breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that relying on Qin Ming's love for her, she could accomplish a lot. Once she got there, if she had the chance, she should indeed get the information on the JF-17 Thunder. Even if it meant being exposed, she should expose Qin Ming and hide herself in the background.

What Qin Liang does is none of my business. Perfect!

After arranging things at the local business, a week later, Qin Baoguo once again took his son and future daughter-in-law to Hong Kong, transiting through Chang'an. Upon receiving the news, Qin Baomin was very excited and personally went to the airport to welcome them.

"Big brother, this time you've come..."

"This trip is for investment. We'll talk about it when we get to your Datang company. I didn't know you were the head of the largest school-run factory alliance in the East!"

Qin Baomin smiled and said, "There's no need for us brothers to show off. Let's go to the Datang Company headquarters together. I'll call Liangzi over too!"

　PS: AT-3 trainer aircraft and IDF fighter jet.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)