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

Chapter 405 The Iran-Iraq War Intensifies

Back in his office, Apuija Singh was still drooling over the fighter jet design blueprints in front of him. This aircraft looked very modern and could certainly become India's hope for dominating South Asia!

What are the Super-7, the JF-17, and the twin-engine Q-6? None of them can compare to our aircraft!
Moreover, through the development of this aircraft, India will gain the design capability of third-generation fighter jets. In the future, India can develop fourth-generation and fifth-generation fighter jets on its own. This is a sign of India's independent defense industry!

dong dong!

There was a knock on the door outside.

"Come in!"

"Report! Mr. Patrick from Dassault Systèmes has arrived!"

"What? What's he doing here? If it's about the final payment for the Mirage 4000 fighter jet, then just say I'm not here!"

Last time, the French delivered the first batch of Mirage 4000 fighter jets, and the Indians excitedly flew these planes to carry out surprise attacks, but... not a single one returned!

This gave the Indians a great sense of frustration. In their eyes, it was entirely due to the poor performance of the fighter jets. Therefore, the Indians lost interest in the subsequent Mirage 4000 fighter jets.

The French were quite proactive, delivering another eight aircraft, which covered the deposit. As for the subsequent planes…

The French were cunning; they stopped making the payments voluntarily and insisted that the Indians continue to pay. The Indians, however, were adamant that they would only pay the balance after all the planes were delivered. Thus, the matter was delayed indefinitely.

Now, the French are coming over every few days to urge the continuation of the deal. After all, these fighter jets are still being produced at their Dassault plant. If the Indians don't pay, the fighter jets they produce will have no customers!
"No, they said they came for our self-developed aircraft project."

“Is that so?” Apuyya Singh’s eyes darted around, then he nodded. “Okay, let him in.”

Patrick walked in with a smile: "General Singh, it's a pleasure to see you. We heard that your side is in talks with the Mikoyan Design Bureau about cooperation?"

Apuiya Singh frowned: "Who told you that?"

Such a top-secret matter, barely finalized, and already leaked to the French? It seems some of the meeting attendees have been bribed by the French. Who could it be?

This matter needs to be investigated. Just thinking about it gives one a chill.

"That's not important. What's important is that we've heard you've chosen a canard layout?"

Even this has been leaked?
"so what?"

"Excuse my bluntness, but if you are going to choose the canard layout, then the Mikoyan Design Bureau is not suitable."

"why?"

"The canard configuration was actually developed from the delta wing fighter jet. In this field, France is the expert, and other countries are not! The Mikoyan Design Bureau's advantage is in conventional aerodynamic layouts, and the fighter jet that France is currently developing is a canard configuration!"

Patrick said with a serious expression, "General Singh, you should know that canard configurations are very difficult to control. They require digital fly-by-wire flight control, and frankly, the Russians don't have that technology! Their electronic systems are very outdated! Even if we asked them for help, they might not have the right hardware within ten years, let alone write complex flight control software. We, on the other hand, have the technology ready-made!"

Apuija Singh's attitude also became serious.

It's a well-known fact worldwide that Russia's electronics technology is lagging behind! And today at the meeting, the Russians themselves said that this is the most difficult aspect!

"Currently, our research and development project is still top secret, but... India is our best friend, so we can give you a brief introduction to our Rafale fighter jet project!"

Different countries have different requirements for the secrecy of fighter jet development.

Like the Russians, we in the East emphasize secrecy during the research and development process. For a long time, the level of secrecy was the highest, and the outside world had no idea that such a project existed until the first flight, when it might be discovered by Western satellites.

The development of American fighter jets is not very secretive, since they have to go through a bidding process that will cause a great deal of noise. Except for a few top-secret projects, such as the F-117, the development of normal aircraft is open to the public.

As for the French... they were very vocal about it. Even when the aircraft was still on the drawing board, they were already promoting its advanced performance to the outside world. After all, France had a limited number of aircraft to purchase, and Dassault's fighter jets relied entirely on the foreign market to make money.

From the moment the project is initiated, they exaggerate the capabilities of this equipment.

In the mid-1970s, when the Mirage 2000 had just made its maiden flight, France was already considering the next generation of fighter jets. In particular, since the Mirage 2000 could not be deployed on aircraft carriers, the French Navy needed an advanced carrier-based aircraft.

Therefore, the development of the next generation of fighter jets was initiated. At this time, European fighter jets were also under development, and France, the troublemaker, resolutely decided to join in.

Then, the overall aircraft design had to be done by the French, the aircraft engines had to be French... The arrogant French demanded to lead the project.

The British couldn't stand it anymore; the most advanced engine was clearly from Rolls-Royce!

Because they didn't use the French engine, the French felt their self-esteem was greatly insulted, so they decided to leave the group again.

The real withdrawal from the group happened in 85, but the Rafale fighter jet project actually started preliminary research in 79 and officially started development in 1983. The prototype was named Advanced Experimental Fighter, or ACX.

The combined procurement quantity for the navy and air force is no more than four hundred aircraft, so Dassault had long set its sights on the overseas market.

Now that India actually wants to develop its own light fighter jet, of course we have to fool India a little!
"Our aircraft features a very advanced design. Starting from the nose, the two side air intakes are perfectly integrated with the fuselage, resulting in minimal air resistance..."

Previously, Dassault's Mirage fighters used side air intakes with intake cones. This Rafale, however, is a significantly redesigned model! Moving the air intakes to the sides is a popular trend of the time, but…

To reduce air resistance, the French designed the nose of the aircraft to be extremely small! Even smaller than the JF-17 and JF-17, which can at least accommodate a radar antenna with a diameter of 600-700 millimeters, while the radar antenna installed on the nose of the Rafale can only be about 500 millimeters!
This is also the biggest flaw of the Rafale, but in the eyes of the French, their own equipment is the best.

"Looking at the fuselage and wings, we use a blended wing-body design, which is very beautiful and imposing. Two engines are installed at the rear, providing unparalleled maneuverability. Our aircraft can easily enter the supersonic flight range without afterburner..."

The Gust has very low air resistance, and combined with its small airframe design, the engine thrust is indeed very strong, so supersonic cruise is not surprising.

"You can simply participate in our project directly. Of course, if needed, we can also design a smaller, single-engine fighter based on this aircraft... The performance of this aircraft will definitely be superior to that of the Mikoyan Design Bureau! For example, the engine can adopt advanced Western power systems with long service life and low fuel consumption..."

Apuija Singh is really tempted!

"Okay, let's assess it."

Now it was the Russians' turn to suffer a setback. They never dreamed that the French would snatch it away!

No matter what weapons India develops, it always hesitates and tries to have it all, taking shamelessness to the extreme.

Eastward, Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Another busy day!
When Qin Ming left the library, it was already past ten o'clock at night. When he returned to his residence, he originally wanted to go straight to sleep, but... his body smelled too strong, so he decided to take a shower.

As he opened the shampoo in the bathroom, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't bought it himself, but rather... it had been a gift from someone... Who could it be...?

Click!

A thunderbolt flashed through my mind.

Huizi!

It's been so long, and Huizi hasn't appeared again. It's as if she never existed in my life!
What's the situation?
If you truly love someone, how could you forget their existence? Qin Ming's feelings were somewhat complicated. It was obvious that he hadn't really... truly loved Huizi; he'd only felt it was time to have an heir. However... not contacting Huizi for so long wasn't good either.

So, after taking a shower, Qin Ming sat back down at his desk, spread out a sheet of paper, and began to write a letter.

My dearest Huizi, it's like meeting you in person...

the next day.

"Brother Liangzi, Da Ming has started writing letters to Huizi, this..."

Qin Liang took the letter, opened it, and glanced at it. It was still written in traditional Chinese characters, which was quite uncomfortable to read. However, he could roughly understand what it meant; it was just a simple greeting.

"Okay, then let's contact the relevant departments and have Huizi write a letter back to Brother Daming, saying that after returning home, she has followed the family's arrangements and married a man from another family."

"Wouldn't this be a bit inappropriate?"

"The fact that it took Da Ming so long for Hui Zi to remember her shows that Hui Zi wasn't that important to him at all," Qin Liang said. "Right now, Da Ming's favorite thing is still doing research! Don't worry, Da Ming won't be too sad. This separation is better than Da Ming finding out Hui Zi's true identity, right?"

If Qin Ming knew that Waseda Keiko was a spy, he would definitely feel guilty, which might even affect his future development. It would be better to break up peacefully and amicably now.

Yang Duo'er nodded: "Okay, your plan is indeed quite good. By the way, there are a few things to take care of outside right now..."

"Well, tell me."

"The first thing is that India wants to develop its own advanced fighter jet. They had already reached an agreement with the Russians, but Dassault Aviation intervened. Now, India has not made the down payment to the Russians as per the contract, so it is highly likely that they have wavered."

Qin Liang nodded: "It's best if they waver. If they keep wavering between left and right, their self-developed fighter jet will eventually become a joke."

Memories from the future allowed Qin Liang to know exactly what kind of fighter jet India had developed.

In 1983, India began developing its own LCA fighter jet in order to replace second-generation aircraft such as the MiG-21. After much effort, the first prototype finally took to the skies in 2001. Moreover, it used a pure tailless delta wing layout that had long been abandoned in the aviation industry!

As for its service entry, that was even more distant. After much back and forth until 2020, the Indian government requested the equipment, but the Air Force and Navy refused to accept it under any circumstances...

Now, India has been greatly stimulated and may accelerate the development of this fighter jet. If Mikoyan Design Bureau helps, they may be able to develop it ahead of schedule and replace it with Dassault... Hehehe, Dassault is definitely using this as a tactic. Once India falls into the trap, they will have to buy all the subsequent Mirage 4000s and the final payment cannot be delayed.

As for helping with research and development... Dassault Systèmes would never sincerely help develop a decent light aircraft. Wouldn't that create competition with Dassault Systèmes' existing projects?
After saying that, Qin Liang glanced at Yang Duo'er and said, "I really didn't expect that we could find out this kind of information."

Yang Duo'er smiled and said, "Our Pacific Trading Company's business has long been spread throughout Europe. It's normal for us to overhear some of our customers' casual conversations."

"Hmm, is there anything else?"

"The conflict between Iran and Iraq over ships is escalating. Currently, the United States is reportedly formulating operational plans, and may teach Lang Tuo a lesson in the next step."

In 1983, the war between Iran and Iraq entered its third year, with neither side gaining the upper hand, and the war thus became a protracted conflict.

Saddam Hussein couldn't sit still any longer and decided to bomb Langtu's oil tankers! As long as Langtu couldn't sell its oil, it would cut off Langtu's lifeline, paralyze its economy, and then Langtu would win.

The problem is, at this time, Lang Tuo's bones are at their hardest, so how could he possibly accept Shadak's intimidation?
Both sides are oil exporting countries. Judging from the map, launching a naval assault in the Gulf would seem to be most disadvantageous to Iran. However, Iran actually has oil pipelines that go north through Syria and directly to the Mediterranean Sea! Therefore, even if the Persian Gulf were blocked, Iran would not be afraid.

Langtu was upset because their oil was mainly transported through the Persian Gulf, and Yituo's actions were indeed very difficult for Langtu.

However... Langtuo also had a clever plan. Since they were going to blockade, they might as well blockade everything at once. Langtuo controlled the Strait of Hormuz, so by laying mines there, they could prevent any ships inside from getting out!
Although this might cause collateral damage, the countries along the Persian Gulf all support Iran. Even though they weren't at the forefront, they're providing financial support!

If we're feeling down, we're all feeling down together!
Now that they have advanced weapons, they are fighting with even greater intensity!

"Not long ago, Iran received four H-6 bombers. Although it was initially said that they would be used to bomb targets deep behind Langtuo, ... because they were afraid of being intercepted by Langtuo's fighters, they used these four bombers at sea instead. Iran also ordered one hundred C801 air-launched missiles, and recently, they have shot down ten oil tankers in Langtuo."

The H-6 bomber is absolutely king in the Persian Gulf. After all, this aircraft has a long enough range to fly on the western side of the Persian Gulf, avoiding the air defense fire of the Rangutan. It may even be escorted by fighter jets from countries such as Saudi Arabia along the way. It can launch missiles near the Strait of Hormuz and return home with ease!

Yang Duo'er continued her introduction.

"Langtuo is also in a hurry. Not only has it increased the frequency of laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, but it is also urging us to deliver the Q-5 fighter jets. After the fire control system of these jets is upgraded, they can also carry C801 missiles. At present, Langtuo's twin-engine Q-6 is mainly used to perform air defense interception missions, and it is expensive. So Langtuo will definitely use these Q-5 fighter jets to perform maritime attack missions next."

Qin Liang nodded.

OK!

I originally thought there would be a battle between the H-6 and Q-5 bombers, and whichever one was shot down would have a negative impact on its reputation.

Now, these planes are being used to attack oil tankers, and they're guaranteed to be successful!

"Yes, that's right, both of them made the right choice!"

Yang Duo'er frowned: "The right choice? Brother Liangzi, whose perspective are you taking this from?"

"Of course, it's from our Eastern perspective."

Currently, we in the East are still oil exporting countries, and the surge in crude oil prices is beneficial to us.

"Well, this is quite a large-scale operation, so Kotto couldn't handle it any longer and has already made a request to the United Nations. The United States is also preparing to officially send warships... At this rate, it looks like a major war is going to break out..."

Jingle Bell……

Just then, the phone rang.

"Hey, what? Minuseper is coming? Okay, got it!"

After hanging up the phone, Qin Liang smiled and said, "It seems that Lang Tuo is in a hurry. This time, we can use Lang Tuo to test the strength of the US Navy!"

Half an hour later, at Datang Company, in the reception room.

“Minuseper, my friend, I’ve contacted Factory 320. The Q-5 they’re producing for you is currently having brand-new turbofan engines installed. Once that’s done, it will be delivered to you. As promised, this Q-5 with the modified engines will have double the range! Its combat radius will definitely exceed 500 kilometers.”

The prototype Q-5 used the WP-6 turbojet engine, which was quite fuel-intensive. Theoretically, its maximum range was 1200 kilometers. However, this theoretical range is not worth mentioning. In actual use, its combat radius was only about 300 kilometers, making it a frontline fighter.

Now that turbofan engines have been replaced, fuel consumption has been greatly reduced, and the maximum range has reached more than 2,000 kilometers. In actual combat, even if it flies at extremely low altitudes throughout the attack, it can still have a range of 500 kilometers.

This is more than enough for the use of the camels. After all, their coastline covers the entire Persian Gulf. As long as they can fly to the other side of the Persian Gulf and then fly back, they can do it!

"Yes, we are satisfied with this metric, but... the threat we face is not some oil tankers, but the approaching US warships. We hope this aircraft can pose a threat to US carrier strike groups!"

Using a Q-5 bomber to destroy an aircraft carrier?
　PS: The oil tanker burning after being bombed.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)