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

Chapter 450 He put on a show as soon as he got off the plane.

Dulles International Airport is located 32 kilometers from Washington, D.C.

Ellis, a reporter for The Washington Post, carefully adjusted her camera, preparing to capture the passenger plane that was about to land, as announced over the loudspeaker.

Nearby, ABC photographer Comen leisurely whistled, watching Ellis's serious expression, and began to tease her with a smile.

"Ellis, are you nervous?"

"It's not nervousness, it's taking it seriously. After all... this is an inspection team from the East."

"So what if they're from the East? In recent years, the East has indeed performed brilliantly in certain areas, but... a country's strength isn't reflected in just a few aspects, but in comprehensive strength. We, the United States, are still the most powerful country in the world, while they from the East..."

Komon gave a mocking look: "They made their fortune by copying, and they'll only ever be able to imitate. If you don't believe me, just wait and see. Their passenger planes flying in from the East will definitely be imitations of our Boeing 707s."

Although Boeing has long denied the rumors, saying that the Y-10 is not a copy of the Boeing 707 and that the two are completely different, no one believes it!

In their eyes, the Y-10 was a knock-off of the Boeing 707!

"No, Comon, take passenger planes for example. The East is not weak. Their joint development of passenger planes with Boeing is an example. You know, Boeing never used to collaborate with others on development..."

"Yeah, I know about this. It's just that the Easterners brought out a model. Easterners, all they can do is use models to fool people. What advanced technology could they possibly have? It's mainly Boeing and MIT. Just wait and see. When the new plane is first unveiled to the public, Boeing will definitely be the first to do it... Fuck!"

Komon suddenly let out a vulgar American curse, looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with disbelief. What was that?
A uniquely designed passenger plane is flying in!
With a wide fuselage, two canards on either side of the nose, and a large delta wing at the rear, the fuselage has a fold line near the wing root, indicating that it is a double delta wing. It also has two vertical tails and two engines located at the rear. It looks like a large bomber!
If it weren't for the windows covering both sides of the fuselage, it would really lead people to make the wrong judgment.

what is this?
"The passenger plane from the East is here!" Ellis picked up his camera and pressed the shutter.

Click, click!
"My God, this world must be crazy! How could an Easterner possibly produce such an airplane!" Comon exclaimed as he adjusted his camera to record the plane landing.

At the airport, the American officials waiting to pick them up were also stunned.

Weinberger didn't come; someone of his rank would have to wait at the Pentagon. His deputy, Frank Calucci, stared wide-eyed at the sky.

"Can anyone tell me what that thing that's landing is, a UFO?"

“Mr. Calucci, if we’re not mistaken, that should be the Sonic Cruiser, a new generation of passenger aircraft jointly developed by Easterners and Boeing, with a cruising speed of up to Mach 0.98 and fuel consumption the same as existing passenger aircraft…” his secretary Lynn replied.

"Really? Are the Boeing people here too? Steiner, come here!"

At this moment, Steiner was completely stunned.

How could that be? How could an Easterner have such audacity!

The supersonic cruiser has only just completed all its type certification flight tests and hasn't even received its U.S. airworthiness certificate yet! Even Boeing didn't plan to bring the supersonic cruiser to the public so soon.

They planned to announce the first official model only after it was produced, but now, the East has beaten them to it!

Once a passenger plane is manufactured, it must first operate on land routes to accumulate a certain number of flight hours before it can undertake intercontinental flight missions.

Moreover, ordinary passengers will definitely be allowed to ride first. These are all important people who came this time. Aren't they afraid that something might happen to them?

As a special-purpose aircraft, it doesn't need an airworthiness certificate to fly into US airspace, now...

It's over, it's all over. This guy from the East has really pulled off a stunt!
"Stinener, come quick, that plane..."

Steiner was nudged by someone next to him and hurried over.

"Mr. Calucci, that aircraft is the Sonic Cruiser that the East and we are cooperating on with!"

"So Boeing hasn't produced it yet?"

"Of course not, we're just keeping a low profile."

At this time, the reporters also received the news, and they were all extremely shocked.

An Easterner flew in a brand new passenger plane!

In this era, only the Concorde could fly at supersonic speeds, but its enormous noise and high cost meant it only had one customer!

This new Eastern passenger plane can increase flight speed by more than 10% compared to existing aircraft, while maintaining the same fuel consumption! This plane is sure to become a new favorite among airlines!
Click, click!
Ellis kept pressing the shutter, capturing one wonderful moment after another, while not forgetting to tease Comon.

"Komon, what do you think? Isn't Eastern aviation technology developing rapidly? Or is it just a copycat?"

"Of course, it's a collaboration with Boeing, and it uses Boeing's technology!"

Komon would certainly not admit it, while the beautiful female reporter Eva next to him was already holding a microphone, eager to go up and conduct an interview. This passenger plane would definitely be the most dazzling presence on tonight's news program!

Amidst everyone's attention, the passenger plane landed slowly and smoothly, its massive four-wheeled main landing gear looking quite robust.

"Stinener, since the passenger plane was jointly developed, how much of our technology was used?" Frank-Kalucci continued to ask.

"Well..."

"Can't they manufacture the engines themselves?"

"That's right, they can't produce them, but... Rolls-Royce has a factory in the East, and the engines currently in use are the RB211 series engines produced by Rolls-Royce's factory in the East."

what?
Many people present were stunned. How come we didn't know?
"Hmph, even if they produced the RB211, it would only be a matter of importing technology. They still lack the ability to develop their own engines. Aircraft engines are not something a backward agricultural country can handle!"

"They are currently jointly developing a second 10-ton-class engine, which they plan to use to upgrade their previous Y-10 passenger aircraft..."

"What? Rolls-Royce has really fallen to this level? Not only are they setting up factories in the East, but they're also going to do joint research and development?"

"Yes, the British have been living a very frustrating life these past few years. They'll do anything to make more money..."

"What about avionics? Electronics..."

"Eastern electronic technology is very advanced. This aircraft already uses a glass cockpit, a two-person pilot system, and even takeoff and landing can be automated with very little human intervention. Of course, there are also some parts made in the United States."

Frank Calucci finally relaxed: "What parts did we manufacture?"

"For example, power outlets that conform to our US standards..."

Holy crap! Frank Calucci almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Can people from the East really produce landing gear for such large passenger planes?" he began to ask rhetorically.

"Yes, they use advanced CNC machining technology, which achieves high precision. As for the steel... they also have steel similar to A100..."

Just now, he was thinking that this passenger plane, which was jointly developed with Boeing, might be subject to sanctions by the United States. Now... sanctions my ass!

People from the East can produce these things! Moreover, in this era, is sanctioning people from the East an attempt to push them into the arms of the Soviet Union?

Just then, the passenger plane landed smoothly and taxied onto the apron. The boarding stairs moved over to welcome the passengers.

For regular passengers, the car will drive directly to the terminal, connect with the terminal, and then they can enter the building, go through customs and other procedures before disembarking.

However, this time it's a chartered plane, and it's led by Old Zhang, so naturally none of that is needed. In addition, a grand reception ceremony must be organized!

The gangway was covered with red carpet.

The cabin door opened, and Old Zhang appeared in the doorway, frowning.

There's something wrong with the following ceremony!
Where's the military band? Why aren't they playing?
When Frank Calucci saw Old Zhang standing at the door, he finally realized what was happening.

"Military band, play your music quickly!"

It wasn't intentional on their part; they were simply amazed by the plane!

Following behind Zhang, Qin also came down.

Old Lin was third, and he looked at Qin Liang.

"Liangzi, shall we go down together?" "No, no, I'll go last."

"With your status, you can come down with me."

"No, Mr. Lin, I can finally tell those reporters about our passenger plane."

Old Lin understood, and that's why he didn't insist on taking Qin Liang down with him.

The Americans had already come up next to the gangway.

Seeing Mr. Zhang come down, Frank-Calucci went up to him and warmly extended his hand.

"General Zhang, welcome to the United States. Ever since Mr. Weinberg visited the East last year, he has been saying that he wants to invite you to come and see our American defense system. We have finally waited for you."

"We are honored," Old Zhang said with a smile.

Next, the team was introduced, followed by an inspection of the honor guard waiting at the airport.

Americans, even their military posture is crooked!
Reporters were not allowed to get close, so... they continued to gather around the plane, looking back and forth.

You can't get close to the plane, let alone touch it, in case someone tampers with it...

So they could only wait nearby. When they saw a young man come down, they didn't pay much attention at first, but Ellis was the first to recognize him.

"Qin Liang from Northwestern Polytechnical University!"

A crowd gathered around.

"Mr. Qin, your arrival with the military suggests that Northwestern Polytechnical University has a good relationship with the military."

"Mr. Qin, I heard that Northwestern Polytechnical University is currently upgrading fighter jets for Europeans. Is that true?"

"Mr. Qin..."

"Dear reporters, please don't be impatient. Since you've surrounded me, I'll answer every question! Let me start with the first one: I came here with the military simply because of the passenger plane behind me!"

Eva had already squeezed in, holding a microphone and pointing it at Qin Liang.

"Mr. Qin, this is Ava, a reporter from ABC. May I ask if your aircraft is a Super Cruiser jointly developed with Boeing?"

"That's right, but in the East, it has been decided to rename it. The previous Y-10 was called C919, and the one next to me is called C929."

Qin Liang didn't have time to answer other questions; he just wanted to steer the conversation toward the passenger plane.

"A few years ago, Boeing executives visited our Dongfang. Faced with competition from Airbus, they were somewhat at a loss. So, our Dongfang proposed the idea of ​​building a high-subsonic passenger aircraft and even put forward a design scheme for the aircraft's shape..."

Komon, carrying a camera, was speechless: "You guys came up with this?"

"Yes, we brought it up. If you don't believe us, you can ask Boeing! Did Mr. Steiner come? He can testify. Besides, we recorded the entire conversation."

Not far away, Steiner, who was accompanying the government leaders, suddenly shuddered.

I should have known better than to come!

The reporters who couldn't squeeze in rushed towards Steiner.

"Mr. Steiner, was the Sonic Cruiser project proposed by Northwestern Polytechnical University?"

"Mr. Steiner, was the design of the aircraft proposed by people from the East?"

"Well... this is right."

People from the East have said that the entire conversation was recorded on video. Can he deny that?

The project was proposed by people from the East, and the exterior design was also by people from the East. Therefore, the Super Cruiser passenger plane is an original creation of the East! Boeing is the one that came later!
The scene erupted in uproar.

Boeing, the number one passenger aircraft giant in the United States and the world, has a new passenger aircraft that was actually developed with the help of people from the East.

"However, the entire investment in the aircraft comes from Boeing. We at Boeing saw the broad prospects of this aircraft, which is why we decided to invest in its research and development. We at Boeing have also put in a lot of effort in the research and development process."

Steiner is really trying to glorify Boeing!

Qin Liang echoed, "That's right, we also owe a lot to Boeing's funding. At that time, Northwestern Polytechnical University didn't have enough funds to start a new R&D project. Even if we included the Shanghai Aircraft Factory, it wouldn't be enough. Of course, we didn't waste the precious R&D funds. By using computer-aided design, we greatly accelerated the aircraft's development. Mr. Steiner, am I right?"

The two began a conversation across the distance, and Steiner's expression grew increasingly grim.

What do you mean?
In the reporter's eyes, Boeing is just a provider of funds, while the East is responsible for research and development.

"Well, well..."

"Of course, Boeing's engineers also helped us a lot. For example, we were not very familiar with American standards. With Boeing's help, our C919 passenger plane was able to be designed according to American standards, which made it easier to obtain American airworthiness certificates. Mr. Steiner, am I right?"

"Well... that's for sure. Our Boeing engineers have also played a huge role. We're also producing the same aircraft in our Boeing factories. We've already named this aircraft the Boeing 7E7..."

Boeing's schedule has been completely disrupted, and now they have to release it ahead of schedule.

"7E7? Does the 'E' mean 'E-enabled'?"

"That's understandable."

"Ladies and gentlemen, our aircraft incorporates a large number of electronic systems to enhance the ease of aircraft handling and passenger comfort. In the most critical navigation system, in addition to magnetic navigation and inertial navigation, we have also added BeiDou navigation!"

The power of discourse has once again shifted back to Qin Liang, and Steiner is completely being led by the nose!

The reporters were excited.

"BeiDou Navigation, is that a satellite navigation system?"

"That's right, it's a satellite navigation system! Our Eastern BeiDou system has already built a global network. Whether it's a car, an airplane, or a ship, they can all use our navigation system to find their exact location. The Sakhalin Island air disaster will no longer happen due to navigation errors! Mr. Frank-Kalucci, what do you say?"

What is Steiner compared to Qin Liang? He needs US government officials to endorse the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System!

At this moment, the shouting between Qin Liang and Steiner had already attracted everyone's attention. Frank Calucci, who was originally a spectator, was suddenly pulled into the fray!
He looked embarrassed.

"This……"

"Could it be that the Sakhalin Island plane crash wasn't caused by a navigation error?"

“Of course!” Frank-Kalucci nodded quickly: “That’s right, passenger planes need satellite navigation systems. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System… is a project that benefits all mankind. At the same time, the United States is also developing a global satellite navigation system. Once this system is networked, it can also be opened to civilian use…”

The Americans certainly wouldn't recommend BeiDou from the East, since satellite navigation is a project of great significance, and they want to play the monopoly game!

Now, the Eastern people have successfully completed their network, while the GPS project is still progressing slowly, so... for now, we can only let BeiDou dominate for a few more days while we wait for GPS to complete its network...

"Mr. Frank-Kalucci, can your GPS satellites transmit short messages? If not, I personally suggest adding it, as this function is quite important for users..."

What?
Kalucchi almost coughed up blood.

Your BeiDou navigation system is clearly based on immature technology, and you also wanted to save money, so you developed a two-satellite navigation system. Because two satellites cannot directly position each other, users need to upload data, which means you need the short message function.

And what about our GPS in the US? We use a multi-satellite navigation and positioning system, which doesn't require data transmission at all. Why would we need short message service?

"In this way, users will no longer need to look for roadside phone booths. In case of an emergency, they can send messages through the terminal's short message function, whether on a vast intercontinental highway, on the boundless sea, or even in the sky... These functions are very important. Fellow journalists, don't you agree?"

The reporters at the scene nodded in agreement.

Yes, they need it!
This way, if there are any trending news items, we can report them directly back!
In 1983, Motorola's first mobile phone was finally released to the market. Now, even in the United States, only major cities have started to build mobile phone networks. For most people, if they want to communicate, they still have to find a roadside phone booth.

BeiDou navigation solved one of their important needs!
It was clearly a useless thing, but Qin Liang made it sound indispensable! Frank-Calucci forced a smile, while in his heart he was cursing Qin Liang's ancestors for eight generations!

The China Eastern Airlines plane is famous, and so is the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System! Qin Liang arrived in the United States and made a dazzling appearance as soon as he got off the plane!
(End of this chapter)