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

Chapter 462 McDonnell Douglas leading the A-12? No, at most, he'll be doing odd jobs!

The meeting lasted a full day.

"Excellent! Northwestern Polytechnical University's technical strength is indeed the strongest. With our cooperation with Northwestern Polytechnical University, we are full of confidence in the success of the project!" Ben-Ritchie said excitedly, "Once the U.S. Air Force allocates funds, we will officially launch the research and development project!"

“We’ve already collaborated before, and we have complete confidence in Northwestern Polytechnical University’s technology. The spaceplane project can start now, and NASA has officially allocated us an advance payment!” Steiner said. “We look forward to the spaceplane taking to the skies as soon as possible, just like the Boeing 7E7!”

"Everyone, you have made the wisest choice! Northwestern Polytechnical University will also invest the best resources to complete these two projects as soon as possible!" Qin Liang puffed out his chest and made the promise.

We can't be entirely sure whether the Americans can pull off these two projects, but Northwestern Polytechnical University is certain that we can. Our aerospace technology will take another step forward!
Stepping out of the building and looking at the dark night sky, Qin Liang's heart was filled with light.

"Comrade Qin Liang, are you finally done with your work?"

Hearing the voice, Qin Liang turned his head curiously and saw a familiar person.

"Mr. Gu, what...what are you doing here?"

"I heard that Northwestern Polytechnical University has taken on quite a few tasks this time, and our Northern Institute is willing to help share some of the burden..."

you?

Qin Liang's expression was complicated: "What can you Northerners research?"

Hypersonic reconnaissance aircraft, or spaceplanes? You have absolutely no technological reserves in either! With your level of expertise... you're guaranteed to botch these projects!
"Comrade Qin Liang, I heard that we will help Lockheed Martin convert the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft into unmanned aircraft. Our Northern Institute has experience in this area, has analyzed the wreckage of the U-2 that was shot down back then, and has even considered the idea of ​​reverse engineering it..."

Qin Liang was unaware of this part of history; for a long time, China did not have dedicated reconnaissance aircraft.

In the 1960s, they reverse-engineered the US military's BQM-34 Firebee UAV and named it Changhong-1. However, its maximum speed was only 820 kilometers per hour and its service ceiling was 18,000 meters, so it did not have very strong performance.

After that... I never heard of any advanced models.

Then there's the J-8, a high-altitude, high-speed fighter jet that can temporarily serve as a reconnaissance aircraft. In fact, there's even a dedicated reconnaissance variant of the J-8. However, it's still far from being as advanced as the U-2.

"Professor Gu, your idea is... to conduct a comprehensive survey and replication of the U-2?"

Old Gu nodded.

"This won't work."

"why?"

"The U-2 is outdated. We need to absorb its technology and modify it based on it."

"Comrade Qin Liang, you just need to give us a hint about how to reform it, and we'll take care of the rest!" Old Gu puffed out his chest: "No matter what you say, we'll find a way to do it!"

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Old Gu, shall we go to the cafeteria and talk while we eat?"

The Americans are still inside, discussing the specific contract details, since the contract is with Datang Company. Qin Liang's father is also busy; he's only in charge of the technical aspects. Once the technical details are agreed upon, he'll come out.

Now, I'll talk to Mr. Gu about my idea of ​​modifying a high-altitude, long-endurance drone. It's not difficult; we can just design it like the Global Hawk.

This is the second time the Northern Institute has been collecting scrap. However, since they have this idea, we should support them. After all, the Northern Institute has already demonstrated a positive attitude.

Falling behind is not terrible; what is terrible is falling behind without realizing it, being complacent all day long, and considering oneself the big brother.

Now that the Northern Institute has realized its backwardness, it is willing to take on projects that others don't want, so of course we have to support it!
Inside the cafeteria, Qin Liang spoke eloquently.

"As for the engine, you can choose one of our trainer aircraft engines. That's right, it must be a turbofan engine, which saves fuel and makes it easier to fly at high altitudes for a long time."

"The engine air intake is located on top, which is combined with the V-tail. The large nose at the front can also cover the air intake, which facilitates radar stealth."

"The wingspan must be long so that it can glide at high altitudes, and it also needs to be lightweight. Northwestern Polytechnical University has carbon fiber materials, and the internal frame is made of titanium alloy..."

"The electronic system will be developed by the Department of Electronic Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Since you are confident, the modification project can be carried out in Shenyang. I will have the Americans fly the U-2 there, and our Department of Electronic Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University will send a team to support you."

Old Gu nodded repeatedly.

The meal lasted a full three hours. Qin Liang glanced at his watch and realized it was already past 10 p.m. He yawned. Another busy day was about to begin!

But as soon as I got home, I saw...

"Brother Da Ming, what brings you here?"

"Liangzi, the US Navy is coming tomorrow. Give me your advice and see if my plan meets their needs..."

What's your plan?

"The A-12 carrier-based attack aircraft, the school assigned me the research and development task, this is the first time I have received such an important design task..."

Qin Liang's eyes widened. He really didn't know this. Da Ming had become the chief designer so quickly?
This is the fastest way to cultivate talent!

However, in China, due to the scarcity of projects, the position of chief designer is usually filled by someone with senior experience.

Now, with Northwestern Polytechnical University taking on a large number of projects and promoting a large number of new talents, many capable people have taken on important tasks. Qin Ming, a graduate student, is even serving as the chief designer of a stealth attack aircraft project!

"Okay, you tell us."

Entering the study, Qin Ming turned on the computer, downloaded the design plan directly through the campus intranet, and began to explain it in front of the computer monitor.

"According to the plan approved by the school, our aircraft adopts a triangular flying wing layout with a leading-edge sweep angle of 47 degrees and air intakes on both sides of the nose..."

Speaking of these things, Qin Ming regained his confidence and became radiant.

The overall design of the aircraft is quite commendable.

The wing area is large enough to meet the short takeoff and landing requirements of aircraft carriers, and the aerodynamic design of the entire aircraft is impeccable. However... there are some problems.

"However, there are also problems with the aircraft. For example, the two wing spars bear a huge load, and the existing design may not be able to meet the requirements. If reinforcement is carried out later, it may lead to the aircraft being overweight..."

Qin Liang smiled and said, "It's alright, let's not talk about these issues for now, we can discuss them later when we discover problems."

In later generations, the biggest problem with the A-12 was its excessive weight. It was originally expected to be under 30 tons, but it ended up being a behemoth weighing 36 tons. Moreover, the estimated cost of the first batch of eight aircraft was close to 200 million US dollars.

That's right, it's two hundred million US dollars per aircraft, which is about the same as the production cost of the B-2. All I can say is that these military-industrial complexes really dare to ask for money!
Therefore, this project ultimately had to be eliminated...

"Wait until later, won't that be too late?"

"So what if it's late!" Qin Liang said with a smile. "If I'm not mistaken, the US Navy is just having us do the preliminary work. The later stages will definitely be handed over to other companies. In fact, the US Navy might bring people from other companies with them to audit this time. If any problems arise later, it will be their fault."

Qin Ming's eyes widened.

He was a pure technical talent, but he was completely inept at all sorts of scheming and intricacies... In his view, problems that were deduced should be solved immediately, but Qin Liang actually wanted to leave them for later...

"Liangzi, do it this way..."

"Don't worry, you represent Northwestern Polytechnical University. Any disputes will naturally be handled by Northwestern Polytechnical University. Tomorrow, you can discuss the technical issues, and I will discuss the cooperative projects."

"Ok."

Qin Ming knew that international arms deals were not simple, fraught with calculations and disputes, but he still couldn't get used to it. Qin Liang was naturally the most suitable person to step in. "Liangzi, after all these years of research, could it just become... a failed project?" Qin Ming was still somewhat unwilling to give up.

This is his first project as a leader, and he doesn't want it to fail.

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Of course not. Being overweight just means it can't be deployed on an aircraft carrier, but it can still be deployed on land. Just like the F-111, it eventually became a bomber for the Air Force, didn't it?"

Back then, the U.S. Air Force needed a ground attack aircraft, and the Navy needed a fighter jet for fleet air defense and escort. The U.S. Department of Defense decided to combine the two aircraft into one, codenamed F-111.
As a result, the developed project was severely overweight and its performance did not meet the requirements, failing to satisfy the needs of the aircraft carrier's pointed beak. The development of the naval version was halted, but the air force continued its development, and the air force even procured a total of more than 500 F-111s.
Qin Ming's eyes lit up: "Okay, I understand!"

It's finally over!
After seeing Qin Ming off, Qin Liang glanced at the wall clock. It was 11:30.
These days...

The next day, he didn't know how long he had slept, but when he opened his eyes, he glanced at his watch and was immediately filled with anxiety.

It's 10:30!

I'm so sorry for standing up Brother Da Ming!
After getting dressed, washing his face and brushing his teeth, Qin Liang went straight to the Fifth Department Building without even having breakfast.

In the conference room.

"By folding the outer edge of the wing, a width of less than ten meters can be obtained, which makes it easier for the aircraft to be parked on the aircraft carrier deck..." Qin Ming introduced his design plan while looking outside. He wondered how many times Liangzi had come.

"You don't have the technology to fold wings yet, do you?" Just then, an American spoke up: "Please rest assured, McDonnell Douglas will do everything in its power to help!"

Qin Liang was right. This time, not only did the US Navy come, led by Swift, a high-ranking officer from the Pacific Fleet, but also a group of people from McDonnell Douglas.

The person speaking at this moment was Mitchell Hills, Vice President of McDonnell Douglas and head of the F/A-18 aircraft.

When McDonnell Douglas heard that the Navy had commissioned Northwestern Polytechnical University to design a brand new aircraft, it immediately became interested. The F-18 fighter jet, which they developed in cooperation with Northrop Grumman, entered service with the U.S. Navy last year, and they have had a good working relationship with the U.S. Navy.

So, after a series of deceptions and various means, the final result was that they wanted to participate in the design of this stealth attack aircraft!

However... there are still techniques to how to insert a topic, and now, Hills has finally found a reason.

Qin Ming was stunned. These guys really were here to steal his project! These damned fellows, humph, Liangzi was right, they had to only report the good news and not the bad, only the advantages…

"Why don't we have the technology to fold wings? Our Super-7 has a carrier-based version! Our JF-17 is also developing a carrier-based version." Just then, a voice rang out from the doorway.

Alright, Qin Liang has finally arrived just in time!
Qin Ming breathed a sigh of relief.

Swift turned her head, looked at the person who came in, and smiled.

"Qin, you're finally back. We thought you looked down on the U.S. Navy..."

"How could that be?" Qin Liang smiled. "We treat the U.S. Navy and Air Force equally. We also value the Navy's projects. You have all heard the introduction. What do you have to say about the progress of this project? How much would it cost if our American counterparts were to do it?"

“Not bad, very good. In the United States, we would need to spend at least tens of millions to have relevant companies conduct preliminary technical research. But here in your country…” Swift was halfway through her sentence when she suddenly realized something.

No, how could I say that?
Doesn't this affirm the value of Eastern labor?

Michar Hills's expression was also somewhat unpleasant. The entry point he thought he had found was actually nothing at all. What technology couldn't the Easterners do?

"Yes, it would cost tens of millions in the US, but here it's done for free. Later, when the project enters the R&D phase, our Eastern cost advantage will become even more obvious, I've heard..."

Qin Liang glanced at McDonnell Douglas present, his smile unchanged: "Back then, your navy was troubled by the high cost of the F-14, so you wanted to introduce a low-cost fighter jet. I wonder how much cheaper the brand-new F/A-18 fighter jet is compared to the F-14?"

The McDonnell Douglas employees were furious.

The F-14's variable-sweep wing design greatly increased the workload of maintenance. Coupled with the inherent cost disadvantage of heavy aircraft, the U.S. Navy decided to equip itself with a medium-sized aircraft in addition to heavy aircraft, just like the Air Force.

The F-15 and F-16 can be paired in a high-low mix, so the F-14 should also be paired with the F-18 in a high-low mix.

After some comparison, they chose the YF-17, which Northrop had failed to win in the Air Force's medium-sized aircraft competition, and modified it into a carrier-based aircraft. Since Northrop had no experience in developing carrier-based aircraft, they partnered with McDonnell Douglas to work on it together.

In 78, the prototype rolled off the production line and began test flights. In 80, the first production Hornet made its maiden flight. In 83, it was officially put into service with the armed forces.

However... contractors complained about rising R&D costs and demanded higher prices, ultimately leading to the price of medium-sized aircraft, intended as a low-cost alternative, approaching that of heavy aircraft!

McDonnell Douglas was heartbroken and wanted to say that this had nothing to do with him and that it was all the fault of those unscrupulous arms dealers in Northrop…

“Qin, we came to the East seeking cooperation because of its cost advantages,” Swift said. “However… you should also know that this kind of research and development project cannot be entirely handed over to the East; otherwise, Congress wouldn’t approve it. One of our American arms manufacturers will have to act as the general contractor…”

Since we've already brought this up, let's get straight to the point!
Qin Liang smiled and said, "You want to be the general contractor? Do you have the capability? Even if you do, do you have the ability to control costs? You... if you were the general contractor, you could sell each of the planes you build for 200 million, do you believe it?"

Qin Liang wasn't lying; the A-12 program in later generations was indeed that expensive!

The Americans were stunned.

"Moreover, the technology has been ours since the project started. Now you're trying to usurp our position and become the main contractor. We can just stop developing this project. Anyway, Northwestern Polytechnical University isn't short of projects... Qin Ming, you can turn off the PPT now and go. Go do your own thing."

Qin Ming quickly shut down the computer.

He was mentally prepared, after all, Qin Liang had said that the Americans were not at ease and would definitely want to find a company to cooperate with. However, the Americans making someone else the main contractor? That was unacceptable, since we were the ones who pushed the whole project forward!
Since we're not allowed to lead the project, let's just abandon it!
The US Navy panicked when the design drawings on the screen disappeared.

"No way! Qin, we're good friends. Last time you went to America, we even took you on a tour of the aircraft carrier..."

"Yes, that's why we did so much preliminary work. I never expected you to be so distrustful of us. What's the point of cooperating then? Forget it, let's just stop this project!"

"No, no, no!" Swift cried out anxiously.

He knew, of course, that having China develop the aircraft would take a long time and would result in significant cost overruns. Moreover, the aircraft design was both advanced and mature, something only the East could achieve.

Now, they just wanted to have better control over the project, but unexpectedly... it aroused the resentment of the Easterners, and Northwestern Polytechnical University simply refused to cooperate.

This is awkward.

"How about this: Northwestern Polytechnical University takes the lead, and McDonnell Douglas assists?"

The McDonnell Douglas team was dumbfounded. "General Swift, on the way here, you clearly assured us that you would hand over this project to McDonnell Douglas to lead. We even deposited twenty million dollars into your personal account."

Now, you're just selling us out?

Having control is very important because... whoever leads the project controls the allocation and distribution of R&D funds!
With McDonnell Douglas in charge, they can pocket most of the research and development funding allocated by the U.S. Navy!
Easterners do the work, and they make the money—isn't that wonderful?
Qin Liang shook his head: "No."

None of this works?

“We at Northwestern Polytechnical University can develop this project to maturity on our own, so we don’t need any manufacturers to help us at all. We can develop it ourselves! If you allocate 100 million US dollars to us for research and development every year, we will definitely get the prototype flying within five years!”

It's important to know that historically, the A-12's development budget reached as high as five billion US dollars. McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics, which were responsible for the development, are estimated to have embezzled at least four billion of that, leaving only one billion for research and development. It may even have been less, since in the end only a model was produced.

Five hundred million is enough for us! It saves the US Navy money!
The Americans were stunned. "Easterners shouldn't be burdened!"

"Qin, this won't work, Congress definitely won't approve it..."

"Well... at most, let McDonnell Douglas do some odd jobs."

(End of this chapter)