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

Chapter 467 U-2 completely dismantled, Americans, take a close look!

"Comrade Qin Liang, this nozzle we have is an excellent design inherited from the WS-6 turbofan engine. It's a commonly used ejector nozzle on supersonic fighter jets. It can draw engine bypass air from the cooling afterburner chamber wall into the nozzle casing, forming an air cushion. This way, the incompletely expanded high-pressure gas exhausting from the engine nozzle expands further along this starting point inside the casing to near the exit pressure, thereby increasing thrust..."

Ejector nozzles, a common feature in second-generation aircraft, have been brought directly to third-generation aircraft by these guys!
"Yes, Comrade Qin Liang, this is the best jet engine nozzle design. It has high propulsion efficiency, good cooling performance, and a simple structure..."

"So, do you know its drawbacks?"

"Disadvantages? What disadvantages?"

"This type of nozzle will produce negative thrust gain at subsonic speeds."

The ejector nozzle is suitable for second-generation aircraft because second-generation aircraft are designed for high altitude and high speed, and supersonic performance is the primary consideration. However, with the advent of third-generation aircraft, it was discovered that air combat takes place in the subsonic region, and high altitude and high speed performance is no longer as important. Yet, these people are still using this outdated nozzle.
Forget about vector nozzles, they can't even handle a simple third-generation fighter jet nozzle!
"Comrade Qin Liang, we have studied it. The diffuser-convergent nozzles currently used on third-generation fighter jets are not only complex in structure, but also lack ejector channels, making it impossible to generate secondary jets. Therefore, they have no thrust-boosting effect and no cooling capacity, making them unsuitable for our use."

Qin Liang shook his head helplessly: "It's not that it's unsuitable for us, but rather that it's unsuitable for the processing level of your Factory 410, right?"

Everyone present fell silent.

The front part of this engine is already produced entirely by the Shanghai engine factory. Their 410 factory only adds an afterburner and a tailpipe, and even that, they can't do it well!
Second-generation aircraft commonly use ejector nozzles, while third-generation aircraft have upgraded to divergent-convergent nozzles. You can look at the nozzle of a third-generation aircraft and see that it can be enlarged or reduced in size. The size of the nozzle changes with the flight speed and altitude, which means the nozzle pressure ratio changes, and it is always kept within the optimal matching range.

To achieve this change in the exhaust nozzle, it cannot be a single unit, but rather divided into individual adjustment vanes, including the first row of convergent adjustment vanes, the second row of divergent adjustment vanes, combustion stabilizing vanes, and various matching drive shafts, which greatly increases the technical difficulty.

Given the capabilities of Factory 410, they couldn't guarantee that so many parts they produced wouldn't have any problems, so... they simply stopped using them!

The exhaust-type structure on the WS-6 turbofan engine is simpler, easier to manufacture, and more reliable... As for whether the military will be satisfied with it... that's none of their business!
At this moment, Qin Liang saw through their thoughts, and everyone lowered their heads.

"Hmph, they still have a problem with us..."

Qin Liang coldly looked in the direction the voice came from: "This is a market economy now! It's not like the old days of the egalitarian system! Clients want the best products, not just anything that works! If you consider the client's suggestions as unfair treatment, then you can quit!"

"Comrade Qin Liang, that's not what we meant. Since you're not satisfied with this nozzle, we can modify it. Could you design one for us?" Director Zhao quickly said.

What era are we living in?! Getting a project is so difficult! Didn't you see the Northern Institute? They're actively picking up scraps that others don't want. If our Factory 410 doesn't take the initiative to improve, it's really going to go under!
"I can design it, but you have to produce it first!"

"If you can design it, we can produce it!" Factory Director Zhao puffed out his chest. "Let's take this opportunity to upgrade the technology of Factory 410!"

The third-generation fighter jets flying all over the world all use divergent-convergent nozzles. It's impossible for them to avoid this technology; they can only master its production technology!
“Okay, if I were to design it, it would be a variable convergent-divergent nozzle with an ejector channel.”

hum!
Factory Director Zhao felt his head suddenly swell.

They can produce ejector nozzles, but convergent-divergent nozzles are a nightmare. Combining the two? That would be an enormous leap in technical difficulty, absolutely at the pinnacle of technology!
"What, you're scared just by hearing a name?" Qin Liang rolled his eyes at Director Zhao.

In the era of third-generation fighter jets, ejector nozzles were phased out, and diffuser-convergent nozzles became the standard. However, by the time of fourth-generation fighter jets, these nozzles were no longer effective.

One of the advantages of ejector nozzles is that they can cool the combustion chamber! At the same time, it also means that the infrared radiation outside the fuselage will be greatly reduced.

Fourth-generation fighter jets must possess stealth capabilities. In addition to radar stealth, infrared stealth is also very important, especially when facing all-aspect air-to-air missiles, as they can be locked on from the side and front.

The engine's infrared radiation is quite strong!
Therefore, ejector technology has been given renewed attention. For example, in the F-119, the ejector cooling channels in the engine compartment have been rearranged, and the nozzle has also been redesigned.

Moreover, although ejection technology reduces thrust in the subsonic stage, it provides propulsion in the supersonic stage. Fourth-generation fighters aim for supersonic cruise capability, which means that supersonic thrust must be high, which is precisely the advantage of ejection technology.

However, continuing to use the nozzles of the second-generation aircraft is definitely not appropriate.

Unless it's a vector nozzle, but that technology is unlikely to become widespread for a long time, the next step will have to be a convergent-divergent nozzle. The two technologies will be combined by placing a dedicated ejector channel in the middle of the convergent-divergent adjustment plate.

When Qin Liang drew up the design sketches, everyone was dumbfounded.

They simply can't manufacture this! The technical difficulty far exceeds their imagination!

"Sigh, it seems that our Factory 410 is outdated. Not to mention the cold and hot ends of the engine, even a nozzle..." Factory Director Zhao sighed.

If you don't have the skills, don't take on the job. Otherwise, you won't be able to complete the work, which will delay the army's equipment. Or, if the work you do produce is unreliable and keeps breaking down, you'll be facing a military court!
"Director Zhao, you just said that you wanted to take this opportunity to improve the processing technology of your Factory 410, but now you're backing down?"

"we……"

"Factory 410 is our first aircraft engine factory in China. It still has many skilled master craftsmen. It's just a pity that in recent years, it has picked up a lot of bad habits, such as arrogance, complacency, and fraud, which has led to it falling behind. In recent years, you have missed one project after another."

Everyone lowered their heads.

They didn't want the Spey engine project, they didn't want the WP-15 turbojet engine, they didn't want trainer engines, medium-thrust turbofan engines... they didn't get a share of any of them! In the end, the only engine they can mass-produce now is the WP-6 turbojet engine, while the J-6 fighter jets are already entering their large-scale scrapping period!

Right now, this WS-10B project is only producing an afterburner and a tailpipe, which is already embarrassing enough. If they don't even want that, then they might as well go bankrupt completely!

There was also a project to develop the most powerful turbojet engine, but that project was terminated long ago. Even if it were ever developed, it probably wouldn't have much of a future...

"Hmph, isn't it all because of Northwestern Polytechnical University! Without you, our Factory 410 would still be the number one aero-engine factory in China! Especially the WS-10 project, which was originally designated for our Factory 410, but it was snatched away by your Shanghai Engine Factory, which is under Northwestern Polytechnical University!"

These people were already dissatisfied, and now, Qin Liang's evaluation of Factory 410 made them unable to hold back any longer. Engineer Li was the first to stand up.

"See? This is why your Factory 410 can't make progress." Qin Liang wasn't angry, because he had already prepared himself for this.

What does a backward company look like? It definitely has a whole bunch of things holding it back!
They don't pursue progress; they even hinder others from making progress!

"You say that our Shanghai Engine Factory stole the WS-10 project? Fine, here are the blueprints and processes. Can your Factory 410 produce a qualified WS-10?"

"We need to give us the Shanghai engine factory too!"

"Okay, let's add one more thing: they're also very greedy. When they see others with good stuff, they start to openly rob them. Our Northwestern Polytechnical University's affiliated factories have absolutely no connection with the aviation industry system. Even if you cry and plead with your superiors, you simply can't get it back! Do you know how much money we've already wasted on this factory?"

Qin Liang looked around: "Even if all the assets of Factory 410 were sold, it wouldn't be worth even one-tenth of that factory!"

After saying that, Qin Liang turned around and strode out: "Engineer Zhang, the combustion chamber and tail nozzle of the WS-10B are also produced at our Shanghai aircraft factory. I will never come to this place again!"

Zhang Gong's expression was complicated. He kept giving Director Zhao meaningful glances. With Qin Liang gone, Factory 410 was left with only one path: bankruptcy!
Factory Director Zhao gritted his teeth: "Alright, Comrade Qin Liang, we'll listen to you! Northwestern Polytechnical University, give us the design drawings for the tailpipe, and Factory 410 will produce it!"

Qin Liang stopped and turned to look at Factory Director Zhao: "Now, it's not like we can just give you design drawings and expect you to be able to manufacture them."

"Then... what else should we do? Please advise!"

"First, conduct a comprehensive technical assessment across the entire factory. Those who are truly capable will stay, while those who are all talk and no action will be fired!"

"Hmph, our Factory 410 is a state-owned enterprise. Once you get in, it's a guaranteed job..." Engineer Li rolled his eyes at Qin Liang.

"Did you hear that? With people like that around, Factory 410 is doomed to fail sooner or later. Is it better to let some people go hungry, or to let everyone go hungry? Director Zhao, I hope you can think this through carefully."

This was Qin Liang's last drastic measure! "You can go to the south and see how those competitive factories are organized. You can also visit our Shanghai engine factory; our factory management experience is completely open to you."

"Hmph, you have absolutely no humanity!"

"None of our Northwestern Polytechnical University's affiliated factories will ever employ idlers. Those who can do the work will stay, and those who can't will get out. Those who only complain will be the first to leave." Qin Liang put it even more bluntly: "Your factory is just a bunch of incompetent people jumping around. A factory like that... its only fate is to go bankrupt!"

Factory Director Zhao's face was grim, but he finally nodded: "Alright, we'll go south to learn from their experience. Our Factory 410 needs reform!"

"Director Zhao, more than half of your people in Factory 410 are still alive! If those who stay are all just complainers, they'll die even faster." Qin Liang's gaze swept over Engineer Li and the others. Yes, I'm talking about people like you, you have to get out!

“Reducing manpower will significantly reduce factory expenses. Then, we need to use the saved funds to purchase advanced CNC production equipment and train truly capable workers to improve the factory’s production and processing capabilities. In the future, if you really transform, perhaps the complete WS-10 turbofan engine can actually be produced in your factory.”

"Yes, Comrade Qin Liang, I've got it!"

"Mr. Zhang, let's go!"

The crowd erupted again when Qin Liang, Engineer Zhang, and the others left.

"Director Zhao, Qin Liang is harboring malicious intentions and spreading alarmist rumors. Our Factory 410 cannot believe his nonsense!"

“That’s right. Every worker in our factory has contributed to the factory! If they are fired, what’s the difference between us and a capitalist sweatshop?”

Factory Director Zhao looked at the person who had spoken with a serious expression.

"Either everyone loses their jobs, or some people lose their jobs. I only know that Factory 410 cannot collapse! I will fully lead this factory reform! After the reform is completed, I will hand the factory over to the younger generation!"

This……

"Factory manager, did you really listen to Qin Liang's nonsense?"

"Factory manager, this is going to get us talked about behind our backs!"

"It's better to be criticized behind my back than to be ashamed to face our old factory director after I've gone down there!"

It's not easy to come to Shenyang, so Qin Liang naturally had to visit Factory 112. After all, the U-2 aircraft modified for Lockheed was also modified here.

In comparison, the Northern Institute and Factory 112 are reforming at a faster pace than Factory 410!
Factory 112, inside the workshop.

The U-2 reconnaissance aircraft has been completely dismantled, leaving only the skeleton. Countless engineers have been climbing up and down, constantly taking various measurements.

The Lockheed engineers who had come along stared at each other in disbelief.

“Mr. Gu, does this plane... really need to be disassembled like this?” Clarence, the engineer from Lockheed, couldn’t hold back any longer and complained.

This isn't helping us develop drone variants; it's clearly a blatant copycat project!

"Of course. We need to thoroughly understand every part of the aircraft in order to develop the most comprehensive unmanned flight plan." Old Gu said without batting an eye, "For example, the electronic equipment we've disassembled is too outdated and needs to be completely replaced!"

The U-2 is based on 1960s technology and doesn't even have a 1553B data bus, so how can it be converted into an unmanned aircraft?

Many pieces of equipment need to be replaced!
"At the same time, we also need to install a large number of sensors on the aircraft." Mr. Gu pointed to the wing that was being disassembled: "For example, we need to install four air sensors on this wing to monitor the airflow. How can we install them without taking it apart?"

"But if you disassemble it like this, what if it doesn't fit properly during reassembly?"

"So, we still need your help. The installation sequence, even the torque of each screw and the quality of each rivet, all need your supervision. Even though there's no one here, if it falls, it will cause a lot of trouble for our project."

Are you trying to change our aircraft installation process?
Clarence desperately wanted to stop it all; in his eyes, it was simply... bullying!

Just then, someone walked in from outside.

"Hey, this work is progressing very smoothly."

"Qin Liang!"

"Qin!"

"Yes, everyone, thank you for your hard work." Qin Liang looked at everyone and said, "Our Department of Electronic Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University will be arriving soon with a complete set of electronic systems. We will be installing our specially designed FPGA chip on this aircraft, making the flight control absolutely top-notch!"

Clarence's eyes widened: "Shouldn't the controller be a Loongson chip? What is this FPGA?"

"This is a brand-new integrated circuit we invented, Field Programmable Gate Array. It can change the internal connection structure and logic units of the hardware through software. In other words, the internal hardware consists of basic logic units arranged in an array and with configurable functions... Well, to put it simply, it is a chip whose internal structure can be changed through programming."

Previous chips were all invented by the West. Even our Loongson chip is called a CPU. But this FPGA is something we invented first!

Historically, the 1980s marked the 1.0 era of FPGAs, during which some programmable logic units with different structures emerged, including PLD, PAL, and EPLD, etc. However, they were small in scale and simple in logic. The FPGA chip from the East was absolutely a first!

From following others' paths to forging our own, we are now number one in the world in the chip industry!

What are the advantages of using this compared to Loongson?

"We operate aircraft not to run operating systems, but to achieve real-time signal processing, motor control, and sensor fusion. These all require millisecond-level response times. Therefore, we believe that RPGA is the most suitable solution."

Qin Liang began to explain it to everyone, since there were very few people in the world who understood it.

"First, there's the parallel computing capability, which allows multiple sensor input commands to be processed simultaneously without lag. Second, there's low latency, which, as mentioned earlier, is at the millisecond level. Finally, there's flexibility; if upgrades are needed in the future, only the logic needs to be reconfigured, without requiring any hardware changes."

"Good, good, good! The electronics technology of the East is truly advanced. Choosing the East for modification was the best decision we made!" At this moment, Clarence hadn't fully understood yet, but he had a feeling that cooperating with the East was the right thing to do!

Old Master Gu relaxed. Qin Liang had suppressed these people as soon as he arrived. He was really capable!
"This engine... also needs to be modified, converted to a fully digitally controlled system, so it can be integrated into our electronic system." Qin Liang looked at the engine that hadn't been disassembled and said, "Send over the engine data, we'll disassemble it, study it, and then make improvements!"

"Good, good, good!"

The other party did not hesitate at all!

Once everyone had gone about their work, Old Gu quietly asked, "Comrade Qin Liang, when will this chip be delivered?"

"No rush. Once I get back to Northwestern Polytechnical University, I'll organize the research and development."

What? You've only just started developing it?

(End of this chapter)