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

Chapter 518 World's Number One: An Invitation to the Paris Air Show!
What are the standards for fourth-generation fighter jets? Of course, we at Northwestern Polytechnical University can tell you!
Although the U.S. military has also established the 4S standard, it has not officially announced it to the public!
Even if they say it, it won't have much impact, since they don't have a qualified fourth-generation fighter jet. Now, Northwestern Polytechnical University does!
Qin Liang looked at the reporters present and began to speak eloquently.

"First and foremost is stealth. As we all know, aviation technology has entered the era of stealth. An aircraft without stealth capabilities cannot survive in modern, complex air combat. In this field, Northwestern Polytechnical University is the strongest, and we are also willing to help other countries improve their existing fighter jets to meet the standards of stealth aircraft..."

I'm taking careful notes now. No, in modern air combat, stealth is absolutely essential!

As for this fighter jet from the East, what exactly is its stealth design...?

I'm really looking forward to it!

"Secondly, there's supersonic cruise. With the improvement of engine performance, many fighter jets are capable of flying supersonic without afterburners. For example, the European Typhoon fighter jet has an advanced EJ200 engine with a thrust-to-weight ratio of over 9. This aircraft can fly at speeds above Mach 1.4 without afterburners!"

A gust of wind? What's a gust of wind? I definitely can't say that!

We designed typhoons for the British, so of course we should speak up for them now. The French? Let them brag all they want.

"May I ask, what is the supersonic speed of your fighter jets?"

"Yes, may I ask what kind of engine you are using?"

In the distance, Old Tu looked somewhat nervous.

Strictly speaking, our fighter jets do not yet have the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds, since the existing WS-10 turbofan engine is only comparable to the F100 engine.

If the J-20 can fly supersonic cruise, then the F-15, which is similar, can also do so!

We can't achieve supersonic cruise yet.

Faced with these questions, Qin Liang smiled and said, "Gentlemen, these are still classified information for now. We will declassify them at an appropriate time and demonstrate our supersonic cruise capability. As for the actual performance, you should remember our twin-engine Q-6, right?"

We don't have it yet, but don't forget, we've already partnered with the Lyulka Design Bureau to help them improve the Fourth Uncle's engine!

The fourth uncle's engine was comparable to the F119. After Qin Liang's persuasion, the Russians even wanted to scrap it and start from scratch to develop it again.

All the data will be calculated at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), which will then obtain all the data for this engine!
Then... all you need to do is port the core machine!
In later generations, the domestically produced J-20 fighter jet used the WS-10 series engine, which was upgraded and its thrust was continuously increased.

The maximum military thrust without afterburner has reached 103 kN! It is under the propulsion of such abnormal thrust that the J-20 has the ability to cruise supersonicly.

Moreover, the J-20's own shape design is inherently suitable for supersonic flight, with a slender fuselage, low aspect ratio, and lower drag.

Therefore, the J-20's supersonic cruise capability is comparable to that of the F-22.

As for the WS-10C engine, some say it was upgraded from the WS-10, while others say it uses the core engine of the WS-15. For us, since it uses the core engine of the fourth WS-15, it can be called the WS-10B, or it can be improved and upgraded to the WS-10C using existing advanced technology.

In short, it definitely has nothing to do with Russian technology!

Of course, we are not intimidated. Our twin-engine Q-6 has the capability of supersonic cruise. It is the world's first aircraft capable of supersonic cruise. Therefore, we have technological reserves in this field!

Hearing Qin Liang's deliberately mysterious tone, the reporters below continued to guess blindly.

"Then... could it be a variable cycle engine?"

"That's right. I heard that you have a lot of cooperative relationships with General Electric. The YF-120 engine is also being developed with your assistance."

"Everyone, please stop asking. I won't say anything. I also hope you can maintain a fair attitude. After all, the US Air Force has a prejudice against our Eastern technology; they don't want any of our technology..."

Is it a variable cycle engine? Qin Liang didn't say, letting them guess. Who knows what kind of news the West might come up with after this news is released?

"Okay, let's introduce the third S, beyond visual range attack. We know that with the advancement of technology, the performance of missiles will become stronger and stronger, and long-range attacks will become a reality. We are currently developing long-range air-to-air missiles with a range of more than 100 kilometers. Moreover, our airborne radar will also be upgraded to gain long-range search capabilities. In short, the overall interception performance will not be worse than that of the F-14."

Currently, among all fighter jets in the world, the Tomcat still has the strongest interception capability!

A radar with a search range of 300 kilometers, a Phoenix missile that can launch an attack from over 100 kilometers away... the U.S. Navy's interception capabilities are quite formidable.

Now, no more than F-14?

The crowd erupted again.

"Your airborne radar can also search 300 kilometers? Isn't that like a small early warning aircraft?"

"Excuse me, is this an active phased array radar with gallium nitride (GaN) components?"

In the field of electronics, the East's technological lead is already recognized worldwide. They had heard of gallium nitride and immediately guessed it.

"As for the missiles, are they ramjet-powered missiles jointly developed with Europe?"

"Everyone, please stop asking. As I just said, these are all confidential. I will tell you everything I can."

In the reporter's eyes, this is tacit agreement!

"The last S stands for super-agility. We all know that no matter how advanced a fighter jet is, it cannot avoid entering close-range combat airspace. If it relies solely on stealth, it will end up like the F-117, ultimately failing."

This last one is basically putting pressure on Northrop Grumman.

If the U.S. Air Force were to abandon the YF-23 and pick up Lockheed's project again, all the work done in the past few years would have been for nothing.

Whether it will work or not, Qin Liang didn't know, but in any case, he had finished his introduction.

"May I ask, how does your fighter jet achieve its super-maneuverability?"

Is it another classified information?

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Everyone, next, please take a look at the true appearance of our fighter jets. After you see them, you will understand."

Although the last time we captured the shape, it wasn't clear enough. Now that we're shooting during the day, it will be much clearer!

The red silk cloth was slowly dragged down.

The first thing everyone notices is the nose. This stealth-shaped nose has been used in many projects over the years. The Eastern design is already highly refined, and the overall design seems to be flawless. It is the most suitable solution!

With the nose pointing backward, the air intakes on both sides were exposed. Seeing the bulges in the air intakes, some people who recognized it exclaimed in surprise.

"DSI air intake!"

Currently, only the East has mastered this air intake method!

It has a simple structure and light weight, with a lot of advantages. The disadvantage is that it requires precision design and manufacturing capabilities, which no other country besides the East can achieve!

Wait, what is that?
Above the air intake, a canard wing was clearly visible!
Duck layout!

Dongfang used a canard layout on the J-9 fighter jet, and it still uses a canard layout on the J-20!

Didn't the US say that the best canards are on enemy aircraft?
Since canards are used, can the stealth capability still be guaranteed?

Even if they had doubts, they wouldn't say anything, because there was something even more exciting to come!
The red silk cloth continued backward, and everyone saw... a striped wing!

A combination of canard and strake wing!
This is unique in the world, and the difficulty is unbelievable!
Eastern technology is so advanced!
Further back, main wings, twin vertical stabilizers...

Click, click!
The reporters started snapping photos.

Actually, it doesn't matter if the appearance is seen. This way, the J-20 can conduct test flights during the day, which will allow it to complete the test flights more quickly and thus be finalized and put into service!
Even if you see the shape, others can't copy it, because the flight control is the key!

The difficulty of programming the flight control system for this layout is hellish. Apart from the combination of Northwestern Polytechnical University and 611, no other company can complete this task!

"Alright, everyone, that concludes today's press conference!"

"What? That's it?"

"Yes, we hope to see this aircraft perform a flight demonstration!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, forget about the air show and all that. I'll give you one more minute to take a few more photos..."

Click, click...

A minute later, the reporters left reluctantly. Soon, news of Dongfang's modern fighter jet, which met the needs of 4S (Self-Service, Service, and Automation), spread all over the world!
Factory 132, canteen. "After we go public, we'll build a few more and begin intensive flight testing, aiming to complete all test flights within two years," Old Tu said.

"Yes, that's great, our Air Force is really looking forward to it!"

Use the J-9 for low-end aircraft and the J-20 for high-end aircraft; this will make our air force the most powerful in the world!
Old Lin said excitedly, "There are still some shortcomings, such as supersonic cruise."

"Mr. Lin, don't worry about that. Once our cooperation with the Lyulka Design Bureau is finished, our WS-10 will be upgraded to the WS-10B, increasing the military thrust to 100 kN and the maximum afterburner thrust to around 150 kN. That should be fine..."

All the air force leaders present widened their eyes.

Power increased by more than 20%!
After the J-9 was equipped with the WS-10 turbofan engine, although its range increased, its maximum thrust decreased, resulting in poorer maneuverability compared to the previous WS-15.
Now, the upgraded WS-10 has even stronger power than the WS-15 turbojet, and it's also more fuel-efficient!
"Okay, okay, okay, we'll wait here!"

"Come on, let's eat, let's eat."

"I said, now that the J-20 has already made its maiden flight, shouldn't we also be conducting preliminary research on the next generation of aircraft?"

Everyone present felt a little embarrassed after hearing what Old Lin said.

"Old Lin, of course we still have more, it's just... we haven't reported it to the Air Force."

"Then let's report now."

The air force leaders were in no mood for food, or even alcohol. Listening to Qin Liang's introduction of the new generation fighter jet was simply...

It's like hearing about alien technology—can it really be achieved?

United States.

"Damn it, these are the 4S capabilities that our U.S. Air Force publicly displays, and they actually managed to install them!"

"Yes, now, the world's most advanced aviation technology has actually come from the East!"

"Did our YF-23 fighter jet also use technology from Northwestern Polytechnical University?"

Amidst the commotion, Hunter Harris finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Gentlemen, our task now is to push forward the development of our fourth-generation fighter jet as soon as possible, and we can't let the East continue to lead! Where's the Northrop representative? Call him over and ask him about the progress of their project!"

"Yes."

Graham Warwick arrived very soon.

"Please rest assured, everyone. Our YF-23 fighter jet is about to complete all design work and begin prototype production. Although we are currently behind the East in progress, we will catch up as soon as possible. As long as the Air Force continues to support our company, it would be even better if they could award the project directly to us, like they did with the B-2 bomber, eliminating the bidding process!"

Harris frowned: "Of course not! Bidding is a must, and you need to speed things up, otherwise we might choose Boeing's project!"

Warwick was stunned. Had he messed up?
However, with the help of Northwestern Polytechnical University, even if we have to compete for the bid, we can still win!
"Also, we need to come up with a plan soon, and we need to publicly announce our prototype!"

The East has already announced it; the US can't lag behind and must also announce its next-generation fighter jet as soon as possible! Even if it's just a PowerPoint presentation!
France.

"These damned Easterners, they wanted to buy our Mirage 2000s a few years ago, how come they've suddenly become leaders in aviation technology?"

"Yes, that's absolutely unbelievable!"

Everyone was filled with emotion.

A clearer photograph appeared in their hands, and looking at the complex design, they were all bewildered.

“Now we need to see this plane, preferably up close!” Marcel Dassault said. “Do you have any ideas?”

"Father, the Paris Air Show is next month. How about we invite people from the East to participate?"

Serge Dassault's words immediately caught everyone's attention.

That's right!

We could totally invite people from East Asia to participate in the Paris Air Show!

Back then, as soon as airplanes appeared, the French had their eyes on them. In 1908, the second Paris Motor Show added an airplane exhibition area. In 1909, the first Paris Air Show opened, and it has been held every year since.

Initially, it was just a showcase of the French aviation achievements. In 1924, it was opened to foreigners, and from that year onwards, it became a biennial event.

As more and more foreign manufacturers have entered the Paris Air Show, it has gradually transformed from a domestic air show into a global aerospace event!

Except for the two World Wars, the Paris Air Show has been held continuously. How could such a large-scale aviation industry event be without the participation of the East!

If the Easterners bring their most advanced fourth-generation fighter jets, the French will have a hundred ways to steal their secrets!

“A few years ago, the Easterners came to the airshow once. After that airshow, their Q-5 and Super-7 sold like hotcakes. If we invite the Easterners to participate in the airshow again this time, will it... encourage them to sell equipment again?” someone objected.

The Paris Air Show is indeed an international air show, but it is the French's home turf. Dassault is always the most dazzling presence at every air show!

What now?
When the Easterners arrive, show off their planes, steal the limelight from Dassault, and even sell them in large quantities, wouldn't that just be adding insult to injury for them?
Marcel Dassault was also in a dilemma; indeed, that's the case!

If an Eastern plane comes over, the Gust will be overshadowed!

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

"I just received news that the organizing committee of the Paris Air Show has extended an invitation to people from the East and is even offering to waive their venue rental fees!"

What?
Ultimately, the airshow isn't run by Dassault Aviation. There's a dedicated organizing committee. Dongfang has a fourth-generation fighter jet, so of course they have to invite it to be the most dazzling presence at the airshow, which will help them sell more tickets!

If this backfires on Dassault Systèmes and they can't sell a single Rafale... that would be terrible!

Everyone had a bad feeling.

East.

We ate a meal that lasted from noon until night!

Qin Liang's buttocks were aching from sitting so long, and his voice was hoarse. Just then, his phone rang.

"Hey Manager Liu, what? We're going to the Paris Air Show?"

"Alright, reply to the French, we will definitely bring the most advanced aircraft there!"

After hanging up the phone, Qin Liang found it somewhat amusing. What were the French thinking? Were they inviting us to their doorstep to humiliate them?

"Liangzi, our Air Force absolutely will not agree to sell the J-20, and we can't even sell the J-9!" Old Lin was the first to get anxious.

Going to the airshow is all about selling airplanes!
Even the J-9 is currently a world-class third-generation fighter jet, with overall performance far exceeding that of the F-16. Because it was developed entirely domestically, the technology has not been leaked, and the outside world has no idea how powerful it is.

Therefore, the J-9 is the Air Force's trump card, and its technology cannot be leaked.

Not to mention the J-20, it simply couldn't get past!

"Of course, we won't sell the J-9 or J-20 to other companies, but... besides these, we have others."

others?
Everyone was a little suspicious.

"Anything else?"

“There are many,” Qin Liang said. “For example, we plan to develop a low-end fourth-generation fighter jet to secure international orders. At the same time, we aim to strengthen relations with other countries through arms sales…”

"A low-end fourth-generation fighter jet?"

That's right, this is of course the famous JSF, the Joint Fighter Jet!
Once this project is completed, the Americans will have nothing to do with it. As for the big investor, Saudi Arabia is quite good. Middle Eastern countries have used it, and Europe will use it in the future. Do the Americans really want to bind other countries through this method? Dream on!

These countries have participated in our projects, so they must support us on an international standpoint. That way, even in the 1990s, when the Soviet Union collapsed, we will still have a large number of allies!
There's no use in the Americans being anxious. Their own fourth-generation fighter jet hasn't even started construction yet, and the outside world simply doesn't believe it. As for their fourth-generation fighter jet... it won't be ready by the 1990s. So, they can only watch the international arms market with envy!

(End of this chapter)