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

Chapter 521 Customers were already coming to the door even before the airshow started.
"Mr. Simonov, it's much more difficult to make your aircraft stealth-enabled than the Typhoon fighter jet."

With just this one sentence, others could roughly guess that Simonov was trying to get close to Northwestern Polytechnical University to help with his stealth transformation!
Moreover, Northwestern Polytechnical University is unwilling to help!

Simonov was slightly embarrassed.

President Qin, the key radar components on our aircraft were all provided by Northwestern Polytechnical University. I said we meet again, did I say something wrong?
but……

What Qin Liang said piqued his interest.

Whether plasma stealth technology will succeed remains to be seen. Judging from the current trend, stealth design of the shape is the most important. In this respect, Northwestern Polytechnical University is definitely number one!

So, since Qin Liang brought this up, he became interested: "Principal Qin, then tell me, how do we modify our Su-27 to achieve stealth capabilities?"

"The biggest problem with your aircraft is the engine layout. While this nacelle layout makes the engine work the easiest, it also makes it impossible to carry out stealth modifications. It's practically hellish."

Unlike other fighter jets, the Su-27's engine is not integrated with the airframe. From the side, the layout of the entire engine compartment is clearly visible, from the rectangular oblique supersonic air intake under the fuselage to the engine and tail nozzle at the rear, which is quite short and rugged.

The advantage of this design is that it maximizes aerodynamic efficiency.

The air intake is so short that it means there will be no obstruction to the air intake! The resistance of the air intake is quite small! From the position of the air intake, you can also clearly see the engine's fan blades.

Other stealth aircraft layouts have air intakes on both sides of the nose, especially the two ribs. From this position, an S-curve can be designed, and with the addition of a bulge-shaped air intake, the engine's fan blades can be blocked.

Passenger planes now use composite materials for their fan blades, but fighter jets still use titanium alloys. This material is a strong source of electromagnetic reflection, and without blocking it, the stealth capability of fighter jets is meaningless!

Simonov frowned at these words.

Is it easy to simply flatten an airplane to create a stealth shape?

"Of course, it can be easily modified by slightly reducing aerodynamic efficiency. At the same time, it has the advantage that the space between the two engine compartments can be completely enclosed to create a super large bomb bay, which can even accommodate large supersonic anti-ship missiles."

The space between the two engine nacelles of the Su-27 is recessed; there is nothing there, and nothing is needed.

There's already enough fuel inside the aircraft, so there's no need to level this area to add more fuel. All the missiles are also externally mounted, so there's no need to internally mount them.

But things were different when it came to stealth aircraft.

The space between these two engine compartments is practically a natural built-in missile bay.

Other stealth aircraft of this era had to squeeze their internal weapons bays into any available space. Generally, they were located between the air intakes or in the space behind the pilot. Due to their limited length, they could only carry medium-range air defense missiles at most. Long-range anti-ship missiles were out of the question.

Even with its best efforts, the F-35 can only carry two bombs.

The Su-27 is undergoing stealth modifications, and its weapons bay is the most abundant in the world!

This made the other listeners' eyes widen, and Simonov began to consider it in his mind as well.

How about we actually try making an invisibility version?

Wait, what am I doing here?

This demonstrates the first-class capabilities of the Su-27!
If they accept the East's suggestion and use their plan to upgrade the Su-27, then the Russian military research and development capabilities will definitely be questioned!

Thinking of this, Simonov could only smile and say, "Principal Qin, our fighter jets do not need to be modified to be stealthy to achieve stealth capabilities."

His words stunned the rest of the Western world once again. This…

This is just... shocking, isn't it?
Hearing his words, Qin Liang smiled and asked, "Really? What kind of technology is that?"

"It's... a secret, I can't say."

"Oh, oh." Qin Liang's eyes... clearly showed disbelief.

Simonov is as disgusting as someone who's eaten shit, don't you know that? Your Northwestern Polytechnical University is still involved in this project, and now, what's with that expression? Do you not approve?
"I just arrived and I still have a lot to do, so I'll be going now."

Simonov fled in disarray, while Qin Liang smiled broadly. "You little punk, you think you can mess with me? You're top-notch when it comes to technology, but when it comes to politics... hehehe."

After Simonov left, Cheney approached.

"Principal Qin, did your words just now offer any suggestions for improving the aircraft?"

"Of course not. To build a stealth aircraft, it's best to start from scratch. Their lifting body layout is only a technology used in third-generation aircraft. When it comes to fourth-generation aircraft, they will definitely switch to other aerodynamic layouts. If they only improve on the original layout, the performance will definitely not be very high."

I'm not giving them pointers; I'm setting traps for them.

Cheney nodded: "That's right, the best layout for fourth-generation fighters is the canard layout!"

Europe has its reasons for choosing the canard layout; the advantages of this layout are obvious. The Russians should stay away from the layout of third-generation fighters!
"Right now, the Russians are obsessed with maneuverability. They'll definitely showcase the super maneuverability of their aircraft at this airshow. They're a one-trick pony. We need to encourage them. After their performance, we need to be amazed and scared... you know what I mean."

Cheney hesitated for a few seconds before realizing what he meant and beaming, "Yes, I understand, I understand!"

High maneuverability is nothing compared to our stealth aircraft, which can approach stealthily from 100 kilometers away and launch our top-notch ramjet-powered long-range missiles, sending you straight to hell!

If we encourage the Russians to go further down the wrong path, we can rest easy!
After seeing Cheney off, everyone else dispersed, and Qin Liang went back to work. However, there was still a pair of eyes watching them, focusing on one of the planes.

Coach 10.

This is the most advanced trainer aircraft in the East, and also the world's first advanced trainer aircraft!

That's right, this market is still untapped!

The era of third-generation fighter jets has just begun, and it's already good enough if any country has intermediate trainer aircraft!

After flying the intermediate trainer aircraft, it seems a bit extravagant to fly the two-seat version of the third-generation fighter.

However... as the number of third-generation aircraft increases, the cost of training will become increasingly higher, thus giving rise to the value of specialized advanced trainer aircraft!
In later generations, Europe's advanced trainer aircraft, the M-346, was derived from the Yak-130, which was designed together with the Russians. The two sides later parted ways and went their separate ways. As a result, the Yak-130 did not have a suitable engine, so its performance could not match that of the M-346.
just now……

Qin Liang had just finished dealing with Simonov and was about to return to his own passenger plane to rest when another visitor arrived.

"Principal Qin, hello. We are representatives from the Noodle Country's Arkham Aircraft Company. My name is Alfred. We are very interested in your advanced trainer aircraft. We wonder... if you could authorize us to produce it?"

During World War II, Noodle Country possessed a well-developed aviation industry. In the middle of the war, Noodle Country transformed itself, rapidly changing its fate as a defeated nation. It joined the United States in fighting Germany, and by the end of the war, it had become one of the victorious nations!
The industry in Noodle Country also began to develop rapidly after the war, with companies such as Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Breda, and Agusta achieving great success.

Marki Company was also among those who insisted on having it.

After World War II, in order to enhance its profitability, the Acer company entered the research and development and production of civilian motorcycles, and also cooperated with the famous Harley-Davidson company for more than a decade.

Of course, their main business is still aircraft manufacturing. In the early 1950s, they began manufacturing the MB-326 trainer aircraft. Later, they cooperated with companies such as Aristalia to launch models such as the AMX.

Their involvement is evident in European collaborative projects, including dealing with gales and typhoons.

By the 1970s, they had focused more on aircraft manufacturing and sold their motorcycle business to Kajiwa.

In the 1990s, when the market was sluggish, they went against the trend and acquired the long-established trainer aircraft manufacturer Marchetti, acquiring its SF-260 and S-211 trainer aircraft, further strengthening their position in the field.

Of course, they didn't have the last laugh. In 03, they were acquired by Finmeccanica, the largest company in the country, and merged with the group's aviation companies to form Alenia-March.

Therefore, when people mention the M-346 trainer aircraft in later generations, they say it is a product of Alenia Aermacchi, which is actually a statement made after the new millennium.

Now, seeing the Dongfang trainer aircraft, they are tempted.

If we could acquire the production technology for this trainer aircraft, it would be like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, and we wouldn't have to worry about production for the next twenty years!

Faced with this easy prey, Qin Liang warmly extended both hands: "Welcome, welcome!"

Since South Korea has already bought the technical data, why can't the Noodle Country buy it too?
"South Korea had actually bought this trainer aircraft before, and the contract was worth five hundred million US dollars..." Click!

A thunderbolt struck Alfred's head: five hundred million dollars. What does that even mean?
This is a trainer aircraft, not a fighter jet!

Even if each aircraft makes a profit of two million dollars, it would take selling two hundred and fifty aircraft to earn the five hundred million dollars!
If we sell fifty units a year, that means we've worked for nothing for five years! Five years from now... who knows what will happen?
and so……

The price is too high; they simply can't afford it, and their profitability is insufficient!

"Of course, this price includes setting up a complete aircraft production line for the South Koreans. After all, the South Koreans did not have a supporting aviation industry before, while you have existing factories and equipment, so you don't need to spend so much money."

Alfred breathed a sigh of relief: "So, how much would it cost if we bought it?"

One hundred million US dollars is their bottom line; hopefully, Principal Qin won't ask for too much...

"Three hundred million dollars will do."

Three hundred million!

Alfred was shocked again. "Are you kidding me? Three hundred million dollars!"

With this money, we could develop it ourselves!

"Our modern trainer-attack aircraft has a very promising market prospect..."

Wait, a trainer attack aircraft?

"Principal Qin, are you saying that this aircraft can also fight?"

"Yes, it would be a waste to use such an advanced aircraft only for pilot training. When we were designing it, we added combat capabilities, including radar and a fire control system. In fact, it is confident of winning even dogfights with third-generation fighters. In order not to affect the market for third-generation fighters, we have positioned it primarily for ground attack."

If it's only used as a training aircraft, the market won't be very large, but if it can attack, then it's quite extraordinary!

During peacetime, they train pilots so that when needed, they can carry bombs and attack enemy positions!
In this way, most medium-sized countries would equip themselves with more than fifty aircraft! The potential market might even reach thousands!

"Our aircraft has excellent performance at low and medium altitudes, making it ideal for dropping bombs. When combined with an advanced fire control system, dropping bombs becomes even easier, especially when dropping our Beidou-guided bombs, which is a perfect match..."

As Qin Liang spoke, he took out a carefully prepared brochure: "You don't need to rush to buy. You can take a look at the information first. During the airshow, our planes will also have flight demonstrations. You can bring your pilots up for a flight experience..."

The airshow hasn't even started yet, and people are already coming to my door with money—what a great start! Of course, I have to offer all sorts of preferential terms!

"Good, good, good!"

Alfred left with a stack of documents, and Old Tu came up and cautiously asked, "Principal Qin, won't buying the production technology steal our business?"

"How could that be? Production costs in Europe are very high. They can only sell to European countries at most. The huge Asian, African and Latin American markets belong to us. Besides, even if they buy the technology, they can only make a shell. They still have to purchase various systems from us. Even if we give them the technology, their production costs will be higher than our selling price. It's not worth it at all."

Europe's significant labor shortage will inevitably lead to the hollowing out of its industries.
Qin Liang isn't worried about Europeans stealing his business; they don't have that capability!

This deal by Marki Company might even result in a loss!

Old Tu nodded: "That's right, then we don't need to worry."

As night fell, the airshow site returned to calm, while the nearby town of Bourges came alive with activity.

Located in the northern suburbs of Paris, this place is not far from the city, but the organizers of the air show choose to stay here to save travel time.

As a result, the town was packed with people.

Sherry Butt Bar.

"Come on, drink!"

"drink!"

The Russians raised their glasses and gulped it down...

The liquor here may not be as strong as vodka, but it's all-you-can-eat, so you should have some fun when you're out here...

After three bottles of wine, the Russians were finally in high spirits. The Russian leader, Kozlov, pulled out francs from his pocket: "Here, take this money!"

"No need, someone has already paid for your drinks."

what?
The waiter pointed to a booth next to him: "The customers over there paid for your meal."

Anyone want to treat me?

Kozlov strode over.

The three people in the booth had Asian faces and seemed to have been waiting for them. They were all smiles as they said, "Gentlemen, it's our honor to treat you to drinks."

"You are?"

"We come from the East and are very interested in your fighter jets. We wonder if we could purchase modern fighter jets from you?"

"The Su-27 won't do, but you can buy as many MiG-29s as you want. How many do you want?"

"One hundred."

Kozlov sobered up. One hundred units—this was definitely a big customer!
From the East, could it be...?

“My name is Wei Jingmeng. In the 1970s, I had a series of negotiations with your side, but unfortunately... none of our subsequent negotiations came to fruition. This time, I am also taking a risk to come here, hoping to discuss some cooperation with your side again.”

Kozlov took a deep breath.

"I can't make that decision; I have to go back and tell our team leader."

"I'm waiting for your good news."

After seeing the Russian off, the person next to him asked, "Director, can they be sold?"

"I don't know. Right now, our self-developed fighter jets have encountered a major setback, and the West is unwilling to sell them. We can only turn to the Soviet Union. In recent years, the development of science and technology in the East has been too rapid. Even the Soviet Union has to entrust the East with the improvement of its fighter jets. These old Russians must be dissatisfied. Perhaps... they can sell us special export-type aircraft, or even design them for us separately, just like India."

Inside the hotel.

Simonov listened to Kozlov's words with a deep frown.

"Now, we are mired in the war in Afghanistan, our national strength is weakening, and we have to spend a lot of foreign exchange to buy food every year. If we can sell a hundred fighter jets, we can earn at least hundreds of millions, which will benefit our country."

"However... we also have close ties with the East. If we sell airplanes to them, we will undoubtedly offend the Easterners! This would be a losing proposition!"

"If we're going to sell, we can't sell what we already have, otherwise it'll be politically awkward. We could consider keeping our designs on the drawing board, for example, a simplified single-engine fighter based on the Su-27..."

For the Sukhoi Design Bureau, turning the twin-engine Su-27 into a single-engine fighter jet to rival the F-16 wouldn't be difficult at all. They already had similar designs internally, and if they could sell them, they could make money...

Simonov was still frowning: "Gentlemen, as soon as we make the deal, the Easterners will know that our Su-27s will no longer have advanced airborne radar!"

Simonov was actually afraid of sanctions from Northwestern Polytechnical University and was willing to give up such a big business deal.
Onboard the C929 passenger plane at the airshow.

"The fact that they made contact with the Russians across the river suggests they want to purchase Russian fighter jets."

Qin Liang smiled and said, "This is a test for the Russians. I'm very curious to see how they will choose. If they betray us for a tiny bit of profit, then they can forget about getting any of our parts again! Their Su-27s will have to use outdated radars weighing a ton! Their MiG-1.44s will have to go back and develop their own!"

Hopefully, the Russians can withstand the test and not let themselves down!
(End of this chapter)