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

Chapter 94 What bad intentions could researchers possibly have?

"Mr. Wu, I'm just a greenhorn who just started college. What opinions could I possibly have? The seniors here have such profound insights and foresight. I wouldn't dare to presume to teach them my humble skills."

"Qin Liang, don't be modest," Old Wu said. "The higher-ups have been emphasizing the need to liberate our thinking. We've spent half our lives working on aero engines, and that's precisely why we're easily influenced by past experiences. What we need are young people like you who are fearless and fresh out of school! Don't worry, say whatever you want. If anyone dares to retaliate, just come find me!"

Old Wu is going to become my backer! I naturally have to seize the opportunity!
Qin Liang began, “Then I’ll briefly share my thoughts. If they are incorrect, I welcome any criticism and corrections from the leaders! For a long time, our aviation industry has been developing aircraft first and then engines. This violates scientific principles because the development time for engines is much longer than that for aircraft. This results in the aircraft being completed before the engine is mature, which seriously delays the development progress.”

"If there's no aircraft model, then there can't be an engine model; otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste?" Engineer Li immediately voiced his objection. So what if Old Wu is backing us? We're a democratic society; we have to express our opinions!
“Developing a dedicated engine for a specific aircraft would be a real waste.” Qin Liang looked at Engineer Li and said calmly, “The scientific research approach is to first develop a core engine, starting with the first-stage compressor, conducting preliminary research at each stage, thoroughly understanding each stage, and taking five to ten years to mature the core engine. Then, we can match it with different bypass ducts to obtain engines with different thrust.”

Qin Liang looked at everyone and said, "For example, a bypass ratio of less than 0.5 can be used in fighter jets, a bypass ratio of around 0.5 to 2 can be used in bombers, and a bypass ratio of more than 2 can be used in transport aircraft. Such a core engine can support many of our aircraft projects, and can even be modified into a shipborne gas turbine. Of course, this is based on a complete understanding of the core engine; otherwise, without confidence, it is impossible to modify it."

"You make it sound nice, but a single core engine needs multiple engines, and the bypass fan is different, so the required power turbine is different too. How can you modify it? That's pure wishful thinking!"

Qin Liang shook his head helplessly: "Sigh, our comrades are still clinging to old ways of thinking, unwilling to open their eyes to see the outside world. Being backward is not terrible; what's terrible is being backward and not even realizing it, continuing to hold onto outdated ideas and going down a dead end..."

"Qin Liang, since you're so certain of this, then tell me, which aircraft engine in the world uses this approach? The Spey type doesn't count!" Engineer Li's face flushed red.

"Okay, let's start with General Dynamics. In the mid-74s, they implemented the second-generation advanced turbine engine gas generator program, designated GE9, under a contract with the U.S. Air Force. They won the bid in 1969 and officially began developing the demonstrator. In 1971, the core engine began its first test, and it was officially completed in March 3. They spent ten years working on this core engine. I know that all of you predecessors have a strong competitive spirit, but... it took General Electric ten years to develop a core engine, what about us?"

"We are no worse than the Americans! All imperialism is a paper tiger!"

"Slogans are easy to shout, but they need to be put into action! Engineer Li, do you dare to pat your chest and guarantee that you will complete the WS-6 turbofan engine in a few more years, or else resign?"

Engineer Li fell silent.

"Qin Liang, please continue!" Old Wu's eyes shone brightly.

"Based on the GE9 core engine, General Electric has carried out a series of developments, such as the F110 engine for fighter jets, the F118 engine for bombers, and the CFM56 engine for commercial airliners, etc., which have flourished everywhere, fully demonstrating the advantages of the core engine development approach. So... old comrade, can you accept the core engine development approach?"

Li's face flushed red. He didn't actually have that many thoughts. What bad intentions could R&D personnel have? He just wanted to sabotage the other projects so that his own project could advance smoothly.

His mind was racing when he suddenly remembered something.

"According to your logic, developing the core machine would take five to ten years?"

"Well, I'm still speaking too early. It might take ten or more years, even twenty years, but it's definitely faster than building an engine directly." The WS-6 was built by piecing together components, and it was abandoned after less than twenty years. The WS-10 was also built by piecing together components, and it took twenty or thirty years to finally come to fruition. The WS-15 is said to be closely related to the R-79, but it was also developed step by step by ourselves, and it took about twenty years to finally mature.

"Ten years, twenty years? Will our domestic aviation industry be disrupted during that time? Without suitable engines, how can we build airplanes?" Engineer Li sneered.

"Therefore, the WP-15 project must be launched. During this period, the WP-15 can be used as a temporary transition."

"You really have such low hopes for our WS-6 turbofan engine?"

Qin Liang waved his hand: "I'm not interested in garbage."

Since the other party kept refuting me, I decided not to give them any face. Anyway, I probably won't have anything to do with Shen Yang in this lifetime.

"you……"

"Distinguished leaders, isn't today's meeting supposed to be about launching the WP-15 turbojet engine? I'm curious, why is it still dragging on about the WS-6?" Qin Liang looked at the podium: "Our meeting has already lasted an hour or two, it's a complete waste of time! Why don't we keep those who support the WP-15, and let's not delay the work of those who are not involved?"

Leader Mo nodded: "Yes, today's meeting is to confirm the launch of the WP-15 turbojet engine, or else..."

"Director Mo, under the guidance of Institute 606, our Factory 410 is focusing its main efforts on developing the WS-6 turbofan engine. We do not have the capacity to reverse engineer the WP-15 turbojet engine, and we will absolutely not allow the reverse engineering project to interfere with our independent research and development!" Director Zhao of Factory 410 stood up.

Back then, when they introduced the Spey engine, it was they who stood up and told everyone that Factory 410 didn't have the time! So the Spey was given to Factory 430. Now, when it comes to surveying and reverse engineering the R-29 engine, Factory 410 still doesn't have the energy! Let's see who else can take on this job!

Back then, we fully introduced Russian technology and launched an aviation project in Shenyang. Institute 601 was responsible for the design, Factory 112 was responsible for the production of the complete aircraft, and Factory 410 was responsible for the production of the engines. It was one of the leading engine manufacturers in China.

Later, when the aircraft factory was being built in Chengdu, Factory 420 was built in Shuangqiaozi, on the eastern outskirts of Chengdu, followed by Factory 430 in Chang'an, Factory 460 in Guizhou...

These factories are the major domestic aero-engine manufacturers, but... in terms of technological strength, Factory 410 is definitely the strongest, backed by Institute 606. Currently, Factory 430 has the Spey project, while Factories 420 and 460 only have production capacity...

"As long as the higher authorities decide to launch the WP-15 turbojet project, our Factory 420 is willing to undertake this mapping and replication task!" Factory Director Duan stood up.

　PS: Thank you to "Always Following the Party" and "Xiao Difeng" for the donations, and thank you to all the readers for reading and voting!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)