Chapter 471 Selection of carrier-based trainer aircraft
In the United States, private flying is very popular. The airspace below 500 meters is open. As long as you do not fly above 500 meters, the Air Force will not interfere. Moreover, the United States also has many private aviation schools, flying clubs, etc.
Former naval pilots like Delano, who want to have fun after retiring, can not only buy civilian aircraft, but even many military aircraft. The retired aircraft can use their remaining heat in their hands.
It's not impossible, of course, it has to be some old model.
It is impossible to buy a Tomcat fighter jet privately, otherwise you will be suspected of secretly selling parts.
As for trainer aircraft like the T-45, it is easier. After all, it is not a fighter jet.
This aircraft is a product of the U.S. Navy's "Jet Flight Training System" (VTXTS) program. Compared with the T-2 and TA-4 they used before, its performance is more advanced and the training cost is lower.
This project was established on November 18, 1981, and entered comprehensive model development in October 1984. The two prototypes made their first flights on April 16 and November 1988 respectively. The first production aircraft was the T-
The 45A made its first flight on December 16, 1991, and began delivery to the U.S. Navy on January 23, 1992.
However, the U.S. Navy was not satisfied with its cockpit, so it built a T-45C equipped with a "21st century cockpit". This aircraft made its first flight on March 19, 1994. T-45Cs were delivered starting in October 1997.
-45 are all this standard.
As for the first prototypes, they are of course useless, but they still have flight time. As a former U.S. Navy pilot, Delano would have no problem buying one from Boeing and playing with it himself.
However, this is only limited to playing by himself.
"I can buy a prototype and bring it over, but it's not easy to transport the plane over," Delano said.
Qin Tao nodded: "Okay, I'll give you 10 million US dollars, and you can buy the plane. As for the transportation problem, I have a solution."
When Qin Tao explained the transportation method, everyone present opened their eyes wide.
Is this okay?
Isn't this too childish?
However, thinking about Qin Tao's consistent approach: trading clothes and cans for warships, and later using floating docks to carry aircraft carriers, this operation can now be understood.
There is nothing impossible, only unimaginable. For Mr. Qin, even thinking about it is conceivable.
"Qin, it doesn't cost more than 10 million. That prototype already has a short flight life. You can buy it for at most 5 million." Delano was very honest.
"The remaining five million is your hard work fee." Qin Tao said.
Five million hard-earned fees! Stroh's eyes widened, he swallowed, and then said: "Delano, you probably can't handle this kind of thing alone. Do you want me to help you? I
I also know people from Boeing.”
After all, Delano was introduced by Stroh. Now that Delano was allowed to earn five million by himself, Stroh was a little jealous and couldn't help but ask for it.
Delano turned his head and glanced at Stroh: "No, I can do it alone."
The two began to have differences!
Qin Tao looked at this scene funny. Sure enough, money is a good thing. There is no one in the world who doesn't love money.
"Mr. Stroh, you don't have to worry. You can go back. I heard that you have other people you want to contact. You can come together. If one person comes, I will give you a commission of 100,000 US dollars. If 50 people come,
That's five million." Qin Tao said.
"Okay!" Stroh nodded. If he could fool Delano, he could also fool other people. If he fooled one person, he could get one hundred thousand dollars!
If there is anything else to say, call everyone you can!
Just two people teaching is not enough. After all, there are many professional skills that require specialized people to teach. If there are fifty people teaching different types of work, then they can teach almost everything.
At this time, both Stroh and Delano were full of excitement. As long as they finish this job, they will be prosperous!
This is a little bit of foreshadowing. If they hadn't started leaking secrets continuously, they might still be hesitant now. As long as they do it bit by bit and can't look back, plus the temptation of money, they won't hesitate anymore.
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Now, the relevant personnel finally no longer have to worry about anything. The next step is how to get a T-45 back.
Stroh and Delano didn't stay at the base for long. They returned home excitedly that day. They couldn't wait.
Qin Tao is not in a hurry to leave, he has more important things to do.
If you get back a prototype of the training aircraft and it turns out you don’t know how to modify it, it will be in vain!
Therefore, on the one hand, Qin Tao reported the entire operation to his superiors through Xu Zhengyang, and on the other hand, he went to the aircraft factory for inspection.
The next day, Qin Tao came to Factory 320.
In China, the first-line factories that produce fighter jets are Factory 112 and Factory 132. The Su-27 project is being domestically produced, the production of self-developed fighter jets and the J-7 foreign trade aircraft are all in a prosperous state.
of.
As for the aircraft factories in the old areas, they produce large aircraft, such as the H-6, which are also very famous.
As for the domestic production of training aircraft, it is not so prosperous.
The 320 Factory located in Hongdu seems to be unknown now, but at that time, this factory was also very famous. For example, the first domestic aircraft took off from here! It was 1954, and the domestically produced JJ Wushangtian ended
It ended the history of not being able to produce aircraft domestically.
From that time on, Factory 320 had an indissoluble bond with training aircraft.
At that time, this factory was also very popular. Not only aircraft, they also produced other products. For example, the first three-wheeled motorcycle, the Yangtze 750, was also produced from this factory, and it was also related to the Navy.
For example, the Navy's first ship-to-ship missile, Shangyou No. 1, also came from this factory.
Moreover, the 320 Factory also has Mr. Lu, a technical expert. Therefore, it originally proposed the J-12 fighter jet and later developed the Qiang Liu. However, these projects eventually came to an end. If it were not for the reputation of the K-8 trainer aircraft, I am afraid that the 320
The factory is about to collapse.
Now, Qin Tao came to the 320 Factory. As a shipbuilder, he came to see the aircraft again. Neither Qin Tao nor anyone else felt that there was anything inappropriate about this cross-professional behavior. After all, at present, domestic
The most dazzling J-31A project was planned by Mr. Qin.
When Qin Tao stood on the runway of Factory 320, looking at the blue sky, white clouds and green shade, he couldn't help but sigh: "The scenery here is really beautiful!"
"Yes, the environment here is very good. Mr. Qin, welcome to Hongdu. I am the designer of K-8. You can just call me Lao Shi." Mr. Shi smiled and extended his hand to Qin Tao.
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Holding the two hands together, Qin Tao shook his head and said: "Old Shi, do you want to shorten my life? Is it something I can call you Old Shi?"
"Mr. Qin, you don't even know how excited we were when we heard that you were coming. We look forward to you giving us a new look. Why can't Lao Shi say that?" Mr. Shi said with a smile.
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"That depends on whether you have the ability." Qin Tao said, "The requirements for this project are quite high."
"Without diamonds and porcelain work, we can't do anything else. Building training aircraft is definitely the best in the country!" Mr. Shi patted his chest: "Let's go, Mr. Qin, let's take you to our production line first."
Everyone was walking and talking, and Mr. Shi also introduced the origin of their training aircraft to Qin Tao.
"We have long understood that the existing JJ5 is too old and will disappear from the stage of history sooner or later. Therefore, we have been doing research and development of new machines. In 1982, we began to conduct project demonstrations.
However, due to various reasons, it has been stuck in the project establishment stage and has not been recognized by the military."
"Because the army has no money." Qin Tao simply replied.
It goes without saying that in the 1980s, the army was so poor that its main fighter aircraft had not been updated, let alone a passable training aircraft.
"It's not just a matter of money, we also don't have a suitable engine." Shi Lao said: "At the most difficult time, there were only three of us left. Later, in 1986, we suddenly had an opportunity."
1986?
Qin Tao didn't know much about these things, and there was doubt in his eyes, so Mr. Shi smiled and said: "At that time, Lao Ba also wanted to get a brand new training aircraft, so we hit it off immediately.
We have taken a path of international cooperation, which is a precedent for us. Of course, it cannot be compared with the scale of the J-31A that you, Mr. Qin, have done."
Others like Xiaolong have to step aside. K-8 is the first to cooperate with foreign countries.
"At that time, Lao Ba's request was very close. We were required to build a prototype within three years, and it had to reach the world's advanced level." Shi Lao said: "At that time, we had no way out, so we were ready to fight! We kept working hard for three years, and finally we finally
, we built a prototype that met Lao Ba’s needs.”
Looking back, Mr. Shi still felt very emotional that this road was not easy to take, but they had no choice.
"Later, the military also took a fancy to it. In 1992, China decided to purchase this kind of aircraft. At the same time, the localization of the engine also began, and it was named Turbofan-11. This year, this engine has started to ignite. It is estimated that
It will take a few years to perfect, and in another five years, it should be installed on our own aircraft."
Speaking of these, Mr. Shi felt proud again.
After all, the engines of domestic advanced fighter jets are all outsourced. The original Jiaoba project was restricted by the engine. If it were not for Laoba, this project would definitely have failed.
Of course, Laoba has the conditions. They can just purchase American-made engines directly. Therefore, Laoba’s K-8 has higher performance. The domestic model uses an engine imported from Lao Maozi, and its thrust is slightly lower.
Some, but we can imitate them, which is the biggest advantage.
While they were talking, everyone had arrived at the factory. On the assembly line, several aircraft were being produced.
"Laoba will also set up a production line there, and we will produce and assemble it together. For Laoba, it will also be a breakthrough in the aviation industry. On the aircraft, we use a large number of composite materials, which effectively reduces the weight of the aircraft. This
Over the past few years, pilots from other countries have come to test fly our J8, and they all spoke highly of him."
"How does it compare with the American T-45 training aircraft?" Qin Tao asked.
"We can guarantee that the various performances of this training aircraft are not inferior to those of the Americans. They are going to carry them on aircraft carriers, so the airframe and landing gear have been strengthened. Our aircraft is better than theirs."
"What if our aircraft are also strengthened?" Qin Tao asked.
Do we also strengthen?
Shi Lao turned to look at Qin Tao, and suddenly thought of something: "Do you plan to turn our training aircraft into a carrier-based training aircraft?"
When he said these words, his breathing quickened.
The Oriental Sea City Wall has begun to be renovated. Although everyone has little to do with the navy, they can vaguely think of something. Moreover, the brother unit, Factory 112, is manufacturing an aircraft with canards. Obviously, this
The aircraft is the same as the Su-33. As for what it does, if you think of the Dongfang Haijiacheng, you still don't know?
However, they did not expect that it was actually related to their 320 Factory, and they would also participate in this project!
"Do you have this ability?" Qin Tao asked.
"Mr. Qin, we have never been involved in the production of carrier-based aircraft. However, we designed the Jiaoba ourselves. We know this aircraft very well. Next, we need to conduct a new strength calculation. As for the standards, we can follow
According to the data from the 601 Institute, this is still possible. However, whether it is strengthening the airframe or replacing the landing gear, the aircraft will gain a lot of weight. Moreover, because it is a recalculation, more funds may be needed."
This is almost the same as developing a new aircraft. There are many items that need to be carefully considered. If you are not careful, major accidents may occur.
"Can this kind of aircraft fly within a year?"
within one year?
Mr. Shi frowned a little, this requirement is even higher!
"If there is a need from our superiors, we will do our best."
Hearing what Mr. Shi said, Qin Tao nodded with satisfaction. What he wanted was such an attitude. He also knew that 320 Factory, which had carved a way out of the market, must also have the courage.
"We are currently operating. If it works well, we will be able to obtain a US Navy T-45 trainer aircraft in the next month or two. I don't know how similar our aircraft is to the British Eagle trainer aircraft. Is it possible?
Get inspired by this prototype of the T-45 trainer aircraft.”
(The domestic Jiaoba is very similar to the British Eagle trainer. However, East China Heroes could not find any information saying that our Jiaoba referred to the Eagle trainer when developing the Jiaoba. There was also no information found that Laoba had an Eagle trainer.
, Therefore, the Hero of East China will not make these assumptions to avoid being scolded. However, we can set that the similarity between the two aircraft is very high.)
"The U.S. Navy's T-45 training aircraft? If there is such an aircraft, it would be great!" Mr. Shi immediately became excited: "Sure enough, everyone said that if you follow Mr. Qin, you will never suffer. Mr. Qin
All the preparations will be made."
Qin Tao smiled: "Mr. Shi, don't be too happy. These are my personal ideas and have not yet received support from my superiors. Therefore, you may not be able to obtain R&D funds. Of course, if your superiors
If you don't provide funds, when you provide equipment to the navy in the future, your procurement costs will be higher, and you must allocate research and development funds."
Qin Tao didn't know if he was too keen on carrying poles. Hearing that Boeing had a prototype, he decided to get it back. He even gave Delano 10 million US dollars in advance to allow him to carry out activities, and then came to Factory 320.
, However, the Navy is still discussing it. What if the Navy does not support it?
Even if the Navy does not support it, Qin Tao still has a way to complete this kind of project. After all, it is just a simple training aircraft and does not cost much. In the development stage of this K-8, Lao Ba only invested 6 million US dollars in development funds.
Even taking into account inflation over the past ten years, that's 10 to 20 million US dollars.
As for the modified trainer aircraft, if there is a prototype, it will cost at least another ten to twenty million US dollars to build it. This is much cheaper than the research and development expenditure of hundreds of millions for a fighter jet. As for the procurement cost.
If the Navy doesn't invest money, a training aircraft will cost at least 100 million yuan per one for the Navy. If the Navy purchases ten of them, it will make a profit.
Can't get R&D funding?
Hearing what Qin Tao said, Mr. Shi frowned again.
They have been self-reliant for many years. When they started building K-8, they raised their own funds. Later, Lao Ba joined in and finally succeeded in building the aircraft. However, precisely because they have gone through such a path, they also know that,
How difficult this road is.
In particular, it is a carrier-based training aircraft. The number of equipment for this kind of aircraft is definitely not large. Is it worth spending a lot of money to conduct research? If it is self-raised, will it put a heavy burden on the company, or even the final launch?
Flooded?
Qin Tao said nothing, waiting for Shi Lao's answer.
Mr. Shi went through repeated calculations in his mind for a long time. Finally, Mr. Shi decided: "Mr. Qin, even if we raise funds by ourselves, we will do it!"
"Aren't you afraid of wasting your time?"
Mr. Shi smiled: "Mr. Qin, if someone else comes, we will definitely be afraid, but if you come here in person, what else do we have to fear? We believe in you! I thought about it just now, everything you have participated in
None of the projects are losing money, so I have nothing to worry about."
This is all for Qin Tao’s sake!
This made Qin Tao a little flattered. However, since Mr. Shi has such courage, Qin Tao will not be polite. He continued: "Old Shi, if the superiors do not support it, we will do it ourselves. If there is lack of research and development funds, we will do it ourselves."
Our Mingzhou Group can bear part of it, and when it is completed, we will offer a high price to the navy and make a huge profit from them!"
When these words came out, everyone laughed.
Mr. Qin is really awesome!
He was the only one who dared to speak so confidently about blackmailing the navy.
"Since we want to do it, we have to start now. Mr. Qin, should we go to the conference room to discuss it? You can also give us some ideas."
Qin Tao nodded: "Okay, I have also collected some information, which can be used as a reference for you."
As expected, Mr. Qin has laid a lot of groundwork!
Mr. Shi was very excited: "Mr. Qin, please rest assured, no matter how much money we invest, we will build this aircraft!"
In the conference room of Factory 320, Qin Tao began to explain.
"It took the Americans more than ten years to build the T-45 carrier-based trainer aircraft. There are many problems. For example, this aircraft is a land-based trainer aircraft. In order to take off and land on an aircraft carrier,
The structure also needs to be strengthened. The relevant British companies do not have this technology, so they specifically asked McDonnell Douglas to cooperate." (McDonnell Douglas was later merged by Boeing.)
"Among them, the body structure has been comprehensively strengthened, the landing gear has been redesigned, the front landing gear has been changed from a single wheel to a double wheel, and a special landing hook has been added to the back of the body." Qin Tao explained to everyone.
"At the same time, the wing has also been redesigned, not only increasing the area, but also adding flaps on the leading edge of the wing. At the same time, the area of the vertical tail and horizontal tail has also been increased, and the ventral fin has been changed to a single-piece ventral fin.
Installed an engine with greater thrust."
After hearing Qin Tao's words, everyone had serious expressions. This kind of modification is almost the same as the new design. No wonder the Americans took so long!
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! What about us?
After we obtain the T-45, should we simply do a mapping and imitation? We are best at this!
"Even so, the old aircraft companies still encountered a lot of troubles after designing this kind of aircraft. The most terrifying one was the Phantom Dive."
The Phantom dive is a problem that McDonnell Douglas encountered when it was developing the Phantom fighter jet. It should be a common thing for pilots to fly the fighter plane into a dive and then pull it up again. However, this Phantom dive is when the aircraft dives.
It becomes uncontrollable. No matter how hard the pilot pulls the control stick, the plane will continue to dive downward!
Although the Phantom fighter jet was developed by McDonnell Douglas, the Phantom is different from the training aircraft. Therefore, McDonnell Douglas spent a lot of effort. Later, it specially designed a "side-mounted unitary root edge strip", which is in front of the horizontal tail.
By adding a long side strip, the T-45 "Goshawk" completely got out of the "ghost dive" dilemma.
Now that Qin Tao told what he knew, everyone frowned even more. This is definitely a tough battle!
"Everyone, our navy is going to the ocean. We will definitely have aircraft carriers in the future, and we will also need specialized trainer aircraft for training. Factory 320 is the strongest trainer aircraft research and development unit in the country. I believe you will be able to complete this task.
,Help our navy go to the ocean!"
When Qin Tao said these words, everyone present felt the passion in their chests.
"Mr. Qin, please rest assured, we will definitely complete the task successfully!" Mr. Shi was very excited.
At this moment, a staff member gently walked up to Mr. Shi and whispered a few words to Mr. Shi. Mr. Shi's expression suddenly changed: "What? Old Tao is here? Isn't he here?"
Are you recuperating in the hospital? Why are you here?"
"He is in the office and wants to see you right away."
Mr. Shi nodded and looked at Qin Tao: "Mr. Qin, I'm very sorry. I have something to do and need to leave temporarily."