The train driver in the courtyard

On the ground test platform in the workshop of Qianmen Locomotive Depot, a huge engine sits quietly.

The fuselage is silver-gray and cylindrical.

The surface is evenly distributed with bolts, the air intake is annular, the internal blades are neatly arranged, the engine is fixed to the test bench steel frame by connecting parts, and the pipelines are led out from the side interface of the fuselage.

Although Section Chief Xing didn't know how powerful this thing was, he couldn't help but worry.

"Patriotism, is that something I can look at?"

While busy inspecting, Li Aiguo said with a smile, "Section Chief, don't worry, there's an outer shell, so you can't see the internal structure. It won't leak any secrets."

This is still classified information. Section Chief Xing breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little disappointed.

I don't know when it started, but as the section chief, he could no longer move freely within the Qianmen Locomotive Depot.

However, he seemed particularly happy inside.

What the hell is this!

Chief Engineer Qi from Workshop 116 had been helping with the engine assembly, and upon learning that the final assembly was complete, he rushed over.

"Patriotism, shall we give it a try first?"

"Of course, Lao Qi, you're the one who has the most experience here."

"Don't worry, with this ground test stand, we're guaranteed to get all the parameters of this turbojet engine crystal clear."

When the topic of turbojet engines and ground test stands comes up, Chief Engineer Qi feels like he's dreaming.

After the armed helicopter project ended, he originally planned to return to Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, just like those aviation experts.

Unexpectedly, Li Aiguo persuaded him to stay and even helped him with the transfer procedures.

Chief Engineer Qi knew that the Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop would definitely have some big plans in the future, but he didn't expect that in less than a year, they would actually develop a turbojet engine and a ground test stand.

Let's leave the engine aside for now.

This ground test stand, though simple, includes a fixed frame, a moving frame, a thrust measurement device assembly, an intake and exhaust system, a fuel supply system, a measurement and control system, and so on.

It can be said that its technical level is in no way inferior to Harbin Aircraft Industry Group.

"Let's begin, Lao Qi."

Li Aiguo designed this engine based solely on blueprints of later turbojet engines.

However, due to limitations, some aspects have been simplified, and the specific parameters are not yet fully determined, which makes this somewhat anticipated.

Chief Engineer Qi, along with several automotive experts, connected the pipelines and repeatedly checked the interfaces to ensure that the fuel line and pressure test line were working properly.

"Fuel lines are clear, pressure is normal!"

"Start the measurement and control system to warm up, and check the thrust measurement device to zero."

"The monitoring and control system is warming up normally, and the thrust sensor has returned to zero!"

"Patriotism, all preparations are in place!"

"Ignition!" Li Aiguo pressed the start button without hesitation.

"Om-"

A low buzzing sound rang out first.

Immediately afterwards, the blades inside the engine's air intake began to rotate slowly, initially only slowly visible to the naked eye, but the speed gradually increased.

The surrounding air seemed to be stirred up, and a slight gust of air emerged from the engine's exhaust.

"Stable speed of 30,000 rpm!"

"Fuel consumption is normal, and oil pressure is stable!"

"The condition is normal!" Chief Engineer Qi's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

It is important to know that the performance of a turbojet engine is closely related to its engine speed.

The Russian BK-1φ engine has a rotational speed of only 13000 rpm.

The Klimov RD-10A has a rotational speed of 15000 rpm.

Even the Klimov RD-45 used on the MiG-15 only has a rotation speed of 18000 rpm.

Because he was unfamiliar with the fighter jets from the US, Chief Engineer Qi didn't know the exact RPM, but he figured it wouldn't be much higher than the Russians'.

The speed of this turbojet engine has stabilized at 30000 rpm!

At this moment, Chief Engineer Qi suddenly had an idea that even he found unbelievable.

"Patriotism, should we gradually increase the speed and test under medium load conditions?"

Li Aiguo breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, saying, "Okay, proceed step by step and pay attention to the changes in various parameters!"

Chief Engineer Qi responded and slowly turned the speed adjustment knob.

As the knob was turned, the engine's roar gradually changed from a low hum to a clear whoosh.

"35,000 rpm"

"Thrust has reached 30% of the design value, and all indicators are normal!"

"Exhaust temperature is stable and does not exceed the safety threshold!"

The reports grew increasingly urgent, and everyone's face was flushed with excitement.

As the test progressed, the joy on everyone's faces grew stronger, and Chief Engineer Qi's hair almost stood on end with excitement.

After shutting off the engine, Chief Engineer Qi unbuttoned his collar and shouted:

Maximum speed 40000 rpm, power-to-weight ratio 7.0

Turbine inlet temperature: 1650K

Fuel consumption rate: 0.949 kg/(daNh) without afterburner, 2.23 kg/(daNh) with afterburner.

"Thrust: 53.9 kN without afterburner, 76.5 kN with afterburner"

"Damn it, with this turbojet engine, our little plane will definitely become a first-class jet aircraft!"

After shouting the last word, Chief Engineer Qi couldn't help but swear: "Damn it! With this turbojet engine, our little plane will definitely become a first-class jet aircraft!"

This usually gentle and refined old expert was now as excited as a passionate young man.

As soon as the words were spoken, thunderous applause erupted in the audience and lasted for a long time.

Although Section Chief Xing still couldn't understand those parameters, he could tell from everyone's expressions and the engine's condition that they had succeeded.

"Wow, we train workers have built an airplane engine!"

The applause gradually subsided.

Section Chief Xing stepped forward, looked at Li Aiguo, and said, "Aiguo, when will this engine be installed on the small plane?"

"We still need to do a few more days of stability testing, which will probably take three or four days," Li Aiguo replied.

"Yes, yes, we can't rush things about the plane." Section Chief Xing understood this as well, suppressing his excitement.

Upon returning to his office, he immediately summoned the staff from the supplies department.

Tell them to deliver all the relief supplies that the Ministry of Railways just sent to the studio.

Beef, mutton, abalone, and wild ginseng are all good for nourishing the body, and he wanted to give the busy technicians a good boost.

Li Aiguo's team has already begun testing the engine's stability.

Chief Engineer Qi led his team in 24-hour shifts.

With the help of the wild car expert and Zong Xianfeng, Li Aiguo's work wasn't too busy.

In the afternoon, Li Aiguo took a walk around the studio, and seeing that there was not much work to do, he returned to his office.

I had just sat down when I received a call from the Red Star Computer Institute.

"Advisor Li, the list from the Institute of Scientific Computing has arrived, but I suggest you come and take a look."

Li Aiguo noticed that Xia Zhongsu's tone was off, but he didn't delay and rode his mountain bike to the computer research institute.

Xia Zhongsu and two other leaders from the research institute were already waiting in the office, and their expressions were not good.

"Aiguo, take a look at this list." Xia Zhongsu handed over a document.

Li Aiguo took it, glanced at it, and frowned.

The Institute of Computer Science sent a total of twenty computer experts to assist us this time.

Li Aiguo could not possibly know these people; judging from the ranks and titles marked on their names, they should all be newcomers who had just entered the Institute of Computer Science.

Several of them were still research interns.

"Aiguo, I know the people here. The most skilled among them is Professor Zhao, but he is in poor health and has been ill for many years, requiring hospitalization." Xia Zhongsu stopped mid-sentence.

After all, the Institute for Computing Science was his former employer, so it's already quite remarkable that he was able to point out these problems.

"Old Xia, thank you this time." Li Aiguo hadn't expected the Institute of Computer Science to pull such a stunt.

If Xia Zhongsu hadn't reminded them, the research institute would have rashly taken these people in, which would have been a minor issue of wasting funds, but a major problem of delaying the progress of the industrial control project.

Li Aiguo actually didn't have any negative views about the Institute of Computer Science.

But this time, the other party was trying to sabotage him from behind, and it was related to work, which Li Aiguo found unbearable.

"Patriotism, this is not easy to handle. The higher-ups only asked the Institute of Science and Technology to send people to provide support, but did not specify what level of personnel to send."

If we report this to higher authorities, they'll definitely have an excuse, and they might even turn around and accuse us of not working together with our fellow units.

Deputy Director Peng Yunyou said with some concern.

Although Peng Yunyou did not have a formal computer science background, she had exceptional coordination and management skills, and her contributions to the rapid development of the Red Star Computing Institute were indispensable.

Professor Xia nodded in agreement: "I know Director Chen of the Institute of Scientific Computing. He has some management skills, but he is very narrow-minded. If we publicize this matter, Director Chen will definitely take the opportunity to accuse us."

It makes sense. They helped so many of you, and instead of thanking them, you criticize them.

If this gets out, will other computer research institutes still be willing to help you?
"Director Chen is so ruthless and cunning!"

After the leaders in the office figured it out, their faces turned ashen.

Just then, Li Aiguo stood up and smiled, "This is easy to handle."

"Huh?!" Professor Xia and Peng Yunyou were both a little confused.

"Meeting!" Li Aiguo ordered the door to be closed and a short meeting was held.

Half an hour later, when these leaders came out of their offices, they all had happy expressions on their faces.

"Consultant Li, don't worry, we'll arrange it right away."

"Go ahead, go ahead." Li Aiguo nodded, and seeing that it was almost time to get off work, he hummed a little tune as he returned to the courtyard house.

Just as I reached the alley entrance, I saw Yi Zhonghai staggering towards me from a distance. His face was bruised and swollen, and several strands of his hair had been pulled out. He kept glancing back, as if afraid someone would catch up with him.

Yi Zhonghai also saw Li Aiguo, his face turned awkward, and without even saying hello, he turned and ran away.

"Was this old guy chased by a dog?" Li Aiguo wondered when Xu Damao rode up from behind on his bicycle.

"Aiguo, are you off work? You missed the good show."

"What's wrong, Brother Da Mao?"

Li Aiguo stopped his motorcycle and handed Xu Damao a cigarette.

Xu Damao took a puff of his cigarette and said gleefully, "Yi Zhonghai was stopped by Jia Zhangshi again and given a good beating."

"Won't he report it to the factory's security department?" Li Aiguo wondered.

"The security department said it was a personal dispute. Besides, Jia Zhangshi is particularly clever. Every time she stopped Yi Zhonghai, it was not near the factory area, but outside."

"What about the neighborhood committee?"

"Jia Zhangshi didn't make a move in our South Tongluo Lane either."

Xu Damao laughed twice and said, "Now, Jia Zhangshi can eat communal meals in Jiajiazhuang Commune. Every morning after breakfast, she rides an oxcart to the capital and beats up Yi Zhonghai."

We'll go back to the commune for lunch, then come back again in the afternoon to give Yi Zhonghai another beating, and then go back to Jiajiazhuang commune to sleep that night.

Li Aiguo was stunned.

This is just like eating, sleeping, and beating up Yi Zhonghai.

However, Li Aiguo did not intend to intervene; this was a case of dogs fighting each other.

As long as Jia Zhangshi doesn't cause trouble in the courtyard, it has nothing to do with him.

Back at the courtyard house, Chen Xueru had already prepared the meal.

After eating and drinking his fill, Li Aiguo sat down at his desk, took out a sheet of paper, and wrote on it: "Computer Proficiency Examination Plan".

Since the release of the Red Star Computer, computers have become increasingly important in all walks of life.

The ability to use computers proficiently and the extent of computer knowledge acquired have become part of the evaluation criteria for some jobs.

Different organizations use a variety of methods to assess employees' computer skills, making it difficult to standardize the process.

Li Aiguo had always wanted to establish a computer proficiency test, following the methods of later generations.

The difficulty of the exam varies depending on the level.

Those who pass the assessment will be awarded a certificate of the corresponding level.

The Computer Proficiency Test is divided into eight levels according to the current eight-level system, with level eight being the highest and level one the lowest.

Those who obtain a computer proficiency certificate at level six or above can be called computer researchers, and are mainly responsible for the development of computer hardware and software in major computer research institutes.

Holders of computer proficiency certificates at levels four to six are considered advanced computer professionals. They are responsible for compiling industrial control programs in various factories, and can take charge of network work after the network is fully deployed later.

Level 1 to 3 computer certificate holders are mainly engaged in document processing and are proficient in using various office software and industrial software developed by Red Star Computing Institute.

Li Aiguo originally planned to formulate the computer system after computers were fully implemented.

Now that this opportunity has presented itself, I thought I should seize the moment and get it done. It would be a good opportunity to conduct a nationwide survey to see just how many computer talents there are in China.

Under the dim light, neat handwriting gradually appeared on the manuscript paper.

****
Under the same cover of night.

The Donglaishun Lane in Beijing was bustling with activity.

The rich aroma of mutton intertwines with the strong scent of alcohol, permeating every corner.

In a private room on the second floor, a young man kept standing up and looking towards the door, looking somewhat anxious.

A middle-aged man in a gray Zhongshan suit next to him said, "Son, don't worry, I've known Old Chen for many years, he'll definitely come."

The young man's name is Zhou Tan.

The intern researcher at the Institute of Scientific Computing, the middle-aged man next to him is his father, Lao Zhou, the station manager of a grain depot in Beijing.

Zhou Tan was extremely anxious because he desperately wanted to know whether Director Chen had listed him as a support personnel and reported it to the Red Star Computer Research Institute.

Just as he finished speaking, footsteps sounded outside the private room, and Director Chen of the Institute of Science and Computer Science pushed open the door and entered.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry, there was a meeting at the institute today, which took up some time," Director Chen said with a smile as he sat in his chair, his large pregnant belly protruding.

"Old Chen, you're a very busy man these days," Zhou's father greeted him warmly, while giving Zhou Tan a wink.

Zhou Tan immediately understood and quickly got up to instruct the waiter to serve the dishes.

Before long, a steaming hot pot was served, accompanied by seven or eight exquisite meat dishes and two bottles of Moutai liquor.

"Thank you for spending so much," Director Chen said with a smile.

"Don't mention it. You've helped my little Tan so much, I should be thanking you."

After toasting Director Chen several times, Zhou's father said with some concern, "My son, Xiao Tan, has only recently graduated and is still lacking in technical skills. What if the Red Star Computing Institute has any objections?"

Before he could finish speaking, Director Chen interrupted him: "Don't worry, even if the Red Star Computing Institute finds out, they won't dare to say anything. From now on, Xiao Tan will be a member of the Red Star Computing Institute."

Zhou Tan was overjoyed to hear this, because the Red Star Computing Institute's benefits far exceeded those of ordinary research institutes. Ordinary researchers could earn more than 200 yuan a month and were also allocated housing, which he heard was the kind with a bathroom and kitchen.

"I've already submitted Zhou Tan's name. I estimate that the Red Star Computing Institute will help with the procedures in about two days, so don't worry."

"Yes, yes, it's all thanks to your hard work..." Mr. Zhou quickly offered another cup of wine.

*****
the next day.

Li Aiguo handed over the completed "Computer Proficiency Test Plan" to Professor Xia.

Professor Xia carefully reviewed the document and nodded emphatically: "Aiguo, your idea is so comprehensive! However, shouldn't we coordinate with the education department on this matter?"

“Of course.” Li Aiguo turned to look at Peng Yunyou.

The work of liaising with the education department has always been handled by Peng Yunyou, the deputy director.

"I'll submit it right away." Peng Yunyou also understood the importance of the computer exam, so she took the documents and went to the education department.

When the leaders of the education department learned that the Red Star Computer Research Institute was going to organize a computer exam, they were surprised.

Once I opened the entire document, I immediately perked up.

"Director Peng, your standards are so insightful!"

The education authorities had already noticed the importance of computer proficiency levels long ago.

I've always wanted to implement a ranking system, but I never expected the Red Star Computing Institute to do it first.

"Your approval gives us even more confidence."

"It's not just approval, it's strong support! I'll report it immediately!" The education department leader took the document and reported it.

The National Computer Rank Examination is crucial to the development of the computer industry and the cultivation of talent, and higher authorities dare not take it lightly.

Soon, experts and scholars in the field of computer research, heads of various research institutes, and relevant personnel were urgently summoned to hold a special seminar.

As one of the initiators, Li Aiguo naturally attended the meeting.

The leader presiding over the meeting first gave a detailed introduction to the relevant plan for the computer proficiency test, and then looked at everyone and said: "Let's all share our thoughts."

Opinions on computer-based exams are not aligned.

"I think this computer exam is quite good. It's like the eight-level worker system, which can select outstanding technicians."

"I think it's just a waste of time! There's already a shortage of computer talent in China, so there's no need to create such a complicated level exam."

Director Chen hadn't expected the Red Star Computing Institute to propose such an exam, and his expression immediately turned grim.

He raised his hand and said, "I think this kind of exam has a wide range of implications. We should be more cautious, have more discussions, and make a careful decision."

It must be said that Director Chen's level is indeed high. His words sound like he was considering the big picture, but they implicitly opposed the computer proficiency test, and no one could say anything about it.

The leader presiding over the meeting looked at Li Aiguo: "Comrade Aiguo, what are your thoughts?"

Li Aiguo straightened up: "Leader, in addition to planning to conduct the computer proficiency test domestically, we also plan to conduct it overseas."

It's worth noting that with the widespread use of computers, some large companies overseas have already proposed developing examination and assessment standards.

If we can't control the examination and assessment process, others will take it away, and then we'll be at a disadvantage.

These words are by no means alarmist.

In later years, Cisco leveraged its dominant market share in the networking field to launch certification exams covering engineers, senior engineers, and even CCIE experts, encompassing multiple professional areas such as security and IP telephony.

Cisco doesn't need to interfere much with the exam process; its control over the exam content alone has built a strong competitive advantage in the industry.

As soon as he finished speaking, Director Chen's face turned bright red, and he couldn't utter a single word in rebuttal for a long time.

Yes, if you're so capable, why don't you take your institute's computers to the world stage and get international recognition for your mainframes?
If you can't do it, you have no right to question it!

The leader presiding over the meeting also became serious.

He understood that the computer proficiency test was no longer just an internal industry matter, but a major issue concerning the initiative for development, and it had to be reported to a higher level for a decision.

After the meeting, several leaders and education officials went to the lake to report on the situation.

What happened in the lake is unknown to anyone.

All that was known was that two days later, while Li Aiguo was reviewing the recorded data of the turbojet engine with Chief Engineer Qi, he received a call from Peng Yunyou.

"Patriotism, our computer proficiency test plan has been approved by the higher authorities. Considering that the computer standards were formulated by our Red Star Computer Research Institute, we will be responsible for drafting the test questions."

"That's great!" Li Aiguo was also very happy.

After checking all the data and finding no problems, Chief Engineer Qi was instructed to continue the testing, while Li Aiguo returned to the Red Star Computing Institute and worked with Xia Zhongsu to compile the first set of test questions.

Almost simultaneously, the newspapers published news about the computer proficiency test.

"In order to implement the computer development strategy and improve the computer application literacy of the whole people."

To meet the needs of computerization transformation across various industries and to standardize the evaluation criteria for computer skills personnel, it has been decided, after joint discussion and review, to launch the National Computer Rank Examination.

The announcement further explains that the exam will be graded and cover different levels of content, including basic operations and professional applications.

We are now soliciting applications from all organizations and factories. We welcome technicians who are interested in improving their computer skills and obtaining standardized skills certifications to participate.

For registration details, please contact the Red Star Computer Research Institute.

When the factory workers, technicians, and researchers learned that a computer proficiency test was going to be held, they all enthusiastically signed up to participate.

As mentioned above, salaries will increase based on the level of the certificate. Even the lowest level certificate will increase salaries by one yuan per month.

Meanwhile, Hextech also began announcing its upcoming computer proficiency exams overseas.

Anyone who passes the computer proficiency test will receive a corresponding certification, known as the Red Star Certification.

(End of this chapter)