Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1369: Everything's Fine, Just a Little Off-Topic (4k)

At this point, someone remembered that the National Defense Commission had mentioned cluster munitions and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs).

If we could really combine various methods to reduce the weight and put a few warheads on the missile, wouldn't that be wonderful?
Even disregarding split-direction, clustering is excellent, at least its lethality is much better.

With a new goal in mind, the comrades were all very excited.
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Northwest China has a large airport.

As the center for heavy aircraft in China, this place hosts some aircraft that are not commonly seen in daily life. However, the Tu-16 JL-6, a copy of the Tu-16, is quite common here. It's not uncommon to see brand-new, gleaming JL-6s taking off from here, heading towards the place where they will dedicate their lives to their mission.

Meanwhile, a plane that is not commonly seen in China is at the airport, its engine roaring.

If someone is familiar with domestic bombers, they should be able to roughly recognize the model of this aircraft, but looking at the overall design, they won't recognize it.

This should be a Tu-4 bomber, but it looks very different from a regular Tu-4 bomber.

This plane has a lot of "hair" on its nose, which is different from many other planes at the airport. It also has a lot of antennas on its fuselage.

Another difference is that the aircraft's engine is different. This engine looks longer and is significantly different from the robust engine of the original Tu-4.

"The turboprop engine technology of our northern comrades is still better than our own. We have spent a lot of time working on this engine and still haven't been able to get it right."

The original first-generation early warning aircraft was developed starting in 70. At that time, we already had a certain technical capability to independently develop or improve turboprop engines. However, this was in the early to mid-stage of that era, and we were still some distance from that level. Ultimately, the power of this aircraft was solved by our comrades in the north.

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it. Turboprop engines aren't the most urgent thing right now. Propeller engines aren't the most urgent thing in our current development priorities either. It's normal that they're not getting much attention and their development is slow. Fortunately, the higher-ups have taken that into consideration and have brought in turboprop engine technology from our comrades in the north. So we can say that we've caught up from behind. The large, medium and small jet engines in the north and southwest aren't even as advanced as ours right now."

In theory, turboprop engines are also a type of jet engine, but their significantly different appearance makes it difficult for people to classify them as jet engines.

The turboprop engine revved up, emitting a deafening roar. This thing is notoriously noisy.

But none of the above are the most important differences. The biggest difference is that this plane has a huge mushroom on its back.

The mushroom's structure looks like it can rotate, since the rotating shaft is clearly visible, but it's not rotating at this moment.

"The engine and radar are finally complete. We'll start test flights today. Hopefully, we can catch up with the schedule," a comrade said with a smile to the person next to him.

He didn't say what the progress was.

The aircraft has been progressing rapidly, but is stuck at a critical point, waiting for two things: power and radar.

Especially the power system; after all, radar can be tested with counterweights, but the power system cannot.

"It shouldn't be a big problem. We're currently in a period of concentrated development of major equipment. Even if this equipment only starts test flights now, it can still catch up with the schedule. After all, the test flight requirements for this thing are much lower than those for aircraft that are directly used in combat, especially fighter jets," another comrade said.

Test flights are difficult because the huge radome is very aerodynamically disruptive, but there are fewer subjects involved.

"Then let's get it flying as soon as possible. I see the comrades in the Air Force are already burning with anticipation, especially after the PD-63 fighter jet was finalized. They've been squatting by the airport every day, just waiting for this."

"Okay, let's take off now!"

As soon as the officer in charge of test flight command in the airport tower gave the order, the aircraft began to slowly taxi on the runway, under the expectant gazes of the comrades.

As the speed increased, the plane twisted a few times on the ground before realigning itself with the runway centerline, gradually leaving the ground and taking off into the sky.

Everything seemed to be going very smoothly. The special plane did not retract its landing gear and hovered in the air for about 20 minutes before slowly descending.

The first time is always short because there are too many variables. Being able to take off and land normally this time is already a major victory.

With a screeching sound of brakes, the plane gradually came to a stop at the end of the runway. The comrades rushed towards the parked plane, cheering as they ran.

Strictly speaking, this is the first time we have successfully test-flown a heavy aircraft after making such significant modifications.

Mushrooms have grown on them, and the antenna has been replaced; this change is quite significant.

There were only three test pilots: the pilot, the co-pilot, and the mechanic.

The original Tu-4 aircraft had a much larger crew, but after being converted into an early warning and control aircraft, many crew members became early warning and control operators, and it was impossible to take them on this first test flight.

"Congratulations on your successful maiden flight!" said the officer in charge of the test flight to the test pilot who had just climbed down from the plane.

After all, before this, the comrades were actually a little unsure, because this thing had been changed too much.

"Thank you, thank you, and congratulations to all my comrades as well," the test pilot said enthusiastically as he shook hands with his colleagues.

"How does it feel to fly?" This is what the comrades in charge of aerodynamics are most concerned about.

"Overall, it's alright. The locations of important sections such as the radar equipment compartment and the newly added fuel tank are basically the same as the original bomb compartment, so the change in the aircraft's center of gravity is not significant. However, the antenna on top has a considerable impact, but it is still manageable overall. The flight quality has decreased, but it is acceptable," the test pilot said, recalling the incident.

They're busy flying in the air, so the test flight report can't possibly be ready as soon as they get off the plane.

"Really? That's great!" The comrade in charge of aerodynamic shape was relieved.

The changes brought about by this long and large turboprop engine are significant. In order to accommodate this turboprop engine, the engine nacelle extends forward by a meter or two, and this one or two-meter change brings about changes in maneuverability and stability.

The comrades responded by increasing the total area of ​​the horizontal and vertical stabilizers and adding ventral fins, etc. In short, they used the simplest, most direct and clearest means to solve the problem. After all, this is an old aircraft, and overly complicated methods are neither feasible nor necessary.

Such a huge change made the comrades feel somewhat uncertain.

Receiving the initial affirmation from the test pilots relieved them of a heavy burden.

"However..." "However what?" This kind of twist is the most dreaded.

"However, it is obvious that this aircraft has a natural yaw moment compared to the Tu-4. It is not large, but it is very uncomfortable. It must be corrected at all times to ensure the aircraft's heading and attitude."

The test pilots were all top-notch Tu-4 pilots; they could tell whether the plane was veering off course as soon as they got behind the wheel.

The comrades who worked in pneumatics were shocked to hear this.

"So that's why it twisted and turned on the runway during takeoff?"

"Yes, at first we thought there was something wrong with the landing gear, but we quickly brought it under control. However, the yaw and roll moment was still present after takeoff."

The test pilot's words were somewhat understated, but everyone knew just how much risk they were taking during takeoff and in the air.

Several aerodynamicists rushed towards the aircraft, and they were supposedly doing their best to increase stability measures, so why was it still veerging off course? There weren't any asymmetrical measures in place.

The test pilot had already been taken back to the barracks by his comrades, while several aerodynamics comrades were still looking at the planes on the airport, muttering to themselves.

"Could it be due to the torque generated by the rotation of the antenna?" Like helicopters, there is a huge rotating structure at the top, which naturally generates a torque when it rotates. This is the main reason why most helicopters have a tail rotor or duct at the tail.

“That’s not right, the antenna isn’t rotating either…” another comrade shook his head.

Under the darkening night sky, several comrades, disregarding the biting wind, continued their analysis and discussion, losing track of time.

At night, a military representative came to them carrying several aluminum lunch boxes.

"Comrades, let's take a break and have something to eat first." Work needs to be done, but we can't skip meals.

"No rush, no rush, just leave it there and let us assess the situation further."

Going back and looking at blueprints is definitely not as intuitive as seeing the actual aircraft now. This is precisely why Air Force pilots, when learning formation tactics on the ground, would each carry a small plane and fly around.

"Eat something first. If you get really hungry, your brain won't work as fast." The military representative was good at understanding his comrades' psychology. As the body's biggest energy consumer, the brain's efficiency decreases when you're hungry.

Eating for work is acceptable. Several comrades temporarily put aside their work, picked up their lunchboxes, and started eating. The braised pork was delicious, and the scrambled eggs with tomatoes were also quite good.

While they ate, they didn't stop working; their eyes were still scanning the fuselage of the plane, and they were talking amongst themselves.

The military representative didn't quite understand what they were saying, but there were some things he did understand very well.

"Comrades, should we look for outside help?"

"Find outside help? How?" For the comrades at Chongfei, this matter was of a certain degree of certainty. What they were doing now was simply dealing with the time that had to be spent beforehand, and they were trying to find ways to shorten that time.

Moreover, who in the entire country is more familiar with this than them? The reason for seeking outside help is not that they don't trust the abilities of other comrades, but mainly that even if the comrades they find are very familiar with aerodynamics, they still need time to learn about this semi-new type of aircraft.

Leaving aside whether we can come up with a solution, by the time our colleagues have finished studying it, it will probably be slower than them solving it themselves.

After hearing his explanation, the military representative smiled and said, "Your considerations are very reasonable. However, this matter is a matter of taking it one step at a time. Moreover, I know a comrade who is very familiar with aerodynamics, and he has a certain probability of being able to see something about something he is encountering for the first time."

"Who?!" There's such a thing? This is divine!

"Then don't worry about it, you all know the rules. How about it? Want to give it a try?" the military representative said with a smile.

"Then... let's give it a try..." Although they felt it wasn't very reliable, the comrades from Chongfei still agreed, after all, what they needed now was time. The military representative was speaking so convincingly, maybe it really would work? Trying it wouldn't cost them anything, and as for face, what was that?
The military representative was overjoyed: "That makes things easier. You shouldn't stand here anymore; it's cold and windy. Go back to your dorms and write down the situation carefully so I can relay it to you. After all, I don't understand your professional knowledge."

That was his real purpose: to take these treasures back and stop them from standing here in the cold wind.

"Well, that's good. Let's go, let's go. We've got a pretty good grasp of the situation on the surface, so writing a report shouldn't be a problem." The comrades quickly finished the rest of their rice, grabbed their lunchboxes, and rushed back to the dormitory.

Early in the morning, when Gao Zhendong opened his email as usual, he saw this letter from the National Defense Commission.

He opened it and took a look, then laughed. He actually knew what was going on. Given enough time, his comrades would figure it out too. Was it because they were in a rush?
He didn't even spend five minutes quickly typing a few lines in the email, then sent it and continued with his work.

Twenty minutes later, the military representative arrived at the airport with a piece of paper. The weather was bad today, so there was no test flight. Several comrades who worked on aerodynamics came to touch the plane again.

"Come, come, good news, you might need it." He handed the paper to a comrade.

When they saw him holding this piece of paper, his comrades probably guessed why he said it was good news, but they were a little slow to process it.

"So fast? Was the email just sent out last night?"

"Haha, as long as the procedures are in order, this kind of thing is usually very quick. You all know how fast email can be." The military representative laughed heartily.

He had read the contents on the paper and had a relatively clear opinion. Once this comrade has a relatively clear opinion, it often has great reference value.

"No, I mean, why is the other party responding so quickly? Shouldn't they at least ask us to retrieve some data?" At this point, Chongfei's comrades were starting to doubt whether this whole thing was reliable.

"I don't know. I don't understand your technical stuff. I'll just take a look first; it won't hurt, and it might be useful."

With things having come to this point, the comrades who worked on early warning aircraft had no choice but to open the paper and examine it carefully.

There aren't many words above, but the number of words and their usefulness are not necessarily the same thing, for example, right now.

"First, consider whether the blade rotation direction has changed. Second, consider the increased sidewash airflow resulting from the increased power."

(End of this chapter)