Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1417 Having an Idea (5k)

Gao Zhendong laughed. This was the most deceptive thing about this guy's appearance.

This aircraft has a relatively small wing sweep angle, which is completely different from the common impression of a large sweep wing that is designed for high speed. It was initially mistaken for an aircraft that is inclined towards high maneuverability.

"I don't think so. The aerodynamics and size of this aircraft suggest it has the potential for high speeds. And isn't the most important evidence right here? If there's no evidence of a problem with the satellite, and all the image checks are normal with no abnormal distortion, we should err on the side of caution." Gao Zhendong remained completely calm. There was evidence here; although it hadn't reached its maximum speed yet, it already proved its high-speed tendency.

The chief engineer looked at the photos on the table and rubbed his forehead.

Yes, there is evidence, but a significant number of comrades are unwilling to believe it.

If what Gao Zhendong said is true, then things get interesting.

"In other words, they might have complete initiative against the enemy's twin-three aircraft?" the chief engineer muttered to himself.

Compared to using the T-35 surface-to-air missile, this undoubtedly provides greater operational flexibility, and can even directly intercept enemy T-3 aircraft outside the airspace without having to find an opportunity to ambush them. In terms of initiative, it is undoubtedly superior.

Gao Zhendong shook his head: "I don't think so. The service ceiling of this aircraft configuration is too high. It would cost too much to fly to 30,000 meters. I think it would be at most a little over 20,000 meters."

They're still using aerodynamic shape as an excuse, because this trick works well, just like the MiG-25 in the photo—one trick that works every time.

However, Gao Zhendong was telling the truth. The MiG-25's maximum service ceiling is 3 meters, but that is the result of test flights or specially modified record-keeping configurations. The actual service ceiling is about 22000 meters.

"A little over 20,000? That's pretty good too. 20,000 meters, Mach 2.5, that's a good plane."

Gao Zhendong barely managed to hold back his comment about "2.5?3 Mach," mainly because it was simply impossible to relate it to aerodynamics.

"But there's a problem. At this speed, pneumatic heating is extremely powerful. How did they solve this problem?"

This is also why the comrades don't believe the speed measurement data of 2.5. At this speed, aerodynamic heating has already become very significant, and the aluminum alloy skin commonly used in aircraft cannot withstand it at all.

From a certain perspective, this is the biggest obstacle. After all, if the engine is not good, the airframe can be made smaller, but the temperature is something that really cannot be withstood.

Gao Zhendong laughed, and one has to admire the abilities of the comrade from the North.

"I guess, just guessing, that they used a different material instead of regular aluminum alloy."

Ah, right, Comrade Zhendong is also a materials science expert. Upon hearing this, the chief engineer immediately perked up. Does he have some brilliant idea?
"Guess what material it is?" the chief engineer asked hopefully.

Gao Zhendong's answer suddenly shattered his beautiful dreams.

“I guess it’s a high-nickel, high-molybdenum alloy steel… well, loosely speaking, it could be called stainless steel.” Gao Zhendong’s answer was very down-to-earth, but the problem was that it was way too down-to-earth.

In reality, although the steel used in the MiG-25 is called stainless steel, it is still somewhat different from the stainless steel used by ordinary people, and it is not as low-grade as most people imagine.

"Stainless steel? No, this thing is so heavy!" The chief engineer said incredulously.

“But this thing can withstand high temperatures.” Gao Zhendong laughed. For aluminum alloys, Mach 2.5 is almost the limit. Any higher, the temperature of aerodynamic heating will seriously affect the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys.

"But it's heavy," the chief engineer said again.

"But it can withstand high temperatures," Gao Zhendong reiterated.

The chief engineer always felt that such a futuristic aircraft had absolutely nothing to do with stainless steel, or even some kind of high-temperature resistant aluminum alloy or titanium alloy...

Oh, and there's titanium alloy too.

"Why can't it be titanium alloy? Titanium alloy's high temperature resistance and mechanical properties should meet this requirement."

Gao Zhendong said, "Because it's expensive! Our Hongmian Iron Mine can now produce some titanium alloys and process them, and they've already been applied to some projects, but this stuff is very expensive right now, there's nothing we can do about it."

Being able to process and being able to process cheaply are two different things.

In fact, the White Bear did have the capability to process titanium alloys for aviation at this time. Another aircraft they were targeting, the T-4 bomber, was designed with titanium alloys. However, like the XB-70, it failed!

The reason why stainless steel was chosen for the MiG-25 is actually quite simple: it's cheap. The MiG-25 is not a reconnaissance aircraft like the SR-71, which can be produced in dozens of units. It is a main high-altitude, high-speed interceptor that needs to be mass-produced. At that time, the oil crisis had not yet arrived, and it was simply unaffordable.

This choice was actually wise. The maintenance requirements for the MiG-25 are much simpler and easier than those for the SR-71, which also flies a triple-triple ...

The chief engineer then realized that while the titanium alloy from the Red Cotton Factory was indeed excellent, it was also incredibly expensive. Even in the crucial heart of an aircraft engine, they dared not use too much.

"Are you so sure this thing is made of stainless steel?"

"Yes, I think it's most likely this." Not to mention the MiG-25, the XB-70 also uses this stuff. Even the Americans can't afford it, so you can imagine how expensive it is.

At this moment, the chief engineer had a feeling that is now often referred to as "demystification" on the Internet: "Well, this thing isn't that great after all."

Gao Zhendong shook his head solemnly: "No, I feel that as long as this plane can reach Mach 3, it will be a masterpiece. I think that the target of this plane is Mach 3 at an altitude of more than 2 meters. With good missiles, it can kill large bombers in one hit and also pose a certain threat to targets at 3 meters."

This thing is a true masterpiece, and for its performance, it's easy to use, cheap, and maintain.

As for insufficient maneuverability and such, those are not problems. This thing doesn't even have a cannon, so it's not designed for dogfights. It flies at high altitude and high speed, drops missiles at large, high-value targets, and runs away. There's really nothing anyone can do about it.

It would be nice to get some of this stuff, but that's simply impossible.

The North agreed to export this aircraft only after the pilot defected, as the mystery was finally revealed. However, the West's dismissive remarks after acquiring MiG-25 research were most likely just propaganda; they probably have no idea whether it's even capable of fighting.

Whistling while walking at night is nothing more than that.

"Over 2 meters and Mach 3... Hey, this thing would be great as a reconnaissance aircraft!" The chief engineer is indeed the chief engineer; one of the major uses of the MiG-25 and its derivatives is as a reconnaissance aircraft.

Gao Zhendong had a sudden inspiration: "Why don't we buy some from them?" Reconnaissance planes or interceptors are great things. With these, everything that's hot or cheap after the 70s will be no problem.

Although interceptors are included in fighter jet plans and progress has been rapid, they are still no match for this thing.

"We can't buy it, you know that." The chief engineer looked regretful.

He's figured it out now: regardless of whether it's stainless steel or not, if it really is over 2 meters and Mach 3, then this plane is a good product.

Given our current situation, it's a bit unrealistic to specifically research an aircraft with this specification, but if we could buy it, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

No need for many, two regiments with 48 aircraft are enough! No, no, no, one regiment with 24 aircraft can also play a significant role.

However, all of this is just wishful thinking. This thing isn't even finished yet, and given the current situation, even if it were finished, you wouldn't be able to buy it.

At this moment, Gao Zhendong's mind became even clearer about the movement he had just experienced.

The relationship isn't at its worst yet, and if there are sufficient reasons and benefits...

"Chief Engineer, how about this: find an opportunity to reveal to them that we've already obtained the secrets of their aircraft..."

"Huh? What's the point of this?"

"Once the secret is exposed, there's no need to keep it secret anymore," Gao Zhendong laughed. After all, as far as he knew from his previous life, the North started exporting MiG-25s after the secret was exposed, which meant they were basically giving up.

"What if you guess wrong?"

"So what if I guessed wrong? It's not like I'll lose a piece of my flesh, hehe. It's all just a bluff, as long as it benefits the work. I'll take the blame." Gao Zhendong acted nonchalantly, "I'm going to take the blame!" "You're really willing to go all out," the chief engineer said, somewhat amused. "We don't need you to do this."

Gao Zhendong said with a proud look, "That's right."

The chief engineer thought about it carefully and realized that the logic made sense, but things didn't seem that simple: "But even without keeping it a secret, it's impossible to sell it under the current circumstances, right?"

“Let’s give it a try, just in case there’s an opportunity. Besides, this is just opening a crack in the door. What’s truly useful is to use something they can’t refuse to persuade them and complete the exchange. After all, compared to us, their biggest conflict has always been with the West,” Gao Zhendong said with a smile.

What can we use to impress them?

"A long-range missile with a range of 70 kilometers, a high-precision low-speed digital signal processor, and reliable ground clutter suppression technology—just pick one of these and you're good to go," Gao Zhendong said casually.

A 70-kilometer missile was not the best in our development progress; it relied on excessive propellant and lacked a dual-pulse capability. However, the P-40P missile used by the MiG-25, which entered service in 1970, had a maximum range of only 50 kilometers.

A high-process, low-speed digital signal processor, the DSP-6332, the one without the "N".

As for ground clutter suppression technology, this is closely related to radar performance. And truly reliable MTD technology in the north dates back to the 70s with the MiG-23ML.

"You're really willing to do that..."

"We have better long-range missiles, and better matching radars. They can use high-process low-speed digital signal processors but can't manufacture them. They will eventually make breakthroughs in ground clutter suppression technology. These are all things that are attractive enough but don't have too many potential problems."

The more Gao Zhendong talked, the more interested the chief engineer became: "But are they willing to trade with you? These few items are still a bit lacking compared to the whole aircraft, aren't they?"

Then you're wrong. Digital signal processors are extremely useful to them. However, Gao Zhendong didn't say that.

"That's fine. We just want their current design configuration and a certain number of engines, but we don't need radar or avionics! To put it bluntly, we just want the shell and the engines!"

Buying an unfinished design, especially one that has already been leaked, is a viable option. Although the MiG-25 hasn't completed its test flights yet, at this stage, we can actually find ways to complete the subsequent modifications ourselves.

We have to buy an engine; there's no other way.

As for radar and avionics, even the chief engineer of Venezuela laughed, saying that they looked down on other countries' technology.

It's just a shell; add some engines, and this seems like a good business opportunity.

The key point is that even the chief engineer himself is curious about what it will be like when the people in the north find out that his secret has been figured out.
Moreover, judging from Gao Zhendong's expression, he could probably guess more than what Gao had just said. Regardless of whether it was accurate or not, even if he was half right, the chief engineer couldn't even imagine how interesting Gao's expression would be.

"Okay, I've received your suggestion. How to implement it is another matter."

Gao Zhendong nodded repeatedly: "Yes, I understand, I understand."

This is something you can only do if there's a chance; if we strictly follow the historical development of Gao Zhendong's previous life, this thing wouldn't even be necessary. But it's clear that the timeline can't possibly develop according to the circumstances of Gao Zhendong's previous life, so it's always good to have a few backup plans.

As the chief engineer put the photos away, he said, "I see you don't seem to be interested in high-altitude, high-speed bombers at all. You look down on all high-altitude, high-speed bombers."

Gao Zhendong's technical inclinations are very easy to discern from his words.

Upon hearing this, Gao Zhendong thought to himself, "That's not necessarily true. Suborbital bombing would be quite good."

However, there's no point in discussing that; it's completely impossible. He simply chuckled as he packed his things, "Yes, I'm really not interested. Unless a high-altitude, high-speed bomber breaks through a certain limit, its survival rate against current missiles and interceptors is extremely low."

"I don't see many missiles that can hit the double-third caliber right now," the chief engineer said.

"That's because there aren't any truly operational twin-3 bombers right now. As soon as twin-3 bombers appear, missiles capable of hitting twin-3 targets will spring up like mushrooms after rain. There aren't many now, simply because there's no demand, not because there's no capability."

The extremely rigid maneuverability of the Twin III bomber meant that it had no chance of survival even with the current, less-than-perfect missile technology. As for altitude and speed, within certain limits, for missiles, it was simply a matter of adding more engines.

This is also why hypersonic missiles are so difficult to defend against; they are afraid of missiles flying fast, but even more afraid of high-speed ballistics. However, even if they are strange, they cannot be so strange as to involve Brownian motion, as they are simply impossible to hit their targets.

The chief engineer stopped packing: "Then wouldn't our current Tu-16 copy be even less survivable...?"

These words made Gao Zhendong laugh out loud. "Don't worry about its lifespan. It will still be there even after I'm gone."

"That's not true at all. Taking the path of low-altitude penetration and long-range standoff strikes actually has a pretty good survival rate, at least much better than high-altitude and high-speed strikes."

"But this can only serve as a deterrent and tactical strike, right? Truly high-risk missions are still not easy to accomplish."

"That's true, there are two options: a large escort... or..."

"Or what?" the chief engineer asked with great interest.

Gao Zhendong shook his head: "Forget it, I was just thinking wildly. That thing is too technically difficult, and even if it could be realized, it would cost too much money."

Too expensive? The chief engineer wondered, how much could it cost?
However, Gao Zhendong did not continue speaking, nor did he pursue the matter further, since this was not the goal or topic of today.

Shortly after Gao Zhendong left, that afternoon, in the office of the committee leaders.

The number of people who consulted one-on-one about this batch of photos was actually quite large, and Gao Zhendong was among the last group to receive such inquiries.

Now it's time to summarize the results and for Venezuela and the Air Force to sit down and discuss the matter.

There's no need for big moves for now; let's start with small-scale efforts to set the tone and find a path.

"Hmm, it seems that although there are more models over there, there's no need to deal with those two for the time being," the leader said with a smile.

"It's not that it's unnecessary, but we've already taken some measures to deal with the most likely threat." The comrades from the military laughed. Right now, they can only consider dealing with the Double Three, but even if they desperately want to obtain it, they can only dream about it.

However, Comrade Zhendong's double three-five was brought up at just the right time, which greatly relieved the pressure when facing the opponent's new equipment.

"Not only that, some comrades have even set their sights on the new aircraft of the comrades in the north," the chief engineer laughed.

"A new plane? How new?"

"This aircraft is too vague, there is too little information, and the layout is too conventional. Apart from feeling that it is too maneuverable, other comrades do not have any in-depth opinions. Only Comrade Gao Zhendong has more opinions."

"Comrade Gao Zhendong? Tell us, tell us!" The comrades in the army immediately perked up.

After hearing Gao Zhendong's assessment of the MiG-25, people reacted in various ways.

The soldiers frowned upon hearing this. Over 2 meters at Mach 3—that's a bit difficult to handle… Subconsciously, they already considered it a real possibility. The main difference lies in the people making the judgment.

The leader of the committee laughed and said, "Then I bet it was Gao Zhendong himself who had designs on this plane!"

"how do you know?"

"No one but him would dare to suggest such a crazy idea. To start thinking about a plane that's still under development—only he could pull that off." The leader laughed heartily.

The soldiers laughed. "Hey, so you're saying this plane might not just need to be dealt with, it might also need maintenance?"
Once you start using it, you'll need to maintain it, no problem. It seems my earlier thought that the dual-triple aircraft had no chance was somewhat wrong.

"But he wants to buy, but will the seller sell?" That's the crux of the problem.

(End of this chapter)