Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1422 Even Mosquitoes Need to Be Whitewashed (5k)

The chief engineer knew that Gao Zhendong was also highly skilled in infrared detection. "You're the best, so you get to decide."

The comrades in the Air Force Equipment Bureau have much simpler ideas.

Great, fantastic! Let's give them a round of applause!

That's probably how they feel.

They didn't think about all that nonsense; they were very simple—the less they could see it, the better.

Moreover, they were very clear about Comrade Zhendong's characteristics: once he finalized a plan, it could not be said to be without flaws, but the benefits would always outweigh the flaws and be more important.

Just like the air intake placed on the back, and then flying at medium to high altitudes, as long as stealth can be achieved, this alone can greatly increase the aircraft's range. After all, at altitudes above 10,000 meters, the airflow is stable and the air is thin, which is extremely important for special bombers that are inherently less maneuverable and have high range requirements.

As for their expertise in infrared technology, they haven't forgotten where their infrared air-to-air missiles and the thermal imagers on their patrol aircraft came from.

"Then now... the biggest problem is invisibility..." Chongfei's comrade said with some concern.

Confident in their own expertise, after Gao Zhendong explained in detail the existing conditions of the flying wing configuration in terms of aerodynamic shape, they were not so worried about the most troublesome problem of "making the flying wing fly well". Instead, they had deep concerns about the completely unfamiliar area of ​​radar stealth.

The main problem is that they don't understand it at all. Not to mention that there are no radar specialists here today. After all, the early Tu-16s didn't have any proper radar. The radar installed on the later copy was developed by the radar institute, whose main responsibility was integration.

Gao Zhendong nodded: "Yes, but don't worry too much..."

Why aren't you worried? We are very worried. We've never done this before, and it's unfamiliar and new.

Gao Zhendong explained: "Regarding some theories of radar stealth, my colleagues at the Southwest Institute and I have conducted some preliminary research and applications, and we have now achieved some results. Although fighter jets and bombers are different, their basic theories are still the same, and you can all use these things."

Upon hearing this, the comrades at Chongqing Aircraft Industry Group felt somewhat reassured. So, there had already been research and results? That made things much easier.

The comrades from the Aircraft Equipment Bureau and the Commission seemed somewhat unsurprised; as expected, he had laid the groundwork and made all the necessary preparations before even considering this matter. However, even so, he hadn't initially thought about developing this aircraft, indicating that its difficulty was indeed considerable.

"I have calculated some preliminary parameters for the stealth of this aircraft. They are not very accurate, but they should be close to the general direction. You can continue your research based on these parameters, which may save you some time."

At this moment, Gao Zhendong's smile looked like that of a living Buddha to all his comrades, not only to Chongqing Aircraft Factory, but also to the Aircraft Equipment Bureau.

They've even calculated the parameters? Leaving aside the accuracy, let's just say they exist. Besides, nothing Comrade Zhendong has ever calculated is unreliable.

Gao Zhendong: That's for sure. They're all copied. They're not necessarily completely reliable, but they're pretty much reliable.

He didn't say anything, but walked up to the three views of the plane and marked many angles on them with chalk, especially the top view, which had a lot of angles marked.

In addition, there is some size data.

"These angles and other parameters should be quite good for long-range radar, creating a good stealth profile. However, they are not entirely unchangeable; adjustments can be made based on test results. At the same time, an aircraft built according to these dimensions should weigh about the same as the current Tu-16 copy. Of course, the dimensions can be scaled up or down proportionally as needed; this is just my estimate."

In fact, his dimensions are basically derived from B-21 data. Although the B-21 has not been publicly disclosed, based on the online images and satellite images he saw in his previous life, these data can be calculated to be roughly accurate. Moreover, compared to the B-2, the B-21 has a simpler shape, which is a diamond cut in two. As long as the nose angle, which is the easiest to estimate, is estimated, and the wingspan data is available, the other angles and dimensions are indeed very easy to estimate.

It's okay if there are some differences. It's not like we're going to copy it exactly. Our comrades will still be doing research and experiments, and there will definitely be some modifications as things get better.

Looking at the simple numbers on the blackboard, the chief engineer and the comrades from the Air Force Equipment Bureau couldn't help but look around, as if they wanted to make sure there were no people around who shouldn't be there.

They actually knew very well that this place was safe and that no one who shouldn't be there would be. But the simple yet very important information on the blackboard made them unable to resist taking such a action.

There's no way around it, this is just too important!

In fact, these numbers are more important than whether the bomber is a little bigger or a little smaller.

And it is even more important that this information is absolutely not leaked.

As for the comrades at Chongqing Aircraft Factory, they didn't think that much about it. They were all speechless and just kept copying.

This means that most of the overall design for the aircraft has been finalized, making their work much easier.

However, the good news doesn't stop there.

"As for the other important condition for stealth—stealth coatings—we've made progress. According to my research, our laboratory here recently produced two basic components for stealth coatings, and we're currently testing different formulations and thicknesses to create coating layers..."

Regardless of the composition of other radar stealth coatings, Gao Zhendong has a reliable and effective stealth coating formula and process made of hexagonal flake ferrites, namely Fe3O4 and BaFe12O19.

What?! A commotion broke out in the conference room.

Has the stealth coating been developed?

The comrades from the Air Force Equipment Bureau almost jumped up and shouted, "Guards!"

This area needs to be fenced off first, not even a mouse can escape! Even if a mosquito flies out, we have to check if there are any words written on it. Ideally, all mosquitoes should be painted pure white before they are allowed to fly out!
Not to mention him, even the chief engineer of the committee was tempted to immediately call back to the committee and request more manpower and greater efforts!
Logically speaking, the Third Factory has many important things and is always heavily guarded, so it shouldn't have given the comrades such a feeling.

However, the concept of "invisibility" is too magical these days. Invisibility, flying, treasure gathering... have always been among the most coveted abilities in myths and legends.

Now that flying has been achieved, and now the goal is to achieve invisible flying, and this place is clearly a treasure trove, the combination of these factors will inevitably create a significant impact.

After finally regaining their composure from the shock of the stealth coating being completed, the comrades turned to look at Gao Zhendong.

"Really?!" It wasn't that Chief Engineer Wei didn't believe Gao Zhendong, but this matter was truly significant.

Gao Zhendong calmly nodded: "Really!"

At this point, he thought for a moment, then walked to the side and made a phone call: "Xiao Liu, bring all the experimental results of the anti-rust coating to the conference room so far. Also, send over one of the rejected test specimens."

The mixing ratio and thickness varied, resulting in many different outcomes, and some samples were not even finished. As for the rejected test samples, it's because these products all look pretty much the same when applied, so whether they're rejected or not makes no difference in this situation.

Rust-preventive coating... When the comrades heard this name, they couldn't help but shake their heads. This name really suits the Third Rolling Mill very well.

Well, we also need to take good care of this Xiao Liu... The chief engineer and the comrades from the Air Force Equipment Bureau had the same idea.

Gao Zhendong hung up the phone, a "you guys got off easy" look on his face, and said, "The work on this coating isn't completely finished yet. Even the Southwest Institute, which should have been the first to use this stuff, hasn't seen it yet. You guys should be among the first outside of the Third Branch Factory to officially see this stuff." So we should feel honored, right...? No, we really should feel honored! The comrades were incredibly excited, waiting obediently like schoolchildren for "Little Liu" to deliver the stuff.

Not long after, the guards outside the conference room brought in a stack of still-warm photocopies, along with something tightly wrapped up.

The comrades spontaneously gathered around the stack of photocopies, staring intently at the black and white text on the white paper.

"C-band attenuation 33dB!!!"

Different ratios, thicknesses, and bands will yield slightly different results, but that won't stump you. Just find the most commonly used set of results that seems to have the best effect.

The results of their search amazed the comrades. Even those who weren't radar professionals could understand what a 33dB attenuation meant based on their work experience and basic knowledge.

Not many, maybe three orders of magnitude.

Furthermore, the C-band is currently the most mature and accurate band for air-to-air applications, combining both precision and range, while the X-band is still somewhat lacking. At the same time, the C-band is not far from the S and L bands commonly used by long-range radars, meaning that this coating should also have good effects in the L and S bands.

Gao Zhendong was pleased with the result but not surprised or shocked. It was still a few dB different from the original data. There was nothing he could do about it; the technical environment was limiting.

But the comrades don't think so. Dissatisfied? Not at all, they're extremely satisfied.

The comrades from the Air Force Equipment Bureau were momentarily disoriented, slapping their faces repeatedly as if trying to prove something. The bombers were still uncertain, but at least the stealth coating for the fighter jets was secured! And judging from Comrade Gao Zhendong's demeanor, how could the bombers be lacking?

Gao Zhendong explained, "This coating has undergone a lot of consideration in terms of formulation and coating thickness. I won't go into the specifics, but it has good effects on the L and S bands. If further optimization of the L and S bands is needed, some adjustments can be made."

Even if you want to tell us, we won't let you. Just knowing that this thing exists is already a huge joy! When the comrades heard that this coating could be further optimized for specific frequency bands, their joy was beyond words!
"So... the biggest challenge with this aircraft is still the flying wing configuration itself?" The colleague from the heavy aircraft factory felt the pressure increase sharply, and the problem had come full circle.

The chief engineer and the comrades from the Air Force Equipment Bureau looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

Of course! As for the stealth coating, Comrade Gao Zhendong has already calculated a rough range and provided a basic configuration, greatly reducing the difficulty of the related work. The stealth coating is right here; as for optimization, that's Comrade Zhendong's job. The others don't need to worry about that.

The remaining challenge is still figuring out how to properly implement the flying wing design.

"Looks like your Heavy Aircraft Plant is under a lot of pressure. We've prepared all the ingredients for you. If you can't cook a good meal, the Commissioner might give you a spanking," the Commissioner joked.

The comrades from Chongqing Aircraft Factory weren't easily intimidated: "Boss, you're right. The ingredients are all prepared, so we have to make sure the meal is delicious. Besides, we have Committee Member Gao to back us up." Committee Member Gao had indeed said that he would follow up on the development of the flying wing once it entered the detailed design phase.

Regardless of how much he can accomplish, his attitude alone is enough to stabilize morale, not to mention that the comrades at Chongqing Aircraft Factory are already highly motivated.

Gao Zhendong laughed and said, "However, this coating is not without its drawbacks. First, the coating is very thick, measured in centimeters, so it will take up part of the aircraft's payload. Second, the coating will cause maintenance troubles, so the cost of this aircraft, whether in terms of manufacturing or operation, will not be low."

The formula and process of this coating aren't particularly delicate. After all, none of the stealth fighters that will be built in China decades from now will be kept under constant temperature and humidity like precious treasures. Although the coating likely comes from outdated or rejected technology, and it's even been desensitized, the underlying technology itself isn't too difficult to trace.

However, the presence of the coating undoubtedly brings some trouble to maintenance, as there are always special requirements.

However, the comrades didn't take it to heart at all, which was just right. If there were no consequences at all, the comrades would feel uneasy.

"It's alright, it's alright, that's our problem. Being able to become invisible is the most important thing." The comrade from the Air Force Equipment Bureau smiled with a face full of wrinkles, like an old farmer on the Loess Plateau seeing rain.

"With this performance and this effect, even if we have to carry two tons less bombs after applying this, it's a problem with our engines, not the paint." He said cheerfully. Fortunately, he didn't lose his mind to the point of saying "it's all the pilots' fault."

Pioneers always receive such extraordinary treatment. The F-22's gold coating is more expensive than taking care of one's father, but that doesn't stop it from being the sharpest knife in the hands of the US Air Force.

"That's right, the high price is a problem with our defense system, it has nothing to do with the paint." Maybe it is a bit expensive, but that's not the paint's fault, Chief Engineer Wei knows this clearly.

Gao Zhendong opened the tightly wrapped bag and took out something: "Everyone can see that this is roughly what it will look like in the end. Although it's a piece of junk, it looks pretty much the same."

The comrades had been wanting to see it for a long time, but they wouldn't take it out on their own initiative unless Gao Zhendong took it out. This was a matter of discipline and respect.

Amidst the curious, surprised, and joyful gazes of his comrades, a piece of iron-gray material appeared in Gao Zhendong's hand.

It was a silver aluminum base coated with a layer of iron-gray paint that was even thicker than the aluminum plate. It looked inconspicuous, but this inconspicuous thing could attenuate radar waves by 33dB!

The chief engineer remained silent, simply reaching out to take the thin, iron-gray brick and carefully stroking it with his hand, as if he wanted to say something, but remained silent.

He lingered on it for a long time before reluctantly handing it to the next comrade, who did exactly the same.

"Great, that's wonderful!" This was the only thing the comrades could say.

Finally, the piece of scrap was handed back to Gao Zhendong with great care; even scrap should be carefully preserved.

Gao Zhendong held up a sample of paint and said, "According to my calculations, with both the shape and the paint applied, the radar cross-section of this bomber will not exceed 0.5 square meters..."

The Su-57 is rumored to be able to achieve a stealth of 0.5 square meters, so there's no reason for this aircraft to be worse. As the gatekeeper of fifth-generation fighters, the Su-57's stealth performance... well, let's just say that even San'er (a nickname for a certain fighter) didn't think much of it. If he hadn't been driven to desperation by Tianya's 6-0 defeat, he would have preferred to continue buying Rafales rather than this thing.

This number is not exaggerated. In the 21st century, even stealth aircraft might not be able to reach it. Gao Zhendong is making a very conservative estimate. It's an old habit of Gao Zhendong to lay an ambush.

However, this number is a completely different concept to those comrades who have not experienced the brutality of stealth fighters.

"How much? 0.5? That's about the size of a cooking pot in the mess hall! That's outrageous!" You have to understand that bombers like the Tu-16 have a radar cross-section starting at hundreds of square meters!
No exaggeration, no exaggeration. Decades from now, we'll still have slaps flying through the air.

Gao Zhendong nodded: "I'm confident about this data."

"Wouldn't that reduce the detection range of bombers to within tens of kilometers?" Gao Zhendong didn't think the number 0.5 was very good, but radars of that era weren't very good either.

"That's roughly how it can be understood," Gao Zhendong said with a smile.

The comrades from the Aircraft Equipment Bureau had gleaming eyes: "Then could we make the plane even bigger...?"

Sure enough, once the pressure was gone, the comrades in the army returned to their old habits, the same old recipe, the same old taste.

He practically has "intercontinental bomber" written all over his face.

Gao Zhendong laughed: "I don't recommend it. The main reason is that once the combat radius exceeds 3500 kilometers, the cost becomes very high, but the significance is not great. For us, 3500 kilometers is a threshold. However, once it exceeds 3500 kilometers, the combat radius suddenly rises to more than 10000 kilometers before it becomes meaningful. The leap is too large, and from the perspective of input and output, it contradicts our short-term goals."

(End of this chapter)